It’s YOUR choice! Know your RIGHTS!
You have the Legal Right to go to the repair shop of your choice. It is illegal for your insurance company to require you to go to a particular shop & to discourage you from going to the shop of your choice. If your insurance company tries to get you to go to another shop, it’s simply because they work for them.
Some insurance companies may want you to go through 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 the insurance company to inspect the car here. As a service to our customers, we handle all accident-related supplemental damage insurance claims and repairs.
If your insurance company says Whirled of Color will charge you extra—that’s untrue. We should not have to charge a customer for repairs that your insurance is supposed to pay for. Your insurance company knows it takes longer to properly repair a car to manufacturer’s specifications. Keep this in mind if you’re told to take your car to another shop for a faster short-cut repair process. We welcome all customers whether its insurance claims or pay out-of-pocket and we warranty our workmanship for as long as you own your car.
What to do if you are involved in an accident:
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Stop. Stay calm. Do not leave the scene.
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Call law enforcement authorities immediately.
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Do not discuss the accident with anyone except the police or your insurance company. Do not pay the other party.
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Secure the names and addresses of involved parties & witnesses.
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Have your vehicle towed to Whirled of Color. if not drivable. If your vehicle is drivable, see us as soon as possible.
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Notify your insurance company of the accident and that we are doing your repairs.
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. This enables us to provide quicker turnaround time.
IF MY VEHICLE FRAME IS DAMAGED IS IT A TOTAL LOSS?
No. A car is a total loss only when the cost of repairs exceeds the insurance companies determined value of your vehicle. Nowadays, most cars are built using unibody (frame & body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our state-of-the-art systems, 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. Whirled of Color. 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 use the computerized paint system which allows us to accurately match your specific vehicle paint formula. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the last 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 you would like done while your vehicle is in our care and we will get you a quote on the additional services and manage them throughout for you as well.
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE TAKE?
We can only give you the estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. As a general rule, drivable cars are scheduled in on Monday and whenever possible delivered back to customers by Friday.
CAN I GET A RIDE HOME WHEN I DROP OFF MY CAR?
Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you if you live within a 10-mile radius or we can give you a ride to the nearest Metro Station.
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. 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 by phone when your vehicle is ready to be picked-up. Feel free to call or email your us during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.
IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?
Yes. Whirled of Color has a lifetime warranty on our repairs.
DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE?
Whirled of Color offers deductible assistance. In most cases, we are able to absorb the deductible for you on our end. This is on a case by case basis depending on the amount. The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you carry standard collision, you will have to pay your deductible regardless of whether you were at fault. 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 adviser and he/she 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 Whirled of Color when you pick-up your vehicle.
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 cashier’s check, money order or with a major credit card. We accept Visa & Mastercard. Of course, cash is always welcome.
PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
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 & PRECAUTIONS IN THE 1ST 30 DAYS
DO’s – 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’s – 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. Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid or windshield solvent on the new finish.