Yes, even if you caused the damage, you can use your insurance coverage for the repairs. While it may increase your rates, the purpose of insurance is to take care of unforeseen incidents, so you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs out of pocket. Repair costs are higher than ever, especially with the increase in part prices and services. The average cost for even a minor repair, like a scratch on your bumper cover, could be $1500-$3000 depending on the age of your vehicle.
Late-model vehicles have parking sensors, cameras, and other technology that need to be recalibrated after it’s been replaced or unplugged. A minor fender bender repair that needs only a couple of parts replaced could cost at least $5000 on average; some headlights cost $5000 just to replace one side. Regardless of whether someone else caused the damage, or you did it yourself, we recommend using your insurance—that’s why you have it!
It’s very common for the initial estimate from insurance to be lower than the repair costs because it’s just a preliminary assessment. During the repair process, repair shops will submit a supplement to the insurance company for any additional parts or repairs that are needed for damage that wasn’t obvious during the initial inspection.
Insurance companies write a basic, lower-cost estimate for a couple of reasons. First, they’re hoping you’ll opt for a cash settlement and decide not to repair your vehicle. Secondly, providing a basic estimate saves them time. If you have your vehicle repaired, your repair shop will handle the rest by providing a detailed supplement with photos.
At Cline Collision Center, our priority is ensuring our customers’ vehicle are restored to their pre-accident condition or better by providing detailed photo documentation. This allows us to get quick and easy approval online, so we can keep the repair process moving.
All major insurance companies contract with large repair shop chains to secure discounts. However, California law explicitly states on every repair estimate that you have the right to take your vehicle to any repair shop you choose.
Insurance companies will sometimes use scare tactics, like suggesting that you could be responsible for repair expenses if they don’t agree with your repair shop—but the actual differences in the final repair invoice are due to the insurance company and repair shop using different repair estimate software. At Cline Collision Center, we always adjust the repair estimate to match the labor times authorized by the insurance company.
Yes, we can help. We’ll waive part of your deductible so you can use those funds to pay for a rental car.
No, you don’t. As long as the person who hit you gives you their policy number, you can file a claim on their insurance. If they told their insurance they were responsible for the accident, their insurance company will cover all repairs related to the claim (including your rental car) until the repairs on your vehicle are finished.
The repair cost exceeds the value of the vehicle. If the insurance declares your vehicle a total loss, they will pay you out fair market value, and they will sell the damaged vehicle to a wrecking yard.
We work with all insurance companies, which means we work together in providing all necessary photos, documents, and estimates to provide a proper repair. We don’t have any agreements with any insurance companies because we believe in being our customers’ advocate to make sure their vehicle is repaired properly and with quality parts. If we had contracts with insurance companies, they would call the shots on how to repair and what parts to use, only wanting to save money.
Unfortunately, no. We can, however, give ballpark figures if you email us good photos of the damage.
We no longer can arrange rental vehicles. Local rental car providers have stopped this practice and only make arrangements with the vehicle owner and their insurance company. We do, however, pick up and give rides to and from the rental provider.
We warranty our work for as long as you own your vehicle.
We always recommend the use of OEM parts, but some insurance policies only pay for aftermarket, used, and/or reconditioned parts. Check with your insurance policy to see what they cover. We recommend adding an OEM endorsement to your policy. As such, if or when you need to use your insurance for collision repair, they will only use OEM parts if you have the correct endorsement.
OEM stands for an original equipment manufacturer. Parts are manufactured by that maker of your vehicle, which in return, will be a quality part and a good fitment.
Average repair is 1-2 weeks from the time we have insurance approval and parts received.
We have been certified by that maker. We follow their repair procedures, have the correct equipment to make the repairs, and are an I-CAR Gold class shop with platinum technicians.
Our technicians have gone through thousands of hours of rigorous training on repairing vehicles properly. Vehicles are changing at lightning speed and technicians need to have continuous training.
