"Taking Pride In Auto Body Repair Excellence & Personalized Customer Service For Over 51 Years."
607-756-9388
3812 Luker Rd. Cortland, NY 13045
Specializing in Collision Repair
Matt Petrella
Owner
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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.