Checkered Flag Audi

Learn more about collision repair:

The finer points of collision repair are typically understood only by those in the insurance and automotive industries....and now, thanks to the information below. 

Estimate Explanation - Your Checkered Flag representative will be happy to go over the estimate with you, explaining every line item to your satisfaction.

Rental Cars - Repairing a car that has been in an accident can take anywhere from several days to several weeks. Because of that, it isn't feasible for Checkered Flag to provide loan cars to our Collision Center customers. However, there is an on-site rental car company at our repair facility, and we'll work closely with you to arrange a rental while your car is in the shop.

It is important that you know in advance your policy's coverage regarding rental cars. Many people are caught off guard when they don't have coverage at all or the coverage they do have is insufficient to meet their needs (e.g., your three-row SUV will be temporarily replaced by a compact car). In some worst-case repair scenarios, potential out-of-pocket expenses can be as much as $40 a day, easily exceeding $1,000 if your repair takes a month or more. If you do not currently have rental car coverage, we urge you to contact your insurance agent immediately. There is a simple policy addendum that costs as little as $3 to $5 a month for enhanced rental coverage.

OEM Parts - OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These are new parts made by the manufacturer of your car for your car, and Checkered Flag endorses their use.

LKQ Parts - Insurance companies will sometimes stipulate the use of used parts (of Like Kind and Quality as compared to your original parts) in repairing your vehicle. The key word to focus on here is quality. If your insurance will not cover OEM parts, we will strive to use LKQ instead.

Reconditioned Parts - Reconditioned parts are original equipment factory parts that are used or refurbished. Most insurance policies have provisions for the use of these parts.

Aftermarket Parts - Aftermarket parts are made with different manufacturing methods, materials and standards and because they're not made by the original equipment manufacturer, they generally do not meet manufacturer specifications. These parts also carry no warranty by your vehicle's manufacturer. To become a "certified" aftermarket part, the industry has mandated that it meet 90% of the original specifications. Some insurance companies require the use of aftermarket parts for the repair. You, as the consumer, have the right to choose whether these parts are used in the repair of your vehicle, but may incur the additional expense to use OEM parts. Please consult your insurance provider for more specific information.

Direct Repair Provider - A body shop preselected or recommended by your insurance provider is considered to be a direct repair provider. Because the shop is pre-authorized to handle repairs, a claims representative is not needed to inspect or document damages; this cuts down on time you are without your car. We will gladly work with any insurance provider, even those not currently listed as a DRP partner.

The Repair Process - The best time to consider what you'd do in the event of an accident or fender bender? Before you have one. Take a few minutes right now to review your insurance policy so there will be no surprises regarding your coverage.

Then if you do need body work:

• Verify what your policy will cover
• Bring your vehicle to our collision center
• Leave the rest to us

Some tips to help you care for your new paint:     

Almost all of today's cars are base/clear, that is, two or three thin coats of color, and top coated with a urethane clearcoat. These durable new clears however are not indestructible. They do indeed scratch quite easily. These scratches can be very fine and very annoying, especially on dark colors, or they can be fairly deep and appear as white, on a dark color. This can be a problem on a newly painted panel. Those very fine scratches or swirls are inevitable. Although there are many fine waxes, polishes, and glazes at your local autobody supply shop that can eliminate them.       

Many autobody repair shops have some type of baking or curing system that help speed up the dry time of a paint finish. These systems are designed to increase production in the refinish department, and allow you to have your car back on the road sooner. Even though the shop may say that you have a baked on finish, you should still be very careful with your fresh paint finish. Depending on what type of baking/curing system is used, the finish may actually be dry only on the surface, and not right through. Only time can release the solvents used to refinish your car. This is one reason why you should be extremely careful in the first 5 weeks or so.

• Do not use automatic car washes for at least 5 weeks, preferably never.  
• Hand wash the new paint with clear water and no soap. If you use soap, use only mild dish soap. Use plenty of water to soak the dirt, then rinse away. When you use a sponge, rub very lightly and then rinse. Be very careful when using your sponge or chamois. You don't want any little dirt particles getting on them and then getting rubbed over the surface.  
• Try to wash only in the shade and use soft cotton towels to dry.  
• Do not wax for at least 6 weeks.  
• Do not run your hand or towel over the paint if there's a little dust, this can cause scratches. 
 

 

Frequently Asked Collision Repair Questions (FAQ's):

>>My vehicle got damaged. What should I do next?

You should call our body shop so that we can guide you through the process of working with the insurance companies. We can help answer all your questions and assist you with arranging a rental car. Remember, it is your choice where you have your vehicle repaired. Checkered Flag works with all insurance companies, and returning your car to pre-accident condition is our ultimate concern. If you would like more information for a repair estimate, please contact one of our body shop estimators.

>>What do I do about transportation while my vehicle is being repaired?

Each insurance policy has an addendum that can be added to cover a rental vehicle while your car is in the shop. (If you do not currently have this coverage on your policy, we urge you to contact your agent. It usually only costs $3-$5 a month, and it can save you a huge rental bill in the future.) Many people are caught off guard by the fact that they either do not have rental coverage or the rental coverage they have does not meet their actual need. If repairs end up taking 30 days or more at $30-$40 a day for a rental car, that is well over $1,000. Therefore, it is not feasible for Checkered Flag to provide loan cars to our Collision Center customers.

>>How can I get a rental car?

Our Body Shop has on-site rental car agencies or immediate access to them. Call us and we will help you make arrangements for a car.

>>What kind of parts will you use to repair my vehicle?

Checkered Flag recommends using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to maintain the overall quality of your vehicle. However, most insurance companies require the use of aftermarket or used parts to decrease claim expense. Aftermarket parts do not meet the specifications of the original manufacturers and we do not endorse their use. However, upon customer acceptance, we will locate and use these parts, if available.

Used parts are original equipment factory parts that have been refurbished. Use of these parts does not compromise the repair of the vehicle, but we cannot determine where the part has been or the condition of the material composing the parts.

>>How long will it take to get my vehicle fixed?

Because of the nature of this business, it is difficult to pinpoint a specific date and time for repairs to be completed. Each repair is different, and there are many variables that can affect how quickly a repair is completed. We will always do our best to keep you informed on the status of your vehicle. As the repairs progress, we can give you a better idea of the estimated date of completion.

 

• Contact the Bodyshop
• Secure a Rental Car