Do I have the right to take my car to the repair shop of my choice?

ABSOLUTELY YES - Only you may select the repair facility. You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot require you go to a particular shop.

Do I need to contact more than one shop for an estimate?

NO – Only one estimate from the shop of your choice is required of you. Obtaining any additional estimates is the obligation of the insurance company. Again, you have the right to choose which shop will repair your vehicle and at no additional cost to you. 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 simply leave your car at our shop and ask that the insurance company inspect the car here.

Do I have the right to genuine, original equipment parts?

YES – Unless you agreed to imitation parts when you obtained your policy, you have the right to expect factory original replacement parts.

If my insurance company does not agree with the amount of the loss, do I have any recourse?

YES – When the insured and the insurer fail to agree on the amount of the loss, both parties may be entitled to arbitration. A typical arbitration clause would explain that when the insured and the insurer fail to agree on the amount of the loss, either party may be able to get an independent appraisal within 60 days of the date of loss. The insured and the insurer would usually each select a competent appraiser, and the appraisers in turn would select a competent and disinterested umpire. Should there be a disagreement as to the amount between the appraisers, they would submit their differences to the umpire.

Where can I turn if I am unhappy with the repairs done by the shop?

Your first effort should be to resolve any problems directly with the shop that did the repairs. Involving the insurance company or another shop may only escalate the problem and increase the difficulty in getting it resolved. If your efforts at getting things resolved directly come up short, then consider inquiring with your insurance company.

How can I handle the insurance process with the least amount of hassle?

Your best bet is to select the shop of your choice to do the repairs and assign them the right to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. A reputable shop will put your best interests first and will improve your chances of negotiating a fair settlement. 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.

Where do I get a claim number?

A claim number is 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. Our friendly staff will do the rest.

Are you open Saturday?

Presently our working yours are currently 8:00am to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00am to 4:30 pm on Fridays.

Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my vehicle for repair?

Absolutely. We generally order your vehicle’s parts at the time that we write the estimate and schedule your vehicle for drop-off a couple of days later. However, if your vehicle is found unsafe to drive, then we will help you arrange for a rental vehicle as soon as possible. This enables us to provide quicker turnaround time.

If my vehicle's frame 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.

Can you match the paint color?

Today’s modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. Ogston’s Body & Paint has made a major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrades its technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle’s paint matches. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final step in the restoration process.

Can I get other service work done on my vehicle while it is in the body shop?

Yes. Just let us know what other work you would like done so that he or she can make the necessary arrangements.

How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?

Your Claim Handler can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure to check with your Claim Handler for the specifics on your vehicle.

Can I get a ride home when I drop off my car?

Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you. We want each customer’s visit to be a positive experience and will work diligently towards that goal. We provide a valet pickup and delivery service.

How can I get a rental car?

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.

How will I know when my car is done?

You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your advisor during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.

Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?

Yes. Ogston’s Body & Paint guarantees all repairs with a Lifetime Warranty. However, damages resulting from rust, unreasonable use, maintenance, or care of the vehicle are excluded. Parts used for repair are covered by the manufacturer warranty.

Do I have to pay a deductible?

The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you carry broad collision, and you were not at fault, your insurance company most likely will waive your deductible. Insurance companies determine fault by your account of the accident when you make the claim, and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.

Who do I pay my deductible to?

If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility to pay Ogston’s Body & Paint when you pick up your vehicle. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he or she can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.

What forms of payment do you accept?

The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your portion of the repairs to your vehicle is with a major credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, & Discover. Of course, cash and checks are always welcome.

What are betterment charges?

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 and are pro-rated based on actual miles on your vehicle.

Can I wash my car?

Recommendations and Precautions In The First 30 Days:

DO · Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge. Always use clean fresh water. Wash your vehicle in the shade.

DON’T · Do not use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface. Do not “dry wipe” your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish. Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days. 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. Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish. Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface. During the first 60 days do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.

Please don't hesitate to contact us whenever you have a question!

Whether you're looking to set up a quote, ask a question regarding insurance, or just need answers, we're here to help!