Body Shop FAQS

Insurance FAQS

Which insurance companies do you work with?

We accept insurance claims from all major and less known insurance companies. Let your insurance company know that you have selected Hi-Quality Auto Body to do the repairs.

Can my insurance company insist or require me to have my vehicle repaired at a specific shop? Do I have to take my car where my insurance company tells me?

Insurance companies may suggest a shop from their “preferred” list. But you have the right to choose the shop of your own choice. Read your policy first and ask your agent if you have any “special” clauses that limit your choice for a repair facility or if you're required to pay a percentage of the repairs along with your deductible should you choose a shop of your choice.

We strongly suggest you read your policy before you need it. An insurance company has an obligation to work with repair shops and restore your car to pre-accident condition.

You are not required to use a DRP or referral shop recommended by your insurance company. You have the right to have your car repaired at the shop of your choice. IT’S THE LAW!

Estimate FAQS

Are estimates free?

Estimates are 100% free of charge. One of our estimators will visually assess your vehicle’s damage to prepare and provide you with a complimentary estimate for your non-insurance repair work.

Do I need an appointment for an estimate? How long will the estimating process take?

No, an appointment is not necessary. Our Estimators are available during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The average estimate takes about 15 minutes to prepare. We have coffee, tea, and soft drinks available in our lobby for your enjoyment while you wait.

Can I get an estimate over the phone or via email?

We highly recommend an in-person assessment of the vehicle’s damage to be able to provide an accurate visual estimate. Photos that are emailed often do not depict the overall damage of the vehicle based on lighting and poor angles. If this is your only option, we will do everything in our power to accommodate and provide you with an estimated quote to the best of our ability.

What if I am instructed to get more than one estimate?

You are not required by law to get more than one estimate. However, you are obligated to allow your insurance company a reasonable amount of time to inspect the vehicle prior to starting the repairs. Read your policy to fully understand your rights and written agreement.

I have an estimate from another place. Why is your estimate amount different?

Repair estimates may vary. A lower estimate may not include necessary things such as front or rear wheel alignment or re-aiming your headlamps.

Our trained professionals are very thorough and take all aspects of the repair into account when writing an estimate.

Body Shop FAQS

Insurance FAQS

Which insurance companies do you work with?

We accept insurance claims from all major and less known insurance companies. Let your insurance company know that you have selected Hi-Quality Auto Body to do the repairs.

Can my insurance company insist or require me to have my vehicle repaired at a specific shop? Do I have to take my car where my insurance company tells me?

Insurance companies may suggest a shop from their “preferred” list. But you have the right to choose the shop of your own choice. Read your policy first and ask your agent if you have any “special” clauses that limit your choice for a repair facility or if you're required to pay a percentage of the repairs along with your deductible should you choose a shop of your choice.

We strongly suggest you read your policy before you need it. An insurance company has an obligation to work with repair shops and restore your car to pre-accident condition.

You are not required to use a DRP or referral shop recommended by your insurance company. You have the right to have your car repaired at the shop of your choice. IT’S THE LAW!

Estimate FAQS

Are estimates free?

Estimates are 100% free of charge. One of our estimators will visually assess your vehicle’s damage to prepare and provide you with a complimentary estimate for your non-insurance repair work.

Do I need an appointment for an estimate? How long will the estimating process take?

No, an appointment is not necessary. Our Estimators are available during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The average estimate takes about 15 minutes to prepare. We have coffee, tea, and soft drinks available in our lobby for your enjoyment while you wait.

Can I get an estimate over the phone or via email?

We highly recommend an in-person assessment of the vehicle’s damage to be able to provide an accurate visual estimate. Photos that are emailed often do not depict the overall damage of the vehicle based on lighting and poor angles. If this is your only option, we will do everything in our power to accommodate and provide you with an estimated quote to the best of our ability.

What if I am instructed to get more than one estimate?

You are not required by law to get more than one estimate. However, you are obligated to allow your insurance company a reasonable amount of time to inspect the vehicle prior to starting the repairs. Read your policy to fully understand your rights and written agreement.

I have an estimate from another place. Why is your estimate amount different?

Repair estimates may vary. A lower estimate may not include necessary things such as front or rear wheel alignment or re-aiming your headlamps.

Our trained professionals are very thorough and take all aspects of the repair into account when writing an estimate.

 

Service FAQS

 
How can I get a rental car?

If you are going through insurance, contact your assigned adjuster regarding the specifics of your rental coverage and daily limitations. Schedule a rental reservation for the same day as your drop off. We recommended using Enterprise Rent-A-Car, as they offer complimentary pickup and drop off services at our location. We will coordinate the necessary arrangements for pick-up.

Can I get a ride home when I drop off my vehicle for repairs?

It would be our pleasure to give you a ride at the time of drop off. If you are interested in this service, please let us know beforehand so we can coordinate accordingly.

*This service is available within a 5-mile radius.

Can I get additional work done on my vehicle when it is in the shop for an insurance claim?

Absolutely! Let your assigned estimator know when dropping off your vehicle for repairs and he will coordinate it.

 

Financial FAQS

 
What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, debit cards, and all major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. No personal checks.

Do I have to pay a deductible? Who do I pay it to?

The deductible is the portion of the collision repair that is paid by you and determined by your insurance policy. If you have questions regarding your deductible amount or if you are responsible for paying the deductible, please contact your claim handler.

It will be your responsibility to pay the deductible to Hi-Quality Auto Body at the time of pick-up when the repairs are completed.

If I receive a check from the insurance company, do I keep it or give it to you?

Any checks received from the insurance company will go directly towards the repair of the vehicle. If you receive a check in the mail, you can give it to us at the time of pick up when repairs are completed. The authorization form you will sign at the time of drop off gives Hi Quality Auto Body Inc. limited power of attorney to deposit the check on your behalf towards the final bill of repair.

 

Service FAQS

 
How can I get a rental car?

If you are going through insurance, contact your assigned adjuster regarding the specifics of your rental coverage and daily limitations. Schedule a rental reservation for the same day as your drop off. We recommended using Enterprise Rent-A-Car, as they offer complimentary pickup and drop off services at our location. We will coordinate the necessary arrangements for pick-up.

Can I get a ride home when I drop off my vehicle for repairs?

It would be our pleasure to give you a ride at the time of drop off. If you are interested in this service, please let us know beforehand so we can coordinate accordingly.

*This service is available within a 5-mile radius.

Can I get additional work done on my vehicle when it is in the shop for an insurance claim?

Absolutely! Let your assigned estimator know when dropping off your vehicle for repairs and he will coordinate it.

 

Financial FAQS

 
What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, debit cards, and all major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. No personal checks.

Do I have to pay a deductible? Who do I pay it to?

The deductible is the portion of the collision repair that is paid by you and determined by your insurance policy. If you have questions regarding your deductible amount or if you are responsible for paying the deductible, please contact your claim handler.

It will be your responsibility to pay the deductible to Hi-Quality Auto Body at the time of pick-up when the repairs are completed.

If I receive a check from the insurance company, do I keep it or give it to you?

Any checks received from the insurance company will go directly towards the repair of the vehicle. If you receive a check in the mail, you can give it to us at the time of pick up when repairs are completed. The authorization form you will sign at the time of drop off gives Hi Quality Auto Body Inc. limited power of attorney to deposit the check on your behalf towards the final bill of repair.

Consumer Bill of Rights FAQ

 
What should I do if I am having issues with my insurance company?
In most cases, your insurance company wants to resolve customer issues. To start, contact your insurance agent or broker. Explain the situation and your cause for concern. If you feel that your issue is not being resolved, contact the Department of Insurance, State of California, at their office in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego, or call them, toll free at 1-800-927-4357.
What if my insurance company does not agree with the amount of loss?
When the insured and insurer fail to agree on the amount of loss, both parties are entitled to arbitration.
Can my insurance company insist or require me to have my vehicle repaired at a specific shop?

Insurance companies may suggest a shop from their “preferred” list. Only you can decide to get your repairs done at a shop of your choice. Read your policy first and ask your agent if you have any “special” clauses that limit your choice for a repair shop, require you to pay a percentage of the repairs, along with your deductible, should you choose a shop not on their list.

It is important to read your policy before you need it. An insurance company has an obligation to work with repair shops and restore your car to pre-accident condition.

What should I know about OEM, Aftermarket and used parts? Can my insurance company dictate what kind will go on my car?

The term OEM is an acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer, these are the parts that are directly from an authorized dealer. Aftermarket is defined as non-factory parts, accessories and upgrades to a motor vehicle. A used part is described as one that is not damaged and in re-usable condition.

These parts are presumed to be at least equal to the OEM in terms of performance, safety, quality and fit.

Depending on your policy, the Insurer may require the use of non-OEM replacement crash parts for the repair of your vehicle. Some policies can be obtained from insurers that state OEM parts only on your vehicle

 

California Motorist Bill of Rights

Feel free to download the Auto Body Consumer Bill of Rights