FAQ

  • CAN I TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP OF MY CHOICE?

    Yes! You have the right to take your vehicle to the Collision Repair Facility of your choice. The state of PA states that an insurance company may NOT require the repairs to be done at a specific auto body repair shop.

  • WHERE DO I GET A CLAIM NUMBER?

    Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just jot it down and bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process, ACS Auto Body will do the rest!

  • WILL THE PARTS BE ORDERED BEFORE I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE FOR REPAIR?

    Absolutely! We prefer to order your vehicle’s parts at the time we write the estimate and schedule your vehicle for drop-off a couple of days later. This enables us to provide a quicker turnaround time. Please discuss the arrangements with our service advisor at the time you schedule your vehicle drop-off.

  • WHO AUTHORIZES THE REPAIR?

    In accordance with the guidelines stipulated by your “Insurance Provider” and “The Bureau of Automotive Repairs – B.A.R.” we are required to obtain several “Authorizations” and “Approvals” prior to and during the repair process. Typical examples of these are…


    A) Insurance – Agreement to Pay for Repairs:

    We will personally contact your Insurance Provider, before commencing the repairs to your vehicle, to ensure that they have accepted the responsibility to pay for the repairs to your vehicle.


    B) Customer Authorization to Pay:

    Per your Insurance Providers guidelines, we may require your authorizing signature of consent which directs your Insurance Carrier to pay our repair facility for repairs to your vehicle.


    C) Customer- Tear Down Authorization:

    At the time you drop off your vehicle at our store, we will require your authorizing signature that allows us to “Tear Down” your vehicle in order to identify all the visible damage. This procedure allows us to present you with a thorough “Initial Estimate” of repairs that will allow us to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.


    D) Customer – Authorization to Commence Repairs (“Initial Estimate”):

    Per the “Bureau of Automotive Repair- B.A.R.”, after we have reviewed the “Initial Estimate” of repairs with you, we are required to obtain your signature of consent which gives us the authorization to proceed with the repairs to your vehicle. Your verbal authorization over the phone, along with your driver’s license number is also acceptable by your Insurance Provider and the Bureau of Automotive Repair.


    E) Customer – Authorization to Approve “Supplements”:

    We may identify hidden damage or latent defects to parts to parts during the course of repairs. This additional and associated cost is referred to as a “Supplement for Repairs.” After estimating the cost, to rectify these issues, we will obtain approval from your Insurance Carrier to cover the additional Supplement Repair costs. Before continuing the repairs to your vehicle, we will also contact you to get your approval to commence these supplemental repairs. It is possible that we may need to process several supplements through the course of repairs that will require your approval. Your verbal authorization over the phone, along with your driver’s license number is acceptable by your Insurance Provider and the Bureau of Automotive Repair.


    F) Customer – Final Authorization:

    At the conclusion of the repairs and the time that you take delivery of your vehicle, your appointed estimator will review the final estimate of repairs with you during a visual inspection of your vehicle. At this time, you will be provided with a “Warranty of Repairs” and required to sign the “Final Authorization” document that acknowledges document that acknowledges that all repairs reflected in your estimate have been performed and that you will be taking delivery of your vehicle.

  • 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 companies' 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 laser measuring system, can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair, that section can simply be replaced.

  • CAN YOU MATCH THE PAINT COLOR?

    Today’s modern factory finishes incorporating multiple layers of highly specialized paints. ACS Auto Body has made a major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrades its technology and equipment to ensure a perfect match for “Factory Finishes” in the final step, of the restoration process. Paint fade, mismatched colors, clear coat deterioration or any other quality concerns to the current status of the paint quality on your vehicle may restrict our ability to restore your vehicle to its “Pre-Accident” condition.

  • 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 we will work diligently towards that goal. We also provide a vehicle pick-up and delivery service for you.

  • 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. They will also require a credit card and driver’s license from you.

  • HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TO MY VEHICLE TAKE?

    How long the repair to your vehicle will really depend on the severity of damage to your vehicle. Here at ACS Auto Body, we will do our best to get your vehicle done as soon as possible to ensure customer satisfaction.

  • HOW WILL I KNOW MY CAR IS DONE?

    You will be notified by phone when your vehicle is ready to be picked up.

  • IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?

    Yes. ACS Auto Body offers a written warranty on all workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle. Our “Body” and “Paint” Labor carries a Life-Time warranty. Parts are supported by a factory warranty. Note that parts that are subjected to common “Wear & Tear” are not supported by a warranty (i.e. Brake Pads, Rotors, Mufflers, Tires, Batteries, etc.)

  • DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTABLE?

    The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you aren’t sure about your deductible amount, you can call your insurance provider who will also tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.

  • WHO DO I PAY MY DEDUCTABLE TO?

    If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility to pay ACS Auto body when you pick up your vehicle. If you aren’t sure about your deductible amount, you can call your insurance provider who will also tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.

  • WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

    We accept “Cash”, “VISA” OR “MasterCard”.

  • WILL THERE BE ADDITIONAL CHARGES BILLED TO ME AT THE END OF THE REPAIR?

    The only additional charges that may be billed to you by your insurance carrier are “BETTERMENT CHARGES.” These charges are commonly applied to parts that are replaced during the repair process that is subjected to wear and tear and need replacement time. Typical examples of these parts are tires, brake pads, batteries, upholstery, mufflers, and suspension parts. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are pro-rated based on actual miles on your vehicle or if a measurement of usage can be measured, such as a tire tread depth. You will be responsible to pay all “BETTERMENT CHARGES” at the time of completion of repairs.

  • WHEN CAN I WASH MY CAR?

    DO’S:

    • 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.

    DONT’S:

    • 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 and leave a “Swirl” effect.
    • 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 freshly painted surfaces. 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. Scrapers can act like a paint scraper on a newly painted finish.
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