FAQ's - Everything you wanted to know and more!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED FROM TIME TO TIME. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION AND YOU CAN'T FIND AN ANSWER HERE, PLEASE CALL US. WE'RE HERE TO HELP.

Do I need an appointment for an estimate?

No, an appointment isn't required, but it can save you some time if you do have one scheduled. Having said that, walk-ins are always welcome.

Is there a charge for an estimate?

Nope!

How long will it take for you to write my estimate?

The extent of the damages will determine the time it takes to write the estimate. Generally an estimate takes between 15-30 minutes to complete.

Can I get an estimate over the phone?

Unfortunately that doesn't work very well. Without seeing the damages to your vehicle there is no accurate way to quote anything. We invite you to stop by so we can give you something accurate, in writing. Besides, we're pretty nice folks! We'd love to meet you!

Do I need more than one estimate?

No, the state of Ohio law requires that you only get one estimate.

Why is my insurance estimate different from yours?

Differences in estimates are quite common. There are differences in the three primary estimating systems (CCC, Mitchell, Audatex) used by most insurance companies and collision repair services. There may be parts differences between the estimates. We prepare our estimates quoting new, OEM parts. Other estimates may be prepared quoting lower priced aftermarket or recycled parts. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work to repair your vehicle. If you are not sure about another estimate you have received, we would be happy to go over it with you and explain any differences. We want you to have all the information you need to make informed decisions about the repair of your vehicle.

Do I have the right to select the shop that will repair my vehicle?

Yes! The state of Ohio says that as owner of a motor vehicle involved in an accident or submitting an insurance claim, you have the right to choose the shop where you wish to have your vehicle repaired. An insurance company may make a recommendation, but they cannot force you to take your vehicle to any particular facility.

Do you work with my insurance company?

Yes, we work with all insurance companies.

How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?

Many factors determine the length of time required to restore a vehicle to its pre-accident condition; the extent and type of damages, the availability and procurement of parts, as well as getting insurance company approval for repairs. At PERFORMANCE COLLISION CENTER, we work hard to minimize any delays and to get you back in your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Do you warranty your work?

Absolutely! Upon the completion of repairs, we give you a written Lifetime Limited Warranty. We warranty our body and paint work for as long as you own your vehicle. Any parts used in your repairs carry the warranty given them by the manufacturer of those parts. Unfortunately we can't guarantee rust repairs. Rust will continue to come back unless you replace the panels where rust lives.

Do you use aftermarket parts?

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle are generally better quality, better fitting, and have better corrosion protection properties than aftermarket parts. We DO NOT recommend aftermarket parts as a general rule, however, many insurance policies are written giving the insurance company the right to decide what type of parts to use in a repair. If you have questions regarding the use of aftermarket parts in your repairs, you may want to contact your insurance company.

Can you match my paint?

PPG automotive refinishing system, our paint system, has one of the best color matches available in today's world. PPG is the #1 OEM coatings supplier globally. Our highly skilled and trained paint technicians take great pride in being able to reproduce the finish on your vehicle. And we warranty our paint work for as long as you own your vehicle!

What if my car is not drivable?

If your car is unsafe or illegal to drive because of collision damage, your insurance company will normally cover the cost to tow it to the shop of your choice, within a reasonable distance. We can arrange for your vehicle to be towed by Fox Towing (513-874-4271). Fox Towing is a responsible and professional towing company that insures that care is taken to protect your vehicle against additional damage. The cost of having the vehicle towed will be added to the repair bill. If you are unsure whether you should drive the car, please give us a call at 513-874-4600 and we will be happy to advise you.

If my vehicle has frame damage, is it a total loss?

No. A vehicle is deemed a total loss when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds 70-80% of the vehicle's value. This is a general rule-of-thumb used by most insurance companies. With today's technology, frame damage or unibody damage no longer means your vehicle cannot be repaired properly. Our frame machines are equipped with the Chief Velocity laser measuring system; one of the most accurate in the collision repair industry today. Rest assured if your vehicle has frame or unibody damage, we will return it to factory specifications.

What if my airbags have deployed?

We follow Ohio Revised Code Section 4549.20 that was enacted on September 16, 2004 and prohibits any person from installing in any motor vehicle any airbag other than the one designed in accordance with and meeting federal law standards of make, model, and year of the vehicle. Currently, all vehicle manufacturers state that only new, OEM parts be utilized after an airbag deployment. Further, they also often times require other components to be replaced to insure the system is fully restored to make certain it will function as it was originally designed and intended to perform in a subsequent accident.

What is the difference between an "insured" and a "claimant"?

"Insured" means you are using your own insurance; "claimant" means you are claiming the accident on someone else's insurance.

Do I have to pay a deductible?

If you are the "insured" and are making a claim using your collision or comprehensive insurance coverage, you probably have a deductible. The amount of the deductible that you will be responsible for is shown on your insurance policy. If you are unsure if you have a deductible, you can contact your insurance agent. The deductible is to be paid to the repair shop when repairs are completed and you come in to pick up your vehicle.

What are betterment charges?

Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e. tires, batteries, exhaust, suspension parts) are commonly subject to betterment charges when they must be replaced during the collision repair process. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are pro-rated based on the use you have already received from the part. Betterment charges are to be paid to the repair shop when repairs are completed and you come in to pick up your vehicle.