Auto Body Repair FAQ
Being in a collision is stressful, but unfortunately, that is simply where the stress starts. The recovery time from a collision can be lengthy and complicated. From dealing with law enforcement, to dealing with your insurance or another insurance company, to coping with the repair process, there are definitely some tough times. Here at Platinumwerks Collision, we understand this, and we know you’ll have a number of questions. That’s why we compiled this list of frequently-asked questions for you.
Do You Work with Insurance Companies?
We work with all insurance companies, and in fact, we are a direct repair facility for many insurance companies.
How Many Estimates Do I Need?
We work with your insurance company to establish an estimate, as do many collision repair centers. Getting multiple estimates is generally not advantageous, as they will all be nearly identical.
Do I Need an Appointment?
We do suggested scheduling an appointment through our easy-to-use form ahead of time, but if you find yourself short on time, please give us a call and we will try and fit you in as soon as convenient.
How Long Will Repairs Take?
This is, of course, dependent on the complexity of the repairs, the situation, the availability of parts and materials, and much more. It truly varies from one situation to the next. We will provide an estimated time of completion at the same time we provide the cost estimate, although this does not include the time it may take for any additional damage repairs found in teardown. In the end, we would rather make sure that the job is done right, than done fast.
What Will I Drive in the Meantime?
If you are in need of a rental vehicle, our team can help arrange a rental car, truck, or SUV from one of our partners. Some insurances, new vehicle warranties, extended warranties, and even credit cards may cover or at least reduce rental vehicle cost – our team can help you figure out if there is an available discount for your rental.
What Happens if Additional Damage is Found After the Estimate?
Unfortunately, the first observation and inspection doesn’t always discover deep-down damages. During the course of repair, we may find further issues that need to be addressed. In this case, we will contact the insurance company for authorization to pay for any supplemental damages, and notify you before we take further action.
If My Vehicle’s Frame is Damaged, is it a Total Loss?
Frame damage is no longer the nail in the coffin for a damaged vehicle. Modern equipment, techniques, and advanced expertise of the technician allow for even severely-damaged frames to be repaired. Of course, the less damage, the better the likelihood of saving the car.
What is the Difference Between Genuine, OEM, and Aftermarket Parts?
Genuine parts are branded by the manufacturer, and are the exact part found in your original vehicle – important if you want to keep all matching parts. OEM parts are the parts manufactured by the factory supplier for your vehicle, and will match them, but may not have the genuine branding. Aftermarket parts are third-party equivalents of the original factory parts. While we aim to use mainly Genuine and OEM parts, aftermarket parts are also an option if needed or requested. Often, this is at the discretion of the insurance company and their guidelines, so make sure to consult with your agent.
Can Platinumwerks Collision Match my Paint Color Exactly?
Absolutely. In addition to working with Porsche and Mercedes-Benz closely to keep paint formulations on hand, our paint technicians can flawlessly blend the new paint into the existing paint of your vehicle.
What is My Deductible, and Who Do I Pay it To?
Your deductible is how much you have to pay for repairs, before your insurance kicks in for the rest. Depending on your level of insurance, this can run from zero dollars, up to thousands. Your deductible is due to Platinumwerks when you pick up your vehicle, and can be presented in check, credit card, or cash.
Are my Repairs Warrantied?
Yes – Platinumwerks Collision provides a limited lifetime warranty on parts and labor for the work we do. Please see our Warrant page for more information
We know there are plenty more questions you may have to ask – these are just the most common ones. Please do get in contact with our team here at Platinumwerks Collision regarding any other questions you may have, our team will be happy to help you out in any way we can. Here at Platinum, we aim to provide the best customer service of any collision center throughout southern Florida, so let us give you a hand.