FAQ
First, check all passengers and call 911 if there are injuries. If everyone is alright, call the police to get a report filed. If the police will not respond, exchange insurance information and get a written statement from all parties involved as well as witnesses and detailed photos of damages. If your car cannot be safely driven, call us and we will arrange to have your vehicle towed to our shop.
No, you are NOT required by law to get more than one estimate.
No, you do not need to schedule an appointment for an estimate, but it may save you time. Most estimates take about 20-45 minutes to complete, depending on the extent of the damage. You can make an appointment or stop by for a free estimate anytime during business hours.
No, you have the right to choose the body shop of your choice. We work directly for your with all insurance companies that underwrite auto policies, so you can elect to have your repair done at Runway Auto no matter who your insurance provider is.
You will need to contact your insurance company and report the accident. Tell them you choose to have your repairs done at Runway Auto. If you have any questions, please contact us directly and our service advisors will guide you through the process.
Upon completion of the repairs, we collect the deductible on behalf of the insurance company when you pick up your vehicle.
Check your policy for rental coverage. We work seamlessly with Enterprise Rent a Car, and will arrange for you to be met at our shop when you drop off your car for repairs. The rental vehicle can also be left here when repairs are complete. If you don’t have rental insurance on your policy, contact your agent. Rental insurance is very inexpensive to add on. You may also pay directly for a rental car onsite through Enterprise if it is not covered by your insurance.
If your car has sustained mechanical damage to the engine in an accident, we have licensed mechanics who can complete some types of non-body-related work while your collision repair is being done. Please notify your advisor of the repairs or services required and we will make the necessary arrangements.
No. A car is “totaled” only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. Our highly trained technicians, with the aid of our computerized frame measuring system, can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair, the frame can be removed and replaced.
Yes. We order your vehicle’s parts before your scheduled drop off date. However, we may have to order additional parts for damage that becomes apparent after your car is disassembled in the shop.
Quality repairs begin with a detailed written estimate. Our trained estimators make a practice of anticipating problems before they arise. However, damage is often hidden and cannot be discovered until your vehicle has been disassembled. If this happens, your vehicle’s completion date may need to be revised. We will keep you informed throughout the repair process, and we assure you we will return your vehicle to you as quickly as possible.
Yes, but you shouldn’t need to! We will wash your car after it is painted. However, you may wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge. Do not use a commercial car wash for the first 60 days because stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface. Do not wax or polish the vehicle for 90 days.
All repairs are backed by a LIFETIME warranty, which can be found in detail on our Services page.
To pay the least amount possible on a claim, some insurance companies may:
- Insist that a part can be fixed when it needs to be replaced
- Decline the use of the original manufacturer's parts opting for cheaper aftermarket parts instead
- Disagree with the shop's estimate on how long repairs will take
- Refuse to pay the shop's hourly rate expecting you to choose a cheaper, low-quality alternative
