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Frequently Asked Questions

About Estimates

  1. Do I need more than one estimate ?
  2. How do I obtain an estimate from fender mender ?
  3. Will the price of my estimate be firm ?
  4. What about getting an estimate from an Insurance Company ?

Repair Questions

  1. Can I have my car fixed wherever I want ?
  2. Do you work on my make of vehicle ?
  3. What do I need to know about aftermarket parts ?
  4. Does my car have a frame ?
  5. Should I be driving my car if it's damaged ? 
  6. What about my alignment ?

Insurance Questions

  1. The insurance company wants me to use another shop. What are my options ?
  2. What is the difference between a "comprehensive" and a "collision" claim ?
  3. Will my rates go up if I turn in a claim ?

 

 We work with your insurance company, but we work for  you™   

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Answers about Estimates

bulletDo I need more than one estimate ? 
Not usually. Since you have the right to have your car repaired by whomever you want, you only need to get an estimate from that facility.  If insurance is paying the bill, they do have the right to "reasonably adjust" the estimate, but many Insurance Companies will accept our estimate as is.  However, if our estimate is adjusted, it will be by mutual agreement, and have no effect on the quality of repairs performed on your vehicle.  If a private third party is paying, then you may want to get two estimates.
bulletHow do I obtain an estimate from fender mender ?
We provide free written estimates by appointment.  Estimate appointments are available during normal business hours at 760.436.5575 (press 0). Our computer generated estimates usually take about 15-30 minutes to complete. Now we also  offer "ballpark" estimates via eMail!  Click here for instructions on how to submit digital photos for a "ballpark" estimate!
bulletWill the price of my estimate be firm ?
Our computer generated estimates are usually "to the penny" accurate, and we do not practice low-bid/high-bill.  However, in some instances (usually on larger repairs) once we take your car apart we may come across hidden damage. In this case, we will not proceed without your approval. If insurance is involved, we will also get the insurance company's payment approval on your behalf.
bulletWhat about getting an estimate from an Insurance Company?
Some insurers ask or require you to get a "damage appraisal" from either one of their staff, or one of their discount shops. Once you get this appraisal, let us review it in person and advise you on how to proceed. In many instances you can arrange this appraisal to be conveniently performed at the time you bring your car in to us for repairs. Please call for details.
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Answers to Repair Questions

bulletCan I have my car fixed wherever I want ?
Yes. California motorists have the right to select the repair facility, and you will be happy motorist if you select fender mender!
bulletDo you work on my make of vehicle ?
Although we have been in business for over 25 years, our records by manufacturer only go back ten years. Here's the car count from the last ten years: Acura(436), Audi(103), BMW(541), Buick(151), Chevrolet(767), Chrysler(206), Dodge(382), Ford(1753), GMC(199), Honda(1242), Infiniti(249), Isuzu(86), Jaguar(104), Jeep(400), LandRover(20), Lexus(313), Lincoln(72), Mazda(308), Mercedes(525), Mitsubishi(219), Nissan(794), Porsche(68), Saab(45), Saturn(70), Subaru(83), Toyota(1446), Volkswagen(1455), Volvo(331).
bulletWhat do I need to know about aftermarket parts ?
It is illegal in California for insurance companies to specify aftermarket parts to be installed on your car unless they are equal in quality to the factory parts they replace, and we have found that in almost all cases, they are not equal.  That is why fender mender recommends and uses factory replacement parts from your car's manufacturer.  Aftermarket parts are great for those only concerned about saving money, as aftermarket (or imitation) parts are cheaper than the factory parts they represent. However, when you trade or sell your car, smart buyers will know it's been in an accident just by seeing that a headlamp or tail lamp does not have the manufacturer's name.  Also, there are several on-going class-action lawsuits against insurers regarding use of aftermarket parts. 
bulletDoes my car have a frame ?
Probably not!  Most cars these days are made with a unitized body, which is made to safely crumple in a collision.  Your vehicle's unitized structure (or unibody) can be damaged in an accident, but don't worry-we have the equipment and technical expertise to diagnose and repair it properly. We also are expert at repairing full-frame vehicles such as mid and full-size pickups and some larger SUVs.
bulletShould I be driving my car if it's damaged ? 
Not if it's safety has been compromised. Some examples: The car steers funny, a tire is rubbing, any primary lamp is broken, a mirror is not usable, you can't open the hood, trunk or a door, or if a glass is broken out. Please call us so we may assist in determining whether or not you should be driving your car!
bulletWhat about my alignment ?
Your wheel alignment is usually only affected if there is structural damage or a significant impact on a wheel during a collision.  Remember, suspension parts are designed to take potholes and speed bumps without compromise. If there is any doubt that your alignment has been affected, or you know it drives differently since an accident, we will gladly have it checked, and make sure it's put back to specification if necessary.
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Answers to Insurance Questions

bullet What are my options if the Insurance Company recommended another repair shop ?
Your legal right is to use the shop of your choice.  The primary reason that insurers recommend any specific shop is that the shop has conceded labor and parts discounts to the insurer, and probably the use of aftermarket parts.  We believe that discounting parts and labor to an insurer only leads to forced discounts of repair quality and customer service.  And even though it's illegal for an insurance company to try to "steer" you to one of their discount shops, many still succeed by using what we call "Steering by Pretense", or not telling the whole truth. Here are a couple of examples (partial truth in bold, remainder of truth in italics):
    "fender mender is not on our approved list" because they won't give us a labor and parts discount.
    "if you take your car to fender mender, we will not guarantee the repair" but fender mender gives you a lifetime guarantee on every repair. (By the way, why does an insurance company feel they have to guarantee the work of their discount shops?)
bullet What is the difference between a "comprehensive" and a "collision" claim ?
Usually there is driver fault associated with a collision claim, but not with a comp claim. Comp usually covers vandalism, theft, acts of nature, or animal impact.  Collision is colliding into something: another car, a wall, a tree, a sign...the list is endless from what we've seen!
bulletWill my rates go up if I turn in a claim ?
Every insurance company and each situation is different, but Comp losses usually will not affect your rates, while at-fault collision losses probably will.  If you don't know whether or not to involve your insurance company, please call us and we can share with you how many of our customers make that decision.
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How to submit information for an eMail Estimate

We only provide this service for local customers.  In order for us to respond to your request, your email must contain:
bulletYour full name and address, and your home phone number.
bulletIf you are a previous customer, and we have repaired this car, we only need the current mileage. Otherwise, we need a photo a the VIN label (usually found in the door jamb), the mileage, and the license plate number and state. A photo of the odometer and license plate will work.
bulletSeveral good digital photos to see the damage.  Please try to take them at a lower quality setting (800x600 at 80% is ideal).  Take one photo so we can see see the general area of the damage in relation of the car, then two more close up from different views.

Send you email to estimates AT fendermender.com (replace AT with @, no spaces).

Please make sure the word "estimate" in in the subject line!

 

 

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Revised: January 23, 2008 .