An educated decision in choosing an auto-body shop will go a long way. See answers to common questions that come up during the repair process after a collision.</p>
Do I have to go where the insurance company tells me to go for repairs?
No, you have the right to choose your repair facility.
Will it cost me more if I come to LeRoy's?
No, you can come to us at no additional cost to you.
The insurance company tells me you aren't on their preferred list. What do I do?
The preferred lists provided by your insurance company is designed to save them money – not you. Not being “on their list” doesn't mean that a shop won’t perform the repairs properly or that you cannot choose that auto-body shop. On the contrary – an auto-repair shop that’s not on their list works for YOU, not the insurance company.
The insurance company said that they warranted the repairs and if I don’t go where they say, that my repair work might not be warranted.
This reply is a scare tactic to direct you where they want you to go. At LeRoy's, we warranty every aspect of our repairs for as long as you own your vehicle. Insurance companies are the experts at selling insurance. LeRoy's is the expert when it comes to auto-body repairs and is happy to provide that service to you. Choosing a qualified shop is your responsibility for getting proper repairs.
What if initial repair estimates do not catch all damage?
Collision damage varies from minor to major. Many collisions can involve unseen, hidden damage. We work with all insurance companies and report any and all hidden damage. Because of hidden damage, most initial estimates change as more damage is found. On vehicles with major collision damage, we use sonar measuring equipment to determine the hidden problems and see how to structurally realign your vehicle. Internal and structural repairs are all performed meticulously to industry standards and beyond. Attention to detail at this step is VERY important.
This is one reason why choosing a quality repair shop is more important than picking the lowest price. That being said, Stephen’s is very competitive when it comes to pricing with other repair shops in the area that may not provide the same high-end service.
Do I have to use aftermarket parts on my car?
Many insurance companies require the use of “aftermarket” parts (those made by a company other than your vehicle manufacturer). This can also include used parts or re-manufactured parts. The technicians at Stephen’s will explain these to you and help you in negotiating with the insurance company.
Insurers usually require aftermarket components if your car is more than a year old. However, there are different types of claims and specifications given for different situations. We know the ins and outs of working with insurance companies in such cases and act as a customer advocate in the situations where we can provide original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to help you keep the value of your car.
How long will my vehicle take to repair?
It depends on the amount of damage present, but the vast majority of our repairs take no more than 3-5 days.
