Where do I get a Claim Number?
Are you open Saturdays?
Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my vehicle for repair?
If my vehicle’s frame is damaged, is it a total loss?
Can you match the paint color?
Can I get other service work done on my vehicle while it is in the body shop?
How long will the repairs take on my vehicle?
Can I get a ride home when I drop off my car?
How can I get a rental car?
Can I wash my Car?
How will I know when my car is done?
Is there a warranty of the repairs done to my vehicle?
Do I have to pay a deductible?
Who do I pay my deductible to?
What forms of payment do you accept?
What are betterment charges?
Do I need more than one estimate?
What if an insurance company refuses to work with the repair facility I choose?
What type of vehicles can you repair?
Do you offer free estimates?
Where do I get a Claim Number?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process, we will do the rest.
ARE YOU OPEN SATURDAYS?
8 AM – 1 PM at:
5710 S. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60636
7212 S. Indianapolis Boulevard, Hammond, IN 46324
9 AM – 12 PM at:
1181 E. Summit Street, Crown Point, IN 46307
2735 Bernice Road, Lansing, IL 60438
WILL THE PARTS BE ORDERED BEFORE I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE FOR REPAIR?
We will absolutely order parts in advance! 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 unless your vehicle is found unsafe to drive. If the car is unsafe to drive, we will help you arrange for a rental vehicle as soon as possible.
IF MY VEHICLE’S FRAME IS DAMAGED IS IT A TOTAL LOSS?
No. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. Nowadays, most cars are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our state-of the-art computer measuring system, can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair then that section can simply be replaced.
CAN YOU MATCH THE PAINT COLOR?
Today’s modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. CDE Collision Centers has made a major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly makes upgrades to technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle’s paint matches. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final step in the restoration process.
CAN I GET OTHER SERVICE WORK DONE ON MY VEHICLE WHILE IT IS IN THE BODY SHOP?
Yes. Simply let your advisor know what other work you would like done so he or she can make the necessary arrangements.
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIRS TAKE ON MY VEHICLE?
Your advisor can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure to check with your advisor for the specifics on your vehicle.
CAN I GET A RIDE HOME WHEN I DROP OFF MY CAR?
Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you. We want each customer’s visit to be a positive experience and will work diligently towards that goal. We provide a pickup and delivery service.
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 or if you are the claimant. 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 when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. You can also check this website. CDE Collision Centers utilizes My Repair Update; you can see actual pictures of your vehicles status. You will see a message next to the last picture of your vehicle telling you that your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call, message, or e-mail your advisor during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.
IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS DONE TO MY VEHICLE?
Yes. We guarantee all repairs with a written Lifetime Warranty.
DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE?
The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. 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 insurance company and they 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 us when you pick up your vehicle. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.
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, Discover, and Mastercard. Of course cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks are always welcome.
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 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 and wash your vehicle in the shade.
DON’T– Use a commercial car wash for the first 30 days. Stiff brushes or sponges could ruin 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 – Wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.
DO I NEED MORE THAN ONE ESTIMATE?
No, you do not need multiple estimates. Many repair centers offer free estimates. However, there are specific requirements based on the Insurance Company involved and the type of coverage you have that require certain types of parts and labor rates to be considered for providing an accurate repair estimate. Estimates written without this information may make this process seem confusing. The most important thing is for you to select a repair facility you trust and inform your Insurance Company.
WHAT IF MY INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSES TO WORK WITH THE REPAIR FACILITY I CHOOSE?
As the vehicle owner, you make the decision. You have the right to select the repair center of your choice. There are specific laws that give you this right and prevent anyone from requiring you to use an alternative repair facility.
WHAT TYPES OF VEHICLES CAN YOU REPAIR?
We have the capabilities and technology to repair any and all types of vehicles.
DO YOU OFFER FREE ESTIMATES?
Yes, we are happy to provide you with a written estimate at no charge.