Q:  How does the Repair Process work?
A:  1.  Pre-Estimate: Scheduling a Damage Review appointment to inspect the vehicle, provide an estimate, discuss repair options, and schedule a repair start date.

2.  Disassembly/Finalization of Estimate:  Disassembly will occur on the scheduled repair start date to identify any further damage that otherwise would be impossible to identify without disassembling the vehicle.  We will manage any insurance company issues if there are repairs needed that could not be foreseen without disassembling your vehicle.

3.  Insurance/Customer Approval:  Before any repair work is started understanding and acceptance of the final estimate by the insurance company and customer must be confirmed.  This will ensure that we are addressing all of your concerns. 

4.  Parts Acquisition:  After the estimate is approved parts can then be ordered.  In most situations all parts will be here on the scheduled repair date, exceptions are damaged parts that could not be identified without disassembly of the vehicle.  In most cases these additional parts can be received within 24hrs of ordering (pending manufacturer availability, i.e. KIA parts generally take 5 to 7 days due to availability issues). 

5.  Repairs:   Once the vehicle arrives it will be cared for by our production team and flow through the Frame, Body, Paint, Mechanical, and Sublet and re-assembly processes depending on the repair work required.  Depending on your preference we will you regularly to let you know where your vehicle is in the repair process, and will let you know of any delays that may arise and the actions we are taking to alleviate those delays.

6.  Detailing:  Returning your vehicle to you vacuumed, washed, and ready to roll!

Q:  How long will it take?
A:  It all depends on the amount of damage.  Parts and availability is another factor.  The more common the car, the easier it will be to get the parts.  With the new technology and design of the cars today there may be hidden damage.  If that is the case it will take additional time for ordering parts and doing the repair.

Q:  How is payment handled if someone else hits me?
A:  In this situation you are considered the claimant.  All you need to do is notify the driver's insurance company and tell them you intent to have your vehicle repaired at Rick's Auto Body.  You should not have to pay for any repairs inflicted at this time.

Q:  What does I-Car mean?
A:  I-Car is an independent, not-for-profit technical training organization, formed by the collision industry.  All I-Car activities focus on helping the industry achieve a high level of technical training.  I-Car's goal is that:  1) every person in the collision repair industry has the technical knowledge and skills relevant to their position to ensure a safe and complete repair.  You can learn more at www.i-car.com.

Q:  Will my car drive the same?
A:  With today’s technology, our technicians and equipment, we will bring your vehicle back to factory specifications.  Rest assured that Rick’s Auto Body will return your vehicle to pre-accident condition.

Q:  How do I care for my paint finish?
A:  The combination of frequent washings by hand or a brushless automatic car wash, immediately removing any debris, road tar, tree sap, etc., brush touching any road chips and waxing your vehicle will maintain the luster of your finish and protect your vehicle.

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