Frequently Asked Questions
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TOWING
MY CAR ISN'T DRIVABLE, CAN I GET IT TOWED TO YOUR SHOP?
Yes, we have wreckers available and can tow it for you, or you can tell any other wrecker service to bring it to our shop. We can also pickup your vehicle from anywhere, just call 270-442-1777 and let us know you’re in need of a tow.
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WHO DO I PAY FOR THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED?
If you are going through insurance, the tow bill will be sent directly to them. If you decide to pay out of pocket, the tow bill will be added to your final bill and due at the time the repair is complete.
RENTAL CARS
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. We highly recommend Enterprise Rental Cars and can arrange a rental for you here at the shop if needed.
ESTIMATES
You can use our online chat or form to contact us and will will setup an appointment to look at your vehicle. It is always better for us to look at your vehicle in person, rather than with pictures only, to make sure all damage is found and repaired properly.
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DO I NEED MORE THAN ONE ESTIMATE?
No. It is your choice where you get your vehicle repaired, regardless of the insurance company. There is no requirement or law to get multiple estimates, and we work with all insurance companies to agree upon the best repairs for your vehicle. Our shops are OEM certified by most manufacturers and we have direct communication with many of the largest insurance companies in today’s market. However, we work for YOU, not the insurance company! We will provide you with the best quality factory specified parts and repairs available.
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WHERE DO I GET A CLAIM NUMBER?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just write it down and bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process or give us your insurance information and we will do the rest.
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I ALREADY HAVE AN ESTIMATE FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY, WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
It is always better for you to bring us your vehicle and we will have your insurance adjusted come here to review the damage with us. But if your insurance adjuster has already looked at your vehicle, simply contact us to schedule the repairs. You can fax or email us a copy, drop it off, or give us your insurance information and we’ll get a copy of their estimate and work with them directly.
REPAIR PROCESS
CAN I HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THE SHOP OF MY CHOICE?
Yes! It’s your responsibility, and your right, to choose which body shop will best repair your vehicle. Do not let your insurance company "steer" you to one of their "preferred" shops. Their goal is to save money on the repair, but we work for YOU and will make sure your vehicle is fixed back to OEM factory specifications using only the best OEM parts and proper repair procedures.
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HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE TAKE?
We will give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle when you schedule your repair. There is always the possibility that additional damage is uncovered while repairing your vehicle or a delay in receiving parts, but we will keep you and your insurance company informed of the progress.
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CAN YOU MATCH THE PAINT COLOR?
Today’s modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. We have made a major investment in the finest paint systems available and constantly upgrade its technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle’s paint matches. We take special pride in our ability to perfectly match factory finishes as the final step in the restoration process.
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I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE BUT NOTICED SOMETHING WRONG AFTER I GOT HOME, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
We do everything in our power to ensure your vehicle is back to pre-accident condition. If you experience any problems, do not hesitate to give us a call or stop back in. We offer a lifetime warranty all of our work and will fix any problems caused by a repair we performed even after you’ve picked up your completed vehicle.
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ARE YOU OPEN ON SATURDAY?
We are open on Saturdays by appointment only. Please call the shop and we will schedule an appointment at your convenience. You can also begin the initial process anytime by using our chat or contact form to send us information about the damage to your vehicle. Our estimators will respond within one business day.
CAN I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE BEFORE OR AFTER BUSINESS HOURS?
Yes, please let us know you will be dropping off after hours, then simply lock your vehicle and leave your keys in the lock box by the front doors. During regular business hours we can provide transportation back to your home or work or arrange a rental car for you.
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IS A SAFETY SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC NECESSARY FOR MY VEHICLE'S BODY REPAIR?
Yes, absolutely! A Safety Sensor Diagnostic is an electronic scan of the sensors in your vehicle. Today’s vehicles are like computers on wheels, they contain hundreds of electronic sensors that work together to make your vehicle run safely and efficiently. When your vehicle’s body is damaged it can effect sensors all over the vehicle, even outside of the damaged area. If those sensors aren’t scanned and updated, both before AND after, the repair, your vehicle’s safety devices may be compromised. We include a Safety Sensor Diagnostic as part of our repair process and do it both before and after the repair to be sure that all potential sensor problems have been identified and addressed.
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HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CAR IS DONE?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. When you drop off your vehicle for repairs, simply let us know the best way to reach you during the day. You are always very welcome to call and inquire as to the status of your repair.
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IS THERE A WARRANTY TO THE REPAIRS ON MY VEHICLE?
Yes. We guarantee all repairs with a Lifetime Warranty and we will be here if you need us.
INSURANCE
WHAT IS A DEDUCTIBLE AND HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE TO PAY ONE?
A deductible is the portion of the total repair cost that you may be responsible for. It is likely listed on your insurance card. Typically you will have a deductible for a comprehensive or a collision claim and the amounts can vary. The amount of your deductible is determined by what you chose when your policy was purchased. We will be happy to verify for you the deductible amount you are responsible for.
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THE OTHER INSURANCE COMPANY SAYS MY CAR IS A "TOTAL LOSS". WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
The cost of repairs plus the value of the vehicle in damaged condition (salvage value) must be greater than the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident.
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IF THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE IS DAMAGED, IS IT A TOTAL LOSS?
No. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. Nowadays, most cars are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our state-of-the-art computer measuring system, can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair, that section can simply be replaced.
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Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) is a term for parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Jeff's Auto Body only uses OEM parts if at all possible, and will work with your insurance company to make sure that only the proper factory OEM parts are used to repair your vehicle.
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Aftermarket parts are often much cheaper than OEM parts and do not have the same fit and function as OEM parts. Jeff's Auto Body does NOT recommend aftermarket parts!
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LKQ – (Like Kind & Quality). These parts are more commonly referred to as USED. These parts generally come from automotive salvage yards which purchase damaged or totaled vehicles, remove the good parts and sell them as LKQ/USED parts. Jeff's Auto Body does NOT recommend LKQ/USED parts!
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It is the loss in a vehicle’s value as a result of physical damage. Several factors including age of the vehicle and the severity of damage are what the insurance company will evaluate to determine the amount of diminished value you will be paid. The diminished value payment does not come from, nor is it processed through us. It will be issued by the insurance company to you directly from the insurance company and is separate from any other payments.
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Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e., tires, batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly subject to betterment charges when they are replaced during the repair process. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company, not us, and are prorated based on actual miles on your vehicle.
PAYMENTS
WHO DO I PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE TO?
It is your responsibility to pay your deductible to us when you pick up your vehicle. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and they can tell you how much your deductible is on your insurance policy or we can find out for you.
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WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Full payment is due when picking up your repaired vehicle. The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your portion of the repairs to your vehicle is to sign the back of your insurance claim check and submit it to the shop. Cash, check, and credit cards are always welcome also.
POST REPAIR CARE
WHEN CAN I WASH OR WAX THE EXTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE?
You are able to wash your vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge as soon as you get it back.
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For the first 30 days we suggest that you:
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Do NOT use a commercial car wash with brushes. Stiff brushes/sponges can mar the finish and damage the surface.
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Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is more easily done in the first 30 days.
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Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. Also, tree sap can mar or spot a freshly painted surface.
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Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish.
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Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.
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For the first 90 days we suggest that you:
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Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.
WARRANTY
Jeff’s Auto Body is proud to offer a Lifetime Warranty on all of our work. We stand behind every repair we complete. For as long as you own the vehicle, you can rest assured that should anything happen to the repair we completed, we will make it right.
Jeff’s Auto Body guarantees all parts and repairs made to your vehicle, as reflected in your final estimate, against any defects of workmanship for as long as you own your vehicle.
Our warranty does not cover defects or damages related to rust, abuse, a subsequent collision or theft, stone chips, scratches, or improper care and/or maintenance.