M-F 8am-6pm & Sat 10am-2pm
518 N. Second Ave Covina, CA 91723
Phone: 626.332.6602
Fax: 626.332.3252
518 N. Second Ave Covina, CA 91723
Phone: 626.332.6602
Fax: 626.332.3252
Estimation Process
An inspector should be familiar with the estimating process since gross income is based on this concept. An estimate is used to provide the customer with the final cost or as an contract between the shop and the insurance company as to how much will be paid for the job. The estimate may be organized by either the body shop, the insurance company, or an independent appraisal company. The major source of information from which estimates are prepared is the Mitchell Collision Guides. These guides are available in book form or as computer software, which we use here at Athans Auto Body. They provide us with the information required to estimate repair costs. If an estimate has been prepared by the us, it still must be approved by the insurance company which is paying the claim. These estimates are subject to some negotiation between our repair facility and the insurance company. Usually, the negotiated items will include the labor charges and the use factory OEM parts or used or "after market" parts. The actual process of estimating is very easy for the replacement of a particular part as opposed to repairing it. This is due to industry standards provided by services such as the Mitchell Collision Guides. Insurance companies also have their own inhouse standards and rates. Smaller insurance companies use independent appraisal companies that specialize in auto repair estimates.
Repair/Replacement Process
Modern vehicles are being constructed with lighter and more flexible materials. On one hand lighter construction has made some aspects of the repair process easier because of the quick replacement process. On the other hand, because of the lighter materials, vehicles are more susceptible to damage on impact at lower speeds. A distinction should be made between the term "repair" and "replace". These two terms involve separate processes. If a body component has been completely Mangled, it will simply be "replaced". This is the easiest type of body work since the process involved is simply purchasing the part, installation, and painting. "Repair" work may involve pounding out a dent if it is simple, or it may involve straightening the frame which is the most extensive and complex type of body work. With the introduction of unibody construction, the repair process has been made even more complex. In the older domestic vehicles, components were bolted to a frame which acted as the support for vehicle road shock. In unibody construction, the components act as the frame. If a unibody vehicle has been damaged, simply replacing the component may not be enough to restore the vehicle. Other components must be checke to determine if they have been shifted from the original positions, Failure to do a proper alignment is often the cause of a vehicle "not feeling the same" after a collision. Another change is the safety concept of "energy absorption." Essentially, this allows the body to absorb a higher percentage of the impact from a high speed collision. This also means that the body collapses more easily. Again, this makes the vehicle more susceptible to damage at lower speed impact as well. Paint Process
Once the vehicle has been repaired it will be painted to match the original color as nearly as possible. If the vehicle has the factory original paint, the "formula" for that color may be available by the manufacturer. Paint mixing systems differ with each body shop. At Athans, we have our own computerized paint mixing system. Smaller body shops may depend on the paint stores to mix the needed paint. Before the paint is applied, the repaired part is sanded and sealed to remove scratches and prepare the surface. After it is painted, a clear coat is applied to give the paint a shiny or metallic look. Following paint, a professional interior & exterior wash will be done to all vehicles repaired at our shop. Other Processes that may occur a collision may not only damage the body exterior but also the mechanical functions inside. Depending on what work is required we would be able to perform minor mechanical work, or easy electrical work. Major mechanical work is usually sublet out to an auto repair shop. Other processes include tire and glass replacement, upholstery repair, and cleaning of the vehicle which involves washing and waxing the exterior and cleaning and scenting the interior replacement of a particular part as opposed to repairing it. This is due to industry standards provided by services such as the Mitchell Collision Guides. Insurance companies also have their own inhouse standards and rates. Smaller insurance companies use independent appraisal companies that specialize in auto repair estimates.
Ten Things to Know Before Getting your Vehicle Repaired
* Your car is the second largest investment you're likely to make. Preserve its value and your safety by having it repaired professionally.
* Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages.
* Some insurance companies may want you to visit their drive-in claims center before having your car repaired. You can do this, or you may leave your car at our shop and ask that the insurance company inspect the car here.
* There is no law requiring you to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal.
* You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop.
* Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. If you're not sure why one estimate is different from another you've received, please ask us about it.
* Choose a shop that has uni-body repair equipment and certified (by I-CAR or ASE, for example) technicians.
* Ask if the shop will be using genuine manufacturer replacement parts.
* Ask if the shop offers a repair warranty. A warranty is like a promise.
* Let us help you negotiate your claim with the insurance company.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q. WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
A. Get the name of the person(s) driving the other vehicle(s) involved along with their phone number, driver's license, vehicle license, insurance information. Also try to acquire any witness' name and number. Note the location, time and date. And, if you have a camera, take pictures. IMPORTANT: If the person(s) driving the vehicle(s) involved is reluctant to provide this information or if they do not have a driver's license and insurance, then you have a problem, and you should alert the police and your insurance agent instantaneously. Contact the shop of your choice and have them set up a tow or appointment to get your vehicle in the shop. If you need other transportation and have rental coverage or the other party's insurance is paying the bill, ask the shop to set up the rental for you. Contact the Insurance Company responsible and let them know where the vehicle is and/or where it is going and ask for a claim number. If the Insurance Company wants to examine your vehicle at your house or in their claims center, you have the choice of doing this, or you can inform the Insurance Company that you are dropping the vehicle at the shop of your choice and they can see the vehicle there. Remember, you're free to choose. Call the shop and give them the claim number. From this point on, the shop will negotiate on your behalf to assure that your vehicle will be returned to pre-loss condition.
Q. DO I NEED THREE ESTIMATES?
A. No. California law states your only responsibility is to choose the shop of your choice and inform the insurance company where the vehicle is going.
Q. WILL MY VEHICLE BE THE SAME?
A. Reputable shops have the kind of facility, equipment, personnel and training to restore your vehicle to pre-loss condition within industry standards. Experts can always find indications of a repair. This doesn't mean it was not repaired properly, but since shops do not have the same equipment available that the manufacturer's have, shops cannot replicate the manufacturer's work exactly. However, your vehicle will be esthetically and structurally equal to its pre-accident condition.
Q. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY VEHICLE IS TOTALED?
A. The Insurance Company responsible for your claim must pay for the cost of an equal replacement vehicle or provide you with a replacement vehicle. It is their choice. (refer to California Law) The Insurance Company may propose you a dollar amount for your vehicle (less the pre-agreed upon amount of your deductible). If you do not feel this is an adequate amount, you will need to substantiate your claim for a higher dollar amount with independent written evidence showing the worth of a similar vehicle (year, model, mileage, condition and options) in the same market area. The market area may be local or regional depending upon the number of vehicles for sale in the area. Remember, upon addition of their offer to you, the Insurance Company has satisfied its obligation and can at that time stop payment for rental car expenses. If your vehicle is totaled, visit your local dealerships or go online and acquire information that substantiates your claim of what you judge your vehicle is worth.
Q. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSES TO PAY FOR A PRE-LOSS REPAIR?
A. Bring your vehicle to Athans Auto Body. We can negotiate for you to have your vehicle repaired to pre-loss condition. Pay for the difference in the repair bill yourself. Obtain a written statement from the body shop detailing any denied procedures and take your bill to Small Claim's Court. You may have to file against the individual who caused the accident. We recommend consulting an attorney for specifics. You can record a complaint with the California Insurance Commissioner. This cannot be depended upon for timely enforcement of the Insurance Code or state law.
Q. HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT?
A. The California Insurance Department maintains a toll free consumer line (1-800-927-help) and a Consumer Division to respond to consumer questions and to investigate charges of inappropriate behavior by insurance companies. The Department may also be contacted through its web site: http://www.hmohelp.ca.gov When filing a complaint with the Insurance Commissioner you need to send the complaint form along with copies of other documents that support your complaint. You should include a copy of your insurance policy and any correspondence with the insurance company. Once your form has been received, it will go to a compliance officer with the Insurance Division. This officer will contact your insurance company to try to resolve your complaint.
Q. WHAT IF AN INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSES TO WORK WITH THE SHOP OF MY CHOICE?
A. By law, an insurance company cannot decline your request and must negotiate with the shop of your choice. It is in both parties' best interest to get your vehicle repaired and back to you as quickly as possible, without charging you extra. The Insurance Commissioner does not tolerate delaying the repair through unlawful practices.
Q. CAN THE INSURANCE COMPANY MAKE ME TO GO TO THEIR CLAIMS CENTER FOR AN ESTIMATE?
A. No. You can drop the vehicle off at the shop of your choice and they will schedule an insurance adjuster to come out. If you do go to their claims center, accept the estimate and the check they give you. However, do not sign anything that states that you accepted their check as payment in full. The insurance company realizes the repair shop may call with additional damage costs.
Q. WHO PAYS THE TOW BILL?
A. The Insurance Company responsible for paying for your repairs is also responsible for paying the tow bill to the shop of your choice. If the Insurance Company selected a shop and you prefer to go elsewhere, they are still required to pay for the additional tow.
Q. WHEN IS ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED?
A. If you are an insured, check with your insurance provider. Generally speaking, if your vehicle is legal and safe to drive, scheduling to have your vehicle repaired will insure that you will not incur any of the costs. If you are a third party claimant and your vehicle is legal and safe to drive, scheduling your vehicle for repairs will insure that you will not sustain any rental charges. If your vehicle is unsafe or illegal (it may be ticketed) to drive due to the accident, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle immediately upon being issued a claim number. A reputable shop will be able to take care of all the above to as part of their service and as a convenience to you. You are responsible for the insurance coverage you purchase from the rental company.
An inspector should be familiar with the estimating process since gross income is based on this concept. An estimate is used to provide the customer with the final cost or as an contract between the shop and the insurance company as to how much will be paid for the job. The estimate may be organized by either the body shop, the insurance company, or an independent appraisal company. The major source of information from which estimates are prepared is the Mitchell Collision Guides. These guides are available in book form or as computer software, which we use here at Athans Auto Body. They provide us with the information required to estimate repair costs. If an estimate has been prepared by the us, it still must be approved by the insurance company which is paying the claim. These estimates are subject to some negotiation between our repair facility and the insurance company. Usually, the negotiated items will include the labor charges and the use factory OEM parts or used or "after market" parts. The actual process of estimating is very easy for the replacement of a particular part as opposed to repairing it. This is due to industry standards provided by services such as the Mitchell Collision Guides. Insurance companies also have their own inhouse standards and rates. Smaller insurance companies use independent appraisal companies that specialize in auto repair estimates.
Repair/Replacement Process
Modern vehicles are being constructed with lighter and more flexible materials. On one hand lighter construction has made some aspects of the repair process easier because of the quick replacement process. On the other hand, because of the lighter materials, vehicles are more susceptible to damage on impact at lower speeds. A distinction should be made between the term "repair" and "replace". These two terms involve separate processes. If a body component has been completely Mangled, it will simply be "replaced". This is the easiest type of body work since the process involved is simply purchasing the part, installation, and painting. "Repair" work may involve pounding out a dent if it is simple, or it may involve straightening the frame which is the most extensive and complex type of body work. With the introduction of unibody construction, the repair process has been made even more complex. In the older domestic vehicles, components were bolted to a frame which acted as the support for vehicle road shock. In unibody construction, the components act as the frame. If a unibody vehicle has been damaged, simply replacing the component may not be enough to restore the vehicle. Other components must be checke to determine if they have been shifted from the original positions, Failure to do a proper alignment is often the cause of a vehicle "not feeling the same" after a collision. Another change is the safety concept of "energy absorption." Essentially, this allows the body to absorb a higher percentage of the impact from a high speed collision. This also means that the body collapses more easily. Again, this makes the vehicle more susceptible to damage at lower speed impact as well. Paint Process
Once the vehicle has been repaired it will be painted to match the original color as nearly as possible. If the vehicle has the factory original paint, the "formula" for that color may be available by the manufacturer. Paint mixing systems differ with each body shop. At Athans, we have our own computerized paint mixing system. Smaller body shops may depend on the paint stores to mix the needed paint. Before the paint is applied, the repaired part is sanded and sealed to remove scratches and prepare the surface. After it is painted, a clear coat is applied to give the paint a shiny or metallic look. Following paint, a professional interior & exterior wash will be done to all vehicles repaired at our shop. Other Processes that may occur a collision may not only damage the body exterior but also the mechanical functions inside. Depending on what work is required we would be able to perform minor mechanical work, or easy electrical work. Major mechanical work is usually sublet out to an auto repair shop. Other processes include tire and glass replacement, upholstery repair, and cleaning of the vehicle which involves washing and waxing the exterior and cleaning and scenting the interior replacement of a particular part as opposed to repairing it. This is due to industry standards provided by services such as the Mitchell Collision Guides. Insurance companies also have their own inhouse standards and rates. Smaller insurance companies use independent appraisal companies that specialize in auto repair estimates.
Ten Things to Know Before Getting your Vehicle Repaired
* Your car is the second largest investment you're likely to make. Preserve its value and your safety by having it repaired professionally.
* Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages.
* Some insurance companies may want you to visit their drive-in claims center before having your car repaired. You can do this, or you may leave your car at our shop and ask that the insurance company inspect the car here.
* There is no law requiring you to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal.
* You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop.
* Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. If you're not sure why one estimate is different from another you've received, please ask us about it.
* Choose a shop that has uni-body repair equipment and certified (by I-CAR or ASE, for example) technicians.
* Ask if the shop will be using genuine manufacturer replacement parts.
* Ask if the shop offers a repair warranty. A warranty is like a promise.
* Let us help you negotiate your claim with the insurance company.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q. WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
A. Get the name of the person(s) driving the other vehicle(s) involved along with their phone number, driver's license, vehicle license, insurance information. Also try to acquire any witness' name and number. Note the location, time and date. And, if you have a camera, take pictures. IMPORTANT: If the person(s) driving the vehicle(s) involved is reluctant to provide this information or if they do not have a driver's license and insurance, then you have a problem, and you should alert the police and your insurance agent instantaneously. Contact the shop of your choice and have them set up a tow or appointment to get your vehicle in the shop. If you need other transportation and have rental coverage or the other party's insurance is paying the bill, ask the shop to set up the rental for you. Contact the Insurance Company responsible and let them know where the vehicle is and/or where it is going and ask for a claim number. If the Insurance Company wants to examine your vehicle at your house or in their claims center, you have the choice of doing this, or you can inform the Insurance Company that you are dropping the vehicle at the shop of your choice and they can see the vehicle there. Remember, you're free to choose. Call the shop and give them the claim number. From this point on, the shop will negotiate on your behalf to assure that your vehicle will be returned to pre-loss condition.
Q. DO I NEED THREE ESTIMATES?
A. No. California law states your only responsibility is to choose the shop of your choice and inform the insurance company where the vehicle is going.
Q. WILL MY VEHICLE BE THE SAME?
A. Reputable shops have the kind of facility, equipment, personnel and training to restore your vehicle to pre-loss condition within industry standards. Experts can always find indications of a repair. This doesn't mean it was not repaired properly, but since shops do not have the same equipment available that the manufacturer's have, shops cannot replicate the manufacturer's work exactly. However, your vehicle will be esthetically and structurally equal to its pre-accident condition.
Q. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY VEHICLE IS TOTALED?
A. The Insurance Company responsible for your claim must pay for the cost of an equal replacement vehicle or provide you with a replacement vehicle. It is their choice. (refer to California Law) The Insurance Company may propose you a dollar amount for your vehicle (less the pre-agreed upon amount of your deductible). If you do not feel this is an adequate amount, you will need to substantiate your claim for a higher dollar amount with independent written evidence showing the worth of a similar vehicle (year, model, mileage, condition and options) in the same market area. The market area may be local or regional depending upon the number of vehicles for sale in the area. Remember, upon addition of their offer to you, the Insurance Company has satisfied its obligation and can at that time stop payment for rental car expenses. If your vehicle is totaled, visit your local dealerships or go online and acquire information that substantiates your claim of what you judge your vehicle is worth.
Q. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSES TO PAY FOR A PRE-LOSS REPAIR?
A. Bring your vehicle to Athans Auto Body. We can negotiate for you to have your vehicle repaired to pre-loss condition. Pay for the difference in the repair bill yourself. Obtain a written statement from the body shop detailing any denied procedures and take your bill to Small Claim's Court. You may have to file against the individual who caused the accident. We recommend consulting an attorney for specifics. You can record a complaint with the California Insurance Commissioner. This cannot be depended upon for timely enforcement of the Insurance Code or state law.
Q. HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT?
A. The California Insurance Department maintains a toll free consumer line (1-800-927-help) and a Consumer Division to respond to consumer questions and to investigate charges of inappropriate behavior by insurance companies. The Department may also be contacted through its web site: http://www.hmohelp.ca.gov When filing a complaint with the Insurance Commissioner you need to send the complaint form along with copies of other documents that support your complaint. You should include a copy of your insurance policy and any correspondence with the insurance company. Once your form has been received, it will go to a compliance officer with the Insurance Division. This officer will contact your insurance company to try to resolve your complaint.
Q. WHAT IF AN INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSES TO WORK WITH THE SHOP OF MY CHOICE?
A. By law, an insurance company cannot decline your request and must negotiate with the shop of your choice. It is in both parties' best interest to get your vehicle repaired and back to you as quickly as possible, without charging you extra. The Insurance Commissioner does not tolerate delaying the repair through unlawful practices.
Q. CAN THE INSURANCE COMPANY MAKE ME TO GO TO THEIR CLAIMS CENTER FOR AN ESTIMATE?
A. No. You can drop the vehicle off at the shop of your choice and they will schedule an insurance adjuster to come out. If you do go to their claims center, accept the estimate and the check they give you. However, do not sign anything that states that you accepted their check as payment in full. The insurance company realizes the repair shop may call with additional damage costs.
Q. WHO PAYS THE TOW BILL?
A. The Insurance Company responsible for paying for your repairs is also responsible for paying the tow bill to the shop of your choice. If the Insurance Company selected a shop and you prefer to go elsewhere, they are still required to pay for the additional tow.
Q. WHEN IS ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED?
A. If you are an insured, check with your insurance provider. Generally speaking, if your vehicle is legal and safe to drive, scheduling to have your vehicle repaired will insure that you will not incur any of the costs. If you are a third party claimant and your vehicle is legal and safe to drive, scheduling your vehicle for repairs will insure that you will not sustain any rental charges. If your vehicle is unsafe or illegal (it may be ticketed) to drive due to the accident, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle immediately upon being issued a claim number. A reputable shop will be able to take care of all the above to as part of their service and as a convenience to you. You are responsible for the insurance coverage you purchase from the rental company.