Tsawwassen Collision FAQ's
How close will the final price be to the initial estimate?
Hidden damage can have an effect on the final cost of a repair. Insurance companies understand this well and, once the overall scope of the work is understood, we often start work without the final cost cost being known. Since most individual vehicle owners do not deal with collision repairs on a regular basis they are understandably apprehensive about starting a repair without the final cost being known.
However, since most repairs that are being paid for privately are smaller, less complicated, and less costly, they are easier to estimate accurately than larger jobs. Even in these jobs circumstances do arise in which hidden damage or parts uncertainty make a firm price harder to nail down.
Before starting these jobs we will spend all the time that is necessary, before the job starts, to outline every possible scenario. Most importantly, we keep in close contact with you during the repair to communicate any changes.
Should I pay for it myself or let the insurance company pay?
That's complicated, we can deal with the insurance company for you, and if you come in we can take a look, give a thorough estimate. This kind of thing will involve more than one visit, so you can take your car away, review our estimate, and make up your mind in your own time.
I had an accident with another party and he wants to pay, how do I deal with that?
Just bring it in. We'll do an assessment and provide a thorough estimate to the 3rd party and the insurance companies to take care of payment. We'll communicate with all parties, and we won't start work until we reach an agreement.
My insurance company tells me where to take the car, do I have to take it there?
No, it's your car. Insurance companies tend to have deals set up with certain garages to funnel business in their direction. If you bring your car to us we'll conduct a thorough estimate and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
The other party wants me to take it somewhere else?
It's your car, you can take it where you like. We'll provide a thorough estimate and deal directly with the other party and/or their insurance company.
Do I have to report to my insurance company?
Any sort of collision needs to be reported. If it's just a little bit of paint or chipped glass you don't have to report it, but any sort of collision damage needs to be reported to the insurance company.
Click to see how to report a claim to your insurance company.
My car is damaged but drivable and I'm not sure if I'll have to pay a deductible for the repair.
When you bring your car in for a thorough estimate, we can communicate with your insurance company. We'll let you know if your car is really drivable or not and you can take your car home. You don't have to schedule the repair until we hear back from your insurance company and you know if the deductible is waved.
If you come in to see us we can verify an insurance company estimate and schedule your repair so you can continue to drive your car, if it is drivable. We also have loner cars if you'd prefer, it's up to you.
