1. Ask if technicians are ICAR trained or ASE certified. If body technicians, painters, office staff, and even the detail person that cleans your car are ICAR trained, it means they have attended a course or series of courses offered by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (ICAR) to help upgrade their skills. Businesses with trained personnel are likely to display these and other certificates or diplomas in the customer waiting area. Look for the symbol of excellence in collision repair, look for the ICAR Gold Class Professional emblems proudly displayed. This indicates the business is committed to a higher level of training and professionalism.
2. Ask about the business' industry and consumer affiliations. For example, a business that is a member of ASA has agreed to uphold the association's Code of Ethics, which sets the standard for professionalism in the collision repair industry. In addition, you may wish to check the business' affiliation and record with the Better Business Bureau of Denver.
3. Expect the collision repair facility to be neat, clean and well organized. The flow of existing work should be almost unnoticeable.
4. Note whether the employees are helpful and courteous. This will give you an idea of how you will be treated throughout the repair process.
5. Ask about the shop policy on replacement parts. When does the shop feel that non original equipment manufacturer's parts are to be used? You have the right to choose which type of parts go on your car.
6. Ask how long the shop has been in business. Does the shop have all required permits from EPA, TNRCC, and the City of Littleton? Does the shop dispose of its hazardous waste properly and charge you for the service?
7. Ask about the shops painting procedures. Does the shop have a computerized system for mixing the paint and keeping up with the waste? Ask about the paint manufacturer's guarantee. It should be for "as long as you own your car" and anywhere in the U.S..
8. Check what guarantees the shop offers. Quality collision repair shops should offer a "Limited Lifetime Guarantee". Ask to see a copy of a printed guarantee, read it and ask questions if you do not understand what is covered and not covered.
9. Make sure you get a written Visible Damage Appraisal. Most Insurance Companies require that a shop only appraise what can be seen, this means that there is usually hidden damage not appraised. An Insurance Company has the right to inspect the damages they are paying to repair or replace and have procedures for these supplemental items to be submitted for payment.
10. A Quality Collision Repair facility can usually be found by asking your Insurance Agent, family, friends, neighbors and co-workers for their recommendations.
Do...
* Stop and identify Yourself
* Show your driver's license and registration to the other driver, the injured persons, and to any
police officer.
Dont...
* Do not discuss responsibility
* Do not discuss the circumstances of the accident with anyone except the police and a
positively identified representative of your insurance company.
Date & Time of Accident:_________________________
Accident Location:______________________________
Street/Fwy:___________________________________
City:_________________________________________
State:_____________
Was Anyone Injured ?___________________
You / Your Pasengers:___________________
Other Party:___________________________
Others:______________________________
Police / Accident Report #:_______________
Name of Officer on the scene:_____________
Officer's Badge # & Contact Info:___________
The Other Party Involved In the Accident:
Name:_______________________
Address:_____________________
City:________________________
State:_______________________
Phone#:_____________________
DLC#:______________________
DOB:______________________
Name of Registered Owner of Vehicle:
Insurance Co:________________
Policy #:____________________
Your Vehicle:________________
License#:______________________ State:_________________________
Make/Model of your Vehicle:
Year: __________ Color:__________
No. of Passengers:___________________________
Other Vehicle Information:
License #: ____________ State:__________
Make/Model of Vehicle:_____________________ Year:__________
Color:_________
No. of Passengers:______________
