Collision Repair and Auto Body Repair FAQs

Read below to view a variety of FAQs and answers related to our collision repair services:

Q:  My insurance company tells me I must get an auto body repair estimate from one of their “preferred shops.” Can the insurance company dictate where I get my vehicle repaired?

A:  According to Section 167C of the New York State Insurance code, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired in the body shop of your choice. You only need one auto body repair estimate or appraisal. Referral repair shops work for the insurance company. Insurance appraisers work for the insurance company. Rudy Schmid works for the consumer! We will make the process convenient and easy for you.

Q:  I’ve been in an accident, but my car seems driveable. I’m pretty busy, so can I wait to have it repaired?

A:  Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages. Please bring your car to us and let us help you determine how safe your vehicle really is. We’ll estimate the auto body repair costs and evaluate the driveability of your car. Bringing your car in for an auto body estimate close to the time after collision also helps document the damage accurately.

Q:  A friend of mine at work has a family member in the auto collision repair business, so I also got an auto body estimate from them. Why are the estimates different?

A:  Differences in collision repair estimates are common. A lower auto body estimate may not include all the necessary work—often, frame damage is overlooked and not estimated. If you’re not sure why one auto body estimate is different from another, please ask us to help compare the collision estimates.

Q:  My insurance company is insisting that I use a certain type of replacement part. It makes their appraisal lower than the auto body repair estimate. What does this mean?

A:  While used parts are often used in collision repair, this doesn’t mean they’re damaged goods. Used parts are taken from vehicles abandoned or sold because of collision damage, and the sellable parts are from the non-damaged portion of the car. Used parts acquired in this way are still OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. After-market parts are often recommended in insurance appraisals. At Rudy Schmid, we look to minimize the use of after-market parts whenever possible.

Q:  I have a deductible on my insurance policy. To whom do I pay the deductible?

A:  Typically, if you have a deductible on your insurance policy, you will be responsible for paying the amount to us when you pick up your vehicle. The amount of the deductible is determined by your insurance policy. If you are unsure about your deductible, your insurance agent or a representative from the company will be able to tell you whether your deductible will be waived or if you will be responsible for paying it upon vehicle pick-up.

Q:  Comprehensive vs. Collision Car Insurance: What is the difference?

A:  Comprehensive insurance coverage applies when your car does not actually collide with another vehicle or object, but instead suffers damage caused by a fire, natural disaster, animals, falling objects, theft, or vandalism. Collision insurance covers damage that occurs as a result of a collision with another vehicle or object, whether the accident is your fault or not.

Q:  I don’t have rental car coverage on my policy. What should I do?

A:  We often have rental vehicles at our disposal for very reasonable rates. Please ask us to reserve one for you when you schedule your collision repair.

Q:  How long will my vehicle repairs take?

A:  A service advisor will provide an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. The amount of time will depend on multiple factors, including the extent of the damage and the availability of replacement parts. Be sure to check with your advisor in regard to the specifics of your vehicle.

Q:  What forms of payment do you accept?

A:  We accept all major credit cards for the repairs to your vehicle. We also accept cash, as well as personal checks.

TIPS AND HINTS

• NYS Auto Insurance Information
• NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
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