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Collision FAQ's

Q: Do I have to have repairs made at the dealer to protect my

manufacturer's warranty?

A: NO! Petrella Brothers backs all repairs with a lifetime warranty.  AND your

manufacturer's warranty will remain in effect.

 

Q: I've been in an accident... What should I do?

A: Call us first. Our staff will walk you through the entire process. From

communicating with your insurance company and towing your vehicle, to scheduling

your repairs. We will make the necessary arrangements for a rental car for you if

needed.

 

Q: Where do I get a claim number?

A: Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report

your accident. Just jot it down and bring it with you when you come in to begin the

repair process. Petrella Brothers will take care of the rest.

 

Q: I have a brand new vehicle that has been involved in accident. Can it

look like new again?

A: Yes. Petrella Brothers employs a state of art process which enables us to

accurately match your vehicle's finish. WE TREAT IT LIKE IT'S OURS!

 

Q: Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my vehicle?

A: Absolutely. 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 not in a drivable condition. In that case, we help you arrange for a rental

vehicle as soon as possible. This enables us to provide a quicker turnaround time

and get you back on the road faster.

 

Q: How will this accident affect my insurance rates?

A: If the total damage (your car and the other party's) is less than $1,000.00, then

your insurance company may not raise your rates. If the damage exceeds this

amount, your rates may increase 10% for 3 years (on average) for the first or

second accident.

 

Q: How many estimates do I need?

A: According to New York State Regulation 64, you are required to get just one

appraisal of damage. The insurance company has their own appraisers to verify any

estimate you receive.

 

Q: If my vehicle's frame is damaged, is it a total loss?

A: 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

aid of our state-of-the-art computer measurement 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.

 

Q: What if the insurance estimate is lower than yours? Do I have to pay the

difference?

A: NO. You do not have to pay the difference of the two appraisals. Quite often the

insurance estimate is lower than ours. The insurance company may not know where

you are going for the repair and therefore will write only for the most basic repair

procedures. It is our job, once your vehicle is in for repair, to contact the insurance

appraiser and negotiate the claim on your behalf.

 

Q: Do you provide a loaner vehicle?

A: In many situations, the insurance company will furnish a rental car. We would

be happy to arrange for your rental. We will have the car waiting for you when you

drop your vehicle off for repair.

 

Q: Can you match the paint color?

A: Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly

specialized paints. Petrella Brothers has made an investment in the

finest paint system available - we use top quality paint products from

PPG - and constantly upgrades its 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.

 

Q: How long will it take to repair my vehicle?

A: Vehicle repair time is determined by the complexity of the damages. Petrella

Brothers will make the repair in a timely manner without compromising quality

standards for the sake of time. Quality and your safety are our number one

priority.

 

Q: Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?

A: Yes! Petrella Brothers guarantees all repairs.

 

Q: How can I pay for the repairs?

A: We gladly accept insurance checks, money orders and cash. Visa, MasterCard,

personal checks are also accepted up to $500.  

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