WHAT ARE OEM PARTS?
OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacture" and is used to describe parts made by or for the manufacturer of your vehicle. So OEM Ford parts come from Ford, Mercedes parts from Mercedes and so on.
WHAT ARE "AFTERMARKET" PARTS?
Aftermarket (A/M) is used to describe parts that are produced by some manufacturer other than the one who originally made your car. Some aftermarket parts carry certification that helps ensure the basic quality of the part. Aftermarket parts are usually less expensive than new OEM, but for some applications may be a better choice than used OEM parts. While it is not the practice of Auto Body Hawaii, some repairers and insurers list these parts as "Quality Replaced Parts".
WHAT ARE LKQ PARTS?
LKQ stands for "like, kind and quality." Most of us are more familiar with the other term for this category which is "Used Parts." The term LKQ should more precisely define a sub-category of used parts that are just like the ones on you vehicle before the loss.
DO I HAVE TO ACCEPT USED PARTS?
No, you do not have to accept used parts. Most customer oriented insurance companies will only suggest used parts (LKQ) when there is agreement from all parties; generally used parts are suggested when there needs to be a savings to justify the repairs. The insurance company's obligation is to restore your vehicle to "pre-loss" condition - not better than it was and no worse.
DO I HAVE TO USE THE SHOP MY INSURANCE COMPANY RECOMMENDS OF CAN I TAKE MY CAR TO A SHOP I CHOOSE?
You can always take your car to a repair facility that you choose. The insurance company can not tell you where to repair your vehicle. Some insurance people with special interests may attempt to convince or STEER you to fix your vehicle at their PREFERRED SHOP; a shop that gives the insurance company special deals. These deals will often come at the vehicle owner’s expense which could compromise safety and the quality of repairs.
If you decide to use your insurance company’s preferred shop, ask if your policy contains an “elects to repair” clause, causing your insurance to be responsible for the quality of repairs and possibly loss of value.
DO I HAVE TO GET MULITPLE ESTIMATES?
No, you do not need to get multiple estimates; you only need to notify your insurance representative as to where you will be having your repairs done. Your insurance company will work hand in hand with your choice of shop to insure you receive the service and quality repairs you have come to expect.
But what happens if the insurance company’s estimate is lower than the one I get from a shop that I choose?
Insurance companies are generally willing to pay for a proper repair. The insurance company appraiser may include only the most obvious damage in their estimate. Ask the shop to review their estimate with the insurance estimate. Generally this just takes a phone call and your shop may bill your insurance company for the supplement at the completion of the repair.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MORE DAMAGE IS FOUND?
Today’s vehicles are very complex; so it can difficult to see all the damage during the initial inspection. Therefore, finding additional damage has become very common. If additional damage is found, it is documented and discussed with you and the insurance company.
WHAT IS A DEDUCTIBLE?
A deductible is like a ”co-pay" on health insurance. It is a portion of the repair bill that is not covered by your insurance policy. The amount is determined by your insurance policy and is first set when you first purchase your insurance.
Deductibles are commonly $100, $250, $500 and $1,000. The higher your deductible amount, the lower your insurance premium.
WHEN AND WHERE DO I PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE?
Your deductible is paid directly to your repair facility when your repairs are complete. The insurance company pays us for the work performed minus your deductible.
CAN YOU SAVE ME MY DEDUCTIBLE?
No. And neither can any other honest repair facility.
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. It specifically outlines what is covered by insurance and what is going to be your financial responsibility.
Falsely manipulating an insurance claim to advance one party's interest is unethical and in many cases it is illegal. There may be legitimate ways to reduce your cost, such as appearance allowances or "cashing out" and declining some portion of the repair. We suggest that you consult your insurance company for details.
Be wary of a repair shop that offers to "cover your deductible".
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLLISION INSURANCE AND COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE COVERAGE?
Collision insurance and comprehensive insurance may vary. Generally, collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another object. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your automobile from incidents such as vandalism, theft or glass breakage.
It is generally a good idea to periodically review your policy and ask your insurance agent what exclusions are in your policy.
WILL MY INSURANCE RATES GO UP?
Your rates may or may not go up depending on who is at fault, and the type of loss; also your driving history may influence a rate increase. Your insurance agent or customer service representative can assist you in determining the impact of a given claim on your own policy premium.
DO SHOPS GUARANTEE THEIR WORK?
All Auto Body & Painting Association of Hawaii member shops warrants every repair they do.
WHAT WILL IT COAST ME?
If you are filing an insurance claim with your insurance company all you will be responsible for is the price of your deductible. If you will be paying for your repairs yourself, an estimate will be provided to you after we have the opportunity to asses the damage on your vehicle and explain the repair process to you.