Do you give estimates over the phone?
It is usually not possible to give an accurate estimate over the phone. There are too many different aspects to be taken into consideration when we write an estimate. Every year, make, and model has different details such as painted moldings, heated mirrors, and headlights. With all of the options available on today’s vehicles, it is imperative to correctly identify each option correctly because each has a different part and labor repair cost.
Why do you need the VIN number just to replace a mirror?
The VIN number can tell you everything about the details of your car. The VIN number can tell what size engine, where your car was produced, the interior/exterior trim levels, and even the type and size wheels the vehicle came with. The VIN also tell us whether the mirror is power or manual, heated, has a lamp in the base, or has memory settings. There are too many options to guess.
Why does a small scratch on my fender cost so much?
When repairing a scratch on a panel at our facility, it is necessary to refinish the entire panel to provide the proper application of paint material to get the desired result we expect and provide our paint manufacturer’s warranty. On this type of repair, it may be necessary to remove trim moldings, lights, or handles. Depending on the location of the scratch, it may be necessary to blend into the adjacent panel to achieve the proper color match, which may require removal of trim items on this panel also. We have all heard of “spot” repairs for such instances as small scratches. We have found that this type of repair will not hold up to the environment and will start to breakdown making the repair area visible after a year or so. This “spot” repair may be suitable in some circumstances, but not if you plan on keeping this vehicle for a long time.
What does it mean when my vehicle is considered a “total loss”?
The state of North Carolina law states that “a vehicle is deemed a” Total loss” when the value of the repairs meet or exceed 75% of the retail market value of the vehicle. Only insurance companies can total a vehicle. Insurance companies use services such as Kelly Blue Book, or NADA to assist them in determining the value of a vehicle and along with taking in consideration the condition. Depending on the age and value of a vehicle, a simple bumper replacement can total a 1982 Toyota.
Why does paint costs so much?
Some of the mixing colors cost as much as $350 per gallon and then there is the clear coat which cost $325 per gallon not including the reducer and the catalyst which are needed to produce the chemical reaction needed. Think of finger nail polish, which is $5-$6 dollars for the tiny bottle not including the clear. Think about it.
What do I do when my car gets towed after an accident?
First, call the tow company and instruct them to have it towed to our facility. Secondly, you would contact us and let us know that it is on the way and we can advise you on how best to proceed depending on your situation.
Will I need to take my car to the dealer or elsewhere to get mechanical or electrical work completed?
No. Once you leave the vehicle with us, we will have everything repaired that is related to the accident and that the insurance company allows us to repair before your pick up your vehicle. If the vehicle needs to go to the dealer for code reset, then we take it. If the interior needs upholstery attention, then we get it done. You should be able to drive your car home with no need for further repairs.
How soon may I wash my car after the repair?
You can wash your car as often as you want. We prefer you hand wash you car instead of the automatic car washes. Waxing the repaired area is not recommended for a period of 90 days in order to allow the paint to cure completely.
Will you work on any kind of car?
We work on all makes of vehicles from Acura to Volvo. Due to our relationship with University Volvo, we repair more Volvos than any other brand. but Chevrolets and Fords run a close second along with Lexus, Honda, BMW, Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, and Dodge. We work on all brands of late model vehicles, usually less than ten years old. We occasionally work on older vehicles, it just depends on their needs and our available resources at the time. We do not do restorations, but we may be able to direct you to a restoration facility.
Do you have any affiliations with any dealerships?
We are the “Certified Volvo Collision Repair Center” for University Volvo. We were the 1st such facility of distinction for Volvo in North America. We have had a great working relationship with University Volvo for over 23 years.
Do you refinish vehicles allover?
We do not do allover repaints unless it is for an insurance claim such as vandalism or key scratching.
What brand of paint do you use?
Sikkens by Akzo Nobel. Sikkens is a very high quality urethane based paint that we have been using for more than 15 years. We have our own mixing system and can mix almost any color for any car for the last 25 years. One has to remember that each color has one standard formula and may have one or more different variances of the same color. So, all whites are not the same and all blacks are not the same. That is why we employ professional painters to acquire the best color match possible.