Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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, Whitman’s Auto Body will do the rest.
   
   
2. IF MY 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 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 the aid of our state-of the-art computer 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.
   
   
3. CAN YOU MATCH THE PAINT COLOR?
   Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. Whitman’s Auto Body has made a major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrades its technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle's paint matches. Our latest investment has been in a state of the art camera that is run by a computer and will match any paint color on any vehicle. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes with this new technology.
   
   
4. CAN I GET OTHER SERVICE WORK DONE ON MY VEHICLE WHILE IT IS IN THE BODY SHOP?
   Yes. Just let your advisor know what other work you would like done so that he or she can make the necessary arrangements. 
   
   
5. HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE TAKE?
   Your advisor can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure to check with your advisor for the specifics on your vehicle.
   
   
6. 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 will work diligently towards that goal. We provide a pickup and delivery service. 
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
8. HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CAR IS DONE?
   You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your advisor during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.
   
   
9. IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?
   Yes. Whitman’s Auto Body guarantees all repairs with a Lifetime Warranty.
   
   
10. DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE?
    The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you were not at fault, your insurance company most likely will waive your deductible. Insurance companies determine fault by your account of the accident when you make the claim, and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.
    
    
11. WHO DO I PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE TO?
    If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility to pay when you pick up your vehicle. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.
    
    
12. WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
    The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your portion of the repairs to your vehicle is with a major credit card. We accept Visa and Mastercard Amex and Discover. Of course, cash and checks are always welcome.
    
    
13. WHAT ARE BETTERMENT CHARGES?
    Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e., tires, batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly subject to betterment charges when they are replaced during the repair process. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are pro-rated based on actual miles on your vehicle.
    
    
14. CAN I WASH MY CAR? RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 30 DAYS:
    DO · 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.
    
    DON'T · 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. · 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 a freshly painted surface. 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. 
    
    RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS
    DON'T · Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.