FAQ:

Can I take my car to any shop I choose?
Yes. It's your car—it's your choice. Under state law it is illegal to "steer" you to a particular shop. Sometimes adjusters will tell you that you'll get better service or some other advantage when you use a particular shop. Often these insurance companies are trying to get you to use a shop where they receive a discount. You are not receiving a discount on your deductible, why should they get a discount? Always take your vehicle to a shop you trust.

My insurance company told me to take my car to another shop. Am I required to take it there or can I use the shop of my choice?
You have the right to use the shop of your choice. However, if your insurance company instructs you to obtain an estimate from a particular shop, get a written estimate there and then bring it to the shop you want to make the repairs.


Do I need three estimates?
In most cases, insurance companies no longer require multiple estimates. They realize that duplicate efforts cost more money in the long run. So bring your car to our shop. We will write an estimate and submit it to the insurance company. Once they approve the estimate (which usually requires an adjuster to look at the damage), we can begin work on your vehicle.

I have two estimates and they are several hundred dollars apart. Why?
There are a number of reasons estimates may differ. Is everything included on both estimates? Do both specify new OEM parts or does one use less expensive after-market or recycled parts? Bring your estimate to Gilbert’s Collision Center and we will help you decipher the differences. After reviewing an estimate to make sure that nothing has been omitted, we will honor any legitimate estimate from another area shop that is less than 30 days old. (Note: Part prices are subject to change without notice from the manufacturer. If the price of a part differs from that in the estimate when we order a part, we will charge you the new price. We will present you with a copy of the parts invoice for verification, if requested.)

I was in an accident and the other driver was at fault. The other driver says he (or she) does not want to use insurance. He or she says to get three estimates and he or she will pay the lowest estimate. What should I do?
First of all, you do not need to waste your time going from shop to shop. The other driver is responsible for getting your car back like it was before the accident. You have the right to take your car to the shop of your choice, not to some fly-by-night operation that gives you the lowest bid. The other driver is also responsible for providing you with alternate transportation while your car is being worked on. Because the initial estimate is always based on visible damage, additional damage may be discovered after work has begun. The other driver will be responsible for these repairs as well, but will not be expecting the cost to go up. For these reasons, it is best if you can go through the other person's insurance. If the other driver still insists on not using his or her insurance, then get them to agree to pay you up front and then you pay the shop. Make sure they are aware that additional charges may occur. If they want to pay the shop directly, we require a money order, cashier's check, or credit card for the amount of the estimate before we begin work. This is for your protection—if the other driver pays with a personal check that bounces, you are still responsible for the payment.

Another body shop says they are the preferred shop for my insurance company. Shouldn't I take it there?
Only if you trust them to repair your vehicle correctly. A "preferred" shop does not always mean a first-rate shop. It could mean that the insurance company has worked out a discount for themselves in exchange for sending their customers to that shop. Gilbert’s Collision Center has preferred status with several insurance companies. These relationships are referred to in the industry as DRPs—direct repair programs. For our DRPs, we were selected based on meeting certain standards, not on providing discounts.

If I bring my car to you, can you save me some or all of my deductible?
No. Your insurance policy says that you are responsible for paying the first portion of a repair bill in form of a deductible. If the cost of repairs comes in less than the estimate, you are still responsible for the amount of the deductible. Any savings legitimately belongs to the insurance carrier. Often the amount of the deductible is as much or more than the profit we make on a job. If we made no profit, we would not remain in business for long. Beware of any shop that claims to save your deductible. How are they reducing the costs? Using cheaper paint? Using inferior parts? They're probably cutting corners somewhere. Remember, you usually get what you pay for. Most reputable collision shops will not reduce your deductible.

If you have any questions please feel free to call us.