What You Need to Know About Collision Repair in Marietta
Your Local Repair Shop
As a collision repair company in Marietta, we’re experienced in getting cars back on the road. Traffic Southbound in the morning and Northbound on the way home on I-75 can be miserable, and unfortunately car accidents can happen and add to the headache of your commute.
The two big questions we receive from customers are about the collision repair process and how their auto insurance works during this repair. Our process is built to give you peace of mind while your car is being fixed.
Your auto insurance experience will differ depending on your policy, but we know how these companies work. We walk you through each step and make sure you are getting the most out of your policy.
The Collision Repair Process
We’ve developed a thorough repair process with multiple quality control checks built in, which ensures you receive the best care and service possible.
The collision repair process includes the following steps:
- Repair estimate
- Approval from all parties
- Ordering parts
- Scheduling repairs
- Vehicle disassembly
- Structural, body, and paint repairs
- Vehicle reassembly
- Vehicle detailing
- Vehicle delivery
Repair Estimate
We complete the repair estimate with all relevant customer and vehicle information. The data is entered into a computer program to create an estimate. This is the preliminary estimate, which we finalize later on upon disassembling to confirm any hidden damage.
Approval from All Parties
Upon completing the preliminary estimate, we’ll get your approval to begin work. If the repair is covered by your insurance, then we will also need approval from them regarding the parts used and the anticipated cost.
This step is often a quick one, but if we need approval from your insurance company it can add additional time. But as soon as the approval is complete, we move to the next step.
Ordering Parts and Scheduling Repairs
In order to shorten the length of time you are without your car or truck, we order the initial parts before your appointment. This is based on the preliminary estimate, though we may need additional parts if we find hidden damage.
Vehicle Disassembly
Once your vehicle arrives at our Marietta shop for repair, we’ll disassemble the portion that needs to be repaired. This is an important step, because hidden damage can be lurking behind body panels.
If we find hidden damage, we’ll adjust the repair estimate and confirm it with your insurance company.
Structural, Body, and Paint Repairs
Upon disassembly, our talented team of mechanics and painters will work on repairing your car to pre-accident specifications. This includes repairing structural misalignment, body panels, and painting the repaired sections.
Our auto repairs are always performed to manufacturer-specified dimensions, and we use the parts they recommend. In order to get an exact color match for your car, we use a NAPA-approved computer system.
Vehicle Reassembly
During reassembly, we’ll reinstall lights, molding, trim, and remaining hardware. Our mechanics will confirm that all electrical and mechanical functions are working properly, and will also perform wheel alignments and A/C recharges, if necessary.
The last step in reassembly is a road test, where we’ll make sure your car is restored to its pre-accident performance.
Vehicle Detailing
Once the road test is complete, we’ll carefully detail your car, including washing and polishing the exterior, and vacuuming the interior. Before you arrive to pick it up, our team will inspect it one more time.
Delivery
Your car is now back to working condition, and has been inspected multiple times. When you arrive to pick up your vehicle, we’ll walk through the final bill and collect payment.
As a NAPA Collision & Repair Center, every vehicle repair we make is backed with NAPA’s Nationwide Lifetime Warranty, giving you peace of mind as you drive your newly repaired car or truck.
Know Your Auto Insurance Policy
In Georgia, auto insurance companies cannot dictate where you take your car for service. Owner Shelly Jackson is a former insurance adjuster, and knows all the insurance “tricks of the trade” so we can help you get the best collision repair service available.
When you experience a car accident, the collision repair process can be confusing. This is why it’s important to keep a copy of your auto insurance policy. This will outline everything you need to know about your policy.
- Rental car coverage
- Towing coverage
- Policy deductible
- Parts covered
Rental Car Coverage
If your vehicle needs to be in our repair shop for more than a few days, you may decide to use a rental car. This can minimize the impact your accident has on your schedule, but it can also add to the cost.
One way to avoid this is to have rental car coverage on your auto policy. This coverage is generally limited to a maximum daily amount. It is also inexpensive and can be a valuable addition to your policy.
If you don’t have rental car coverage, we work with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to provide you with a discounted rate, as well as transportation to and from our shop to their lot.
Towing Coverage
If your car needs to be towed into our shop, you have a few options. For example, if you have a AAA membership, towing is included.
Depending on your car’s location, though, the cost can increase quickly. And if you’re new to the area, finding a reputable towing company can be a challenge.
In order to provide you with a smooth experience, we’ve built a relationship with Falcon Towing Service. They can affordably tow your vehicle from Marietta, Smyrna, and neighboring cities.
Policy Deductible
Every insurance policy has a deductible, and auto insurance policies are commonly set at $500 per claim. The higher the deductible, the lower the insurance premium, and vice versa.
This deductible will be taken from the check you get from your insurance company for the collision repair, and you will need to pay the difference.
When choosing an auto insurance policy, ensure that you have the deductible you want. Lowering your deductible is often only a few dollars difference in your premium. This will help you avoid any surprises if you need to use it, adding additional stress to your collision repair situation.
Parts Covered
While we use factory parts for your vehicle repair whenever possible, we are limited to what your insurance policy covers. In some cases, this means we will replace any damaged parts with the parts dictated by your insurance company.
If you prefer a specific part, you are able to request this change and pay the difference.
We know collision repair can add stress, so we want to change that. At Auto Innovations in Marietta, we take care of everything for you. This includes discussing your insurance options, reserving a rental car, providing a reputable towing company, and completing the entire repair.
Our experienced team is ready to help you get back on the road. We’re open 8am to 6pm Monday through Thursday, and 8am to 5pm on Friday. Call, click, or stop in for your collision estimate today!