Questions About the Collision Repair Process? We are Happy to Provide You With Answers

The following are questions most often asked by our customers. Please feel free to contact us in person, by phone, or by e-mail if you have additional questions. We are here to help.

Do I need to schedule an appointment to receive an estimate?
We provide both scheduled and unscheduled estimates. If you are able to call ahead to schedule an estimate it helps us to get you in and out faster by ensuring that we will have an estimator available when you arrive. Unscheduled estimates are never turned away, but may have to wait for a short period if another estimate is scheduled at that time. To schedule an estimate at our Jamaica, Queens location please call us at (718) 529-1000.

Is there a charge for me to receive a written estimate?
No. There is no charge for collision or damage repair estimates to vehicles that are 15 years old or newer. If you are in need of an estimate for custom or specialty repairs then please call ahead to inquire.

Where do I get a claim number?
Claim numbers are normally issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Please write the claim number down and bring it in with you when you begin the repair process. If your agent or insurance company has not already given you a claim number, we will contact them on your behalf to obtain the claim number for your repair order.

Can you match the paint color of my vehicle?
Yes, Jamaica Auto Body & Towing will take the steps necessary to ensure your satisfaction with the paint match. Proper paint-matching techniques require a high level of skill and a great deal of patience. Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. We have the finest paint system available and constantly upgrade our technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle's paint matches. All of our technicians are trained and certified. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final step in the restoration process.

How long will it take to repair my vehicle?
Because each situation is different, there is no standard time period necessary to make repairs. The length of time is dependent on the extent of the damage the vehicle has sustained, availability of parts, and your insurance adjustor's timeliness. When the written estimate is prepared we will provide you with an estimated time of completion. If additional damage is found after teardown, the estimator will contact you immediately to advise of any additional repair time

Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?
Jamaica Auto Body & Towing offers a lifetime warranty on most repairs for as long as you own the vehicle.

Must I notify my insurance company before repairs?
Yes, insurance policies require that you notify the company or your agent, make a report, and tell them where the damaged vehicle may be inspected.

Do I have to pay a deductible? Who do I pay a deductible to?
If you have a deductible, it is your responsibility to pay the deductible to Jamaica Auto Body& Towing Inc. upon the completion of repairs. The amount of your deductible is determined by your insurance policy. If you do not know the amount of your deductible, your agent can tell you.

Who is responsible for payment to the repair shop, the insurance company or me?
You are. As the vehicle owner, you are in direct contract with the repair shop, not the insurance company. As such, it is extremely important to CHOOSE a repair shop that will meet your expectations for a quality repair because you are solely responsible for the cost of repair.

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 and Discover. We also accept cash, bank checks, and insurance checks.

If my vehicle's frame is damaged is the car a total loss?
No. Using a state-of-the-art computer measuring system and our highly skilled technicians, we can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair, that section can be replaced.

What if my car is a total loss?
If the damage to your car is greater than your car's worth, we can assist you in negotiating with your insurance company to reach an acceptable settlement.

Will you buy my wrecked car?
On occasion we do buy wrecked or damaged vehicles. If you think you might be interested in selling your car in "as is" condition, please let your service advisor know or contact us.

Do you assist with rental car services?
Yes. Jamaica Auto Body& Towing can help you make the necessary arrangements. They will meet you at our shop or we can give you a ride to their facility. Check your insurance policy and/or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what your specific limitations are.

Can I get a ride home when I drop off my vehicle?
We do not have an official shuttle service, but whenever possible a member of our staff will be glad to give you a ride to or from your home or office within a reasonable distance from our shops.

How will I know when my vehicle is done?
We will keep you informed as repairs progress, and will call you in advance to let you know when the vehicle repairs will be complete. Feel free to call or email us during the repair process if you have any questions or concerns.

Can I get other work done on my car while it is in the body shop?
Yes. Just let us know what other work you would like done so that we can make the necessary arrangements. Additional repairs may not be covered by your insurance company.

What are your hours?
Our locations are conveniently open Monday through Friday 8:00 am -5:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon.

Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my vehicle for repair?
Yes. In order to provide a quicker turnaround time, we order your vehicles parts as soon as you schedule a date for repairs.

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 vehicle after it has been repaired?

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.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS

DON'T:
- Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and hardencompletely.