Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

Accidents are stressful, and the repair process can be confusing. At Premier Collision Center, we believe in transparency and safety. Whether you’re dealing with an insurance claim, curious about our I-CAR Gold standards, or looking for custom powder coating details, we’ve gathered the answers to our most frequently asked questions below to help you get back on the road with confidence.

What should I do in the event of an accident?

The moments immediately following an accident can be profoundly disorienting. It is essential to remain composed and take the following steps:

1. Safety First
If possible, reposition your vehicle away from active traffic and activate the hazard lights. If available, place warning triangles or flares around your car. Subsequently, maintain a safe distance while communicating with other drivers or awaiting assistance.

2. Are You Injured?
Ensure the well-being of yourself and your passengers by checking for injuries. Be aware that some injuries may not present immediate symptoms, requiring frequent and ongoing assessment. Even minor collisions may result in delayed or inconspicuous injuries. Contact emergency medical services if there is any uncertainty regarding injuries.

3. Call The Authorities
Contact 9-1-1 immediately, especially if there is significant property damage, if any individuals are injured, or if anyone is behaving confrontationally. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, request the name and contact information of the investigating officer. Additionally, obtain the accident report number for future reference.

4. Exchange Information
Secure the name, address, phone number, driver's license number, plate number, and insurance information for all other drivers involved in the incident. Furthermore, document the names of any injured parties and witnesses. Refrain from debating fault or admitting responsibility.

5. Record The Scene
If feasible, document the scene with photographs or create a diagram illustrating the positions of all involved vehicles. Contact your insurance provider immediately.

6. Call Premier Collision Center
Following the documentation of the scene, please contact Premier Collision Center at (208) 233-3310 for guidance on the subsequent steps to ensure your vehicle is repaired promptly and safely. Please retain this guide and share it with friends and family, as an accident guide can be invaluable.

Towing

My car isn't drivable, can I get it towed to your shop?

Yes! Call us at 208-233-3310 and let us know you’re in need of a tow to the shop. If this is after hours you can call A+ Towing to dispatch a tow to our facility.

Who do I pay for the vehicle being towed?

If utilizing insurance, the towing fee will either be billed directly to the insurance provider or we can issue a reimbursement to the towing company upon vehicle drop-off at our facility, at which point the fee will be incorporated into your insurance claim. Should you elect to pay independently, the towing fee will be included in the final invoice and is due upon completion of the repair.

Rental Cars

How can I get a rental car?

Insurance companies typically provide coverage for a rental vehicle only if this option is explicitly included in your policy or if you are filing a claim as the aggrieved party. Please review your policy documentation or contact your insurance provider to ascertain the availability of rental coverage and to determine your specific policy limitations.

Do you offer loaner cars?

We do not offer loaner cars.

Estimates

How do I get an estimate?

Complimentary estimates are provided without the need for an appointment. Alternatively, you may utilize the link below to initiate your free online estimate.

Do I need more than one estimate?

The decision of how many estimates to obtain, and whether to compare them with multiple shops, rests solely with you. Once you select a repair facility, please direct your insurance company to coordinate with them directly.

I already have an estimate from my insurance company, what do I do next?

Should your insurance adjuster have provided you with a copy of the approved repairs, kindly forward it to us via email or deliver it to our office. We are required to commence the repair process utilizing the initial estimate.

Will my estimate include all new OEM factory replacement parts?

Insurance providers maintain distinct guidelines regarding parts utilization. Many insurance policies only authorize the use of aftermarket (non-OEM copies), remanufactured (previously damaged), or used (Like Kind and Quality, or LKQ) parts during a repair. You retain the option to cover any cost difference should you elect to use exclusively factory parts for the repair.

What is insurance steering?

*"Steering," in the context of car insurance, occurs when an insurance provider directs its policyholder or third-party claimant to have their vehicle repaired at a specific body shop. Insurance companies have also been known to discourage policyholders from using certain collision repair facilities. This practice, despite being a violation of the 1963 federal consent decree in the U.S., remains a prevalent industry practice. Insurers employ steering tactics to funnel policyholders toward shops on their referral networks.Insurance companies often encourage you to use their "preferred shops," not to ensure the quality of the repair or adherence to their policy, but unfortunately, to secure a less expensive repair.

I was told that I have to take my car to a certain repair shop. Do I have to?

Generally, no. An insurance company cannot mandate that you utilize a specific repair facility unless the terms of your policy explicitly state this requirement. You retain the right to select the repair shop for your vehicle.

Repair Process

Can I have my vehicle repaired at the shop of my choice?

It is indeed your responsibility and your right to select the facility that will repair your vehicle. Should you require assistance in choosing a repair center, your insurance provider can recommend a shop for high-quality auto body repairs in your area. Many insurance companies participate in Direct Repair Programs, which streamline the claims process and facilitate more prompt repairs.

How long will the repair take?

The estimated duration for repairs is subject to various factors, including part availability, necessary paint and material dry times, and the accessibility of specialized equipment within our facility. We recognize the importance of your transportation and are committed to completing the repair efficiently.

Will my vehicle drive the same?

Vehicles sustaining frame or suspension damage necessitate a two- or four-wheel alignment. We possess the precise specifications for every vehicle to ensure that the frame or unibody is restored to its exact pre-accident condition.

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

Should a rental vehicle be required, our team is available to assist with the necessary arrangements. Please be advised that insurance coverage for a rental car is contingent upon the inclusion of this option in your policy or your status as the claimant. We strongly recommend reviewing your policy and contacting your insurance provider to confirm your rental coverage details and any applicable limitations.

Will my color match?

Leveraging the expertise of our highly skilled professionals and advanced paint matching technology, we are capable of meticulously reproducing your vehicle's original finish. We utilize only the highest quality paint products.

What if I want to keep my vehicle after it is totaled?

Retention of vehicle ownership is permissible; however, the settlement amount may be subject to a reduction equivalent to the salvage value.

What will happen to the vehicle after it is totaled?

The insurance company will offer the vehicle to the highest bidder, who will either dismantle it for parts or resell it following repairs.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes. We offer a limited lifetime warranty on all of our work for as long as you own the vehicle. It is important to note that your body shop is solely responsible for the repair warranty, not your insurance company.

I picked up my vehicle but noticed something wrong after I got home, what should I do?

We strive to ensure your vehicle is returned to its pre-accident condition upon leaving our facility. Should you observe any discrepancies or encounter any issues, please do not hesitate to contact us or return to our shop.

Insurance

Where do I get a claim number?

Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company when you report your accident. Please ensure this number is recorded and presented at our certified repair center to initiate the accident repair process; we will manage the subsequent steps.

What is a deductible and how do I know if I have to pay one?

Your deductible situation depends on who is at fault for the repair. If the other party is at fault and their insurance is covering the repair, you will not have a deductible. If the repair is going through your own insurance policy, the cause of the accident will determine the deductible amount. Your deductible is set when you purchase your insurance premium.

The other insurance company says my car accident may be a "total loss". What does that mean?

The sum of the repair costs and the salvage value of the damaged vehicle exceeds the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the vehicle immediately prior to the incident.

What are the differences between OEM, Aftermarket and LKQ parts?

OEM- Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) is a term for parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Aftermarket - These are parts not made by your vehicle manufacturer. They are also known as Quality Replacement Parts (QRP). Aftermarket parts are much cheaper than OEM parts and might not have the same fit and function as OEM parts. LKQ – (Like Kind & Quality). These parts are more commonly referred to as used parts. These parts generally come from automotive salvage yards. Salvage yards purchase damaged or totaled vehicles, remove the good parts and sell them as LKQ parts. All LKQ parts are inspected for prior damage, rust, and to make sure they are OEM and not Aftermarket.

How is the Actual Cash Value (AVC) determined?

An appraiser will be assigned by the insurance company to inspect the vehicle and assess its pre-accident condition.

Is the AVC negotiable?

Yes! If the Actual Cash Value (ACV) presented by the insurance company is deemed insufficient, the onus is on the claimant to substantiate a higher valuation. This substantiation must be provided through documented receipts of vehicle enhancements or written appraisals from qualified experts.

What is subrogation?

Subrogation is the procedure through which your insurance provider covers the costs of repairing your vehicle and is subsequently entitled to recover those funds from another insurer or responsible party. Utilizing your collision coverage necessitates the payment of your deductible, which may be reimbursed upon payment by the other party.

Payments

When do I pay my deductible?

Upon completion of the repairs and your satisfaction, the insurance check issued will exclude the amount of your deductible, should one apply. You will be responsible for paying the deductible amount to Premier Collision Center when you retrieve your vehicle.

When is my final payment due?

Payment is due upon completion of the repair. If utilizing insurance, please ensure you bring any insurance checks along with your deductible. You have the option to endorse the check directly to us; depositing it into your personal account is not required.

Can you help bury my deductible?

Upon purchasing an insurance policy, the policyholder enters into a contractual agreement obligating them to remit the initial portion of any claim, up to the stipulated deductible amount. Repair facilities are strictly prohibited from being requested to obscure or conceal this deductible. Such a practice constitutes insurance fraud for both the repair establishment and the consumer, and the repercussions for committing insurance fraud are substantial. Should a repair facility propose to absorb the deductible, they are doing so at the detriment of the necessary repairs. Consequently, they will not execute the complete, requisite repairs to offset the deductible. This conduct may lead to compromised and substandard repairs, ultimately posing a liability to the consumer.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payments via cash, check, and all major credit cards. Please note that a 3.5% convenience fee will be applied to all credit card transactions.

Post Repair Care

When can I wash or wax the exterior of my vehicle?

Vehicle Care Instructions for New Finish
You may wash your vehicle by hand immediately upon retrieval using cool water and a very mild car wash solution, applied with a soft cloth or sponge.
For the initial 30 days, we strongly advise the following precautions:

Refrain from using commercial car washes. Stiff brushes and sponges can potentially mar the finish and damage the surface.
Avoid driving on gravel roads. Chipping of the new finish is easily done within the first 30 days.
Do not park beneath trees or utility lines, as these areas are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. Furthermore, tree sap can mar or spot a newly painted surface.
Ensure that gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent are not spilled onto the new finish.
Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.
For the initial 90 days, we suggest the following:
Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This extended period permits the finish to dry and harden completely.

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