FAQ’s
In most instances, it’s not possible to give an accurate estimate over the phone. There are many variables that can determine how the repair to your vehicle is estimated. With today’s technological advances, vehicles have multiple option choices for moldings, mirrors, headlamps, safety sensors and even bumper styles which can only be determined by your vehicle identification number. With the VIN # available we can then correctly appraise the parts required to repair your vehicle. Visual inspections provide our estimator’s the ability to ensure the vehicle safety and integrity is maintained after the repairs are done by his damage assessment.
In order to give our customers the highest service we provide, we kindly ask that you call ahead of time to schedule an appointment to guarantee your time for an estimate. We can accommodate you without an appointment, but you may have a longer wait time in our lobby.
Scheduled estimate appointments are written Monday-Friday 9:00-4:30, and Saturdays from 10:00-1:00.
Qualified vehicles can take part in our Insurance Fast Track process. This procedure allows the customer to drop off their vehicle for the estimate, and repairs all at the same time. While your car is in the shop, our office will communicate with the insurance company to expedite the repair process so you don’t have to.
If you are making a claim through your insurance, or you’re the claimant (claim going through other parties insurance), you will need to bring the claim number the insurance company provided to you. Claim numbers are given by the insurance company at the time you report your accident, or if you’re the claimant, will be given to you as soon as liability is accepted. Most importantly bring a smile, our staff has the experience to assist you through the claims process, and we will do it with A Touch of Class.
By law, you are not required to get more than one estimate. Certain insurance companies will either send an appraiser, or send you to one of their preferred shops, to get the initial estimate written for repairs. Once the estimate has been accepted, it is your choice where you would like your car repaired.
A Touch of Class Auto Body Inc. works with all insurance companies, and if requested, we can provide a detailed estimate along with digital photos required for the insurance company.
Yes. The insurance company usually requires an inspection or emailed estimate with photos of the damage for their review before repairing your vehicle.
You have the choice to take your vehicle to any shop by Ohio state law. In today’s collision repair industry your Insurance Company will most likely have a list of preferred repair centers. However you are not limited to those repair facilities. Do your homework and investigate.
A Touch Of Class Auto Body Inc.
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The Insurance estimate will need to be the starting point for the repair. Different repair procedures, or damages that may or may not be included in our estimate, can alter the price of quotes you may have received. Once you authorize the repairs to be done, our technicians will blue print your vehicle with a thorough teardown procedure. At this time if we find any additional hidden damage, we will send what is a called a supplement to your insurance company to approve any additional costs acquired throughout the repair process. Our professional staff will then work with the insurance company to make sure the vehicle is returned to pre-loss condition.
The Insurance Company Estimate FAQ’s
OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacture" and is used to describe parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle. .This means it is a vehicle part made by the car manufacturer. Many automotive companies also use outside manufacturers to design and produce the parts used on the vehicle as original equipment parts.
Aftermarket (A/M) is used to describe parts that are produced by some manufacturer other than the one who originally made your car. Insurers may also list these parts as "Quality Replacement Parts. Some aftermarket parts carry certification that helps ensure the basic quality of the part. These parts are usually less expensive than new OEM, and may be a better choice than a used “OEM” part.
While it is not the practice of A Touch Of Class Auto Body Inc. to estimate for these parts, it may be a requirement per your contract with your insurance company in your policy to use them. As a benefit for being our customer we have partnered with many OEM parts suppliers who can price match the Alternative Part with OEM parts. Unfortunately, not all parts can be price matched, and under those circumstances we inform our customers of their options.
In Ohio, a person requesting a repair can choose to receive a written estimate for the repair of a motor vehicle which identifies each non-OEM aftermarket crash parts and contains a written notice with the following language in ten-point or larger type:
“THIS ESTIMATE HAS BEEN PREPARED BASED UPON THE USE OF ONE OR MORE AFTERMARKET CRASH PARTS SUPPLIED BY A SOURCE OTHER THAN THE MANUFACTURER OF YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE. WARRANTIES APPLICABLE TO THESE AFTERMARKET CRASH PARTS ARE PROVIDED BY THE PARTS MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR RATHER THAN BY YOUR OWN MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.”
Receipt and approval of the written estimate is acknowledged by the signature of the person requesting the repair. A person requesting an oral estimate must have been read the disclosure statement. If the person has chosen to receive an oral estimate or no estimate, the written notice must be provided with the final invoice. Non-OEM aftermarket crash parts must have permanently affixed or inscribed the business name or logo of the manufacturer and must be accessible after installation.
No. You can request that the repair shop use original manufactured parts but you will have to pay the difference in the cost of the original manufactured and aftermarket parts. This may be determined by your Insurance policies fine print. As a benefit for being our customer we have partnered with many OEM parts suppliers who can price match the Alternative Part with OEM parts. Unfortunately, not all parts can be price matched, and under those circumstances we inform our customers of their options.
LKQ stands for "like, kind and quality." which is a fancy way of saying "Used Parts." These are parts removed from salvage vehicles which are an alternative way to be cost effective in the repair of your vehicle.
Remanufactured parts are generally the most thoroughly restored parts available, a close second only to brand new. Only the OEM or an OEM-authorized facility can remanufactured parts.
Your insurance may charge betterment when a component that is damaged in the accident has a certain life span. For example, tires may only have a life of 40,000 miles. If the accident occurs at 30,000 miles, your insurance carrier only owes for the remaining 10,000 miles. Therefore, if the tire cost is $100, you would be charged $75 “betterment” – for making the part ‘better’ than what was on the car prior to the accident. Other common components are batteries, exhaust, struts, shocks, brakes, some suspension components and any other wearable part. Not all insurance companies charge this fee, but when they apply betterment this would be an additional charge you are required to pay at the time of completion.
Most states go with the guidelines that a vehicle with 75% or more damage of the actual cash value of the vehicle is considered totaled. The insurance company makes the determination if your car is a total loss based on repair costs, salvage value and pre-loss market value.
Never drive a vehicle that may be unsafe. Your safety is worth much more than the costs of a tow and most insurance policies have coverage for towing.
After A Crash Tow
Any Safety concern i.e.:
- Airbags are deployed
- Vehicle will not start
- Stolen and Recovered vehicle
- Multiple warning lights on dash
- Radiator is leaking fluid
- Steering is damaged
- No brakes
- Headlamps are inoperable/broken
- Tail lamps are inoperable/broken
- Involved in a Flood
- Sheet metal is rubbing tires
- Flat Tires
- Hood is buckled
- Cannot open a damaged door
- Trunk lid will not close
- Cracked windshield
- Broken Glass
*the above items may require your vehicle to be towed to our repair facility.
If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements. Insurance companies will only pay for a rental car if you have that option on your policy or if you are the claimant. Check your policy and/or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what your specific limitations are. And we will take care of the rest.
The severity of the damage dictates the length of repair. Once the vehicle is blue printed our estimator will be able to provide a tentative date of completion. Your vehicle’s completion date may need to be revised when unforeseen issues occur. Your revised date may be due to additional supplemental damage, availability of parts, back ordered part delays, receipt of incorrect or damaged parts, supplemental insurance approvals and current workload of the shop or sublet vendors. The truth is, no matter what any body shop tells you, we can only offer our educated opinion as to when the vehicle will be completed. What we tell you may not always be what you want to hear, but at A Touch Of Class Auto Body Inc., we feel it is our responsibility to be honest and forthright as possible. Our number one concern is returning your vehicle to pre loss condition in a timely manner without compromising our quality standards and it should be yours also.
A car insurance deductible is the amount of money you must pay toward repairs before your insurance covers the rest. The deductible is applied only for your vehicle when you make a claim using your insurance.The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you carry broad collision, and you were not at fault, your insurance company most likely will waive your deductible. Insurance companies determine fault by your account of the accident when you make the claim, and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he or she will tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.
No, unfortunately we are unable to waive a customer's insurance deductible due to the fact that it can be considered a form of insurance fraud. Most shops that offer the waiver of insurance deductibles have to compromise some portion of the repair process, in order to cover that cost while still maintaining a profit margin. There are ways for you to save on your deductible by choosing not to repair a minor damaged part from your claim and having the insurance company reimbursing you for that damaged part. Ask us how to help determine this option.
If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility to pay A Touch of Class Auto Body Inc. when you pick up your vehicle. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he or she will tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.
We accept cash, VISA, Mastercard, Discover, Insurance check, and money orders as payment for our services. 
