Do You Work With My Insurance Company?

The vast majority of collision repair centers in Scottsdale collaborate with most insurance providers. However, some insurers can be quite challenging to deal with, often refusing to cover the costs of repairing vehicles according to original manufacturer specifications. When faced with such uncooperative insurance companies, many repair shops opt not to take on these repair jobs due to the lack of willingness to cover proper fixes.

Most car manufacturers, like Honda, Nissan, Jeep, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and others, have specific or recommended procedures for collision repairs. In situations where these procedures aren't provided, reputable repair shops will typically follow industry-standard methods to ensure safety. Interestingly, we've encountered instances where insurance companies respond with, “We don’t cover that expense.” In response, we explain that according to Honda (or another brand), the repair requires “xyz.” The insurer might then agree but still refuse to cover the cost. This leaves the question of who ultimately bears the financial burden, which is frustrating for both the vehicle owner and the repair facility.

Should I choose a recommended or preferred collision repair facility from the insurance company’s list?

Insurance companies often provide you with a list of approved collision repair shops in Scottsdale. They’ll usually mention that these facilities offer a repair warranty. It's important to note that no single repair shop can appear on every insurance company's preferred list—handling such high volumes of work would be overwhelming!

Remember, a reputable collision repair shop likely offers a lifetime labor warranty. As a consumer, you have the right to select the repair facility for your vehicle. Before choosing, consider doing some research. Ask for recommendations, read online reviews across multiple platforms, and visit the facility. Is it clean? Are the staff professional? What types of vehicles do you see being worked on?

Will the auto body shop coordinate with my insurance company?

A professional Scottsdale collision repair shop will communicate with both you and the insurance company. However, they cannot force the insurer to cover specific labor operations or parts. Many disputes arise due to policy language, which often allows the use of used or aftermarket parts. If the repair shop cannot demonstrate an issue with these parts, the vehicle owner might need to step in and discuss the matter directly with the insurer.

Who can help me with a rental car?

Insurance companies typically choose the rental car provider and make the reservation. If you encounter problems with your rental car, contact either the rental provider or the insurance company directly.

Does the auto body shop or insurance company decide what kind of parts to use?

Most Scottsdale collision repair facilities prefer Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts due to their superior quality and fit. The second choice is used/salvaged OEM parts. A quality-conscious repair shop has a parts department that inspects each part and rejects any that are substandard, even if it delays the process slightly. Keep in mind, parts availability and policy language can sometimes prevent repair shops from ordering new OEM parts.

Will all the damage be addressed?

When meeting with your insurance adjuster or collision repair estimator, make sure to highlight all your concerns. Insurance companies are adept at identifying damage related to the incident. Occasionally, there might be two separate claims and deductibles if the damage is determined to stem from two distinct accidents. Be aware that the insurance adjuster acts similarly to a crime scene investigator (CSI) and will not approve repairs for unrelated damage.

Who should I speak to about my claim, repairs, and car rental?

It takes a team of people to get you back on the road. Directing your questions to the right person will save you time!

• I don’t like my rental car: Contact the rental car provider. They often will swap your rental car if you’re dissatisfied.
• Why is the collision repair taking so long? Speak to the Scottsdale collision repair facility. Are there part issues, is the insurance company slow to respond? Do you fully understand the scope of repairs, including wiring and mechanical aspects? Request a more detailed explanation if you’re unsure.
• I want OEM parts: Speak with your insurance adjuster, be prepared to explain why your car needs OEM parts, and be aware you may need to cover the price difference.

Who do I pay my deductible to?

If you're insured, your deductible will be paid to the Scottsdale collision repair facility. The insurance company will cover the remaining balance to the auto body repair facility or to you. Any checks or electronic funds transfers (EFTs) issued to you must be paid to the collision repair shop before the vehicle is released.

Airpark Collision Center opened in 2006, focusing on quality auto body repairs and exceptional customer service. We're happy to work with most insurance companies and clients paying out of pocket. Please call 480-922-3006 to schedule an estimate or click here if you have a minor repair.