Is it safe to drive my car after an accident?
Don’t drive your car if you are unsure if it is safe or if it will cause further damage.
Coolant or oil leaking under the car could mean that it’s best to have it towed directly to Aurora Collision Center.
Can the insurance company tell me where to have my vehicle repaired?
No. Colorado state law says you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the auto body shop of your choice. An insurance company cannot tell you to use or not to use a particular shop.
Why should I bring my car to a high-quality professional auto body repair shop?
Your car is one of the biggest investments you are likely to make. Bring it to Aurora Collision Center, a body shop you can trust to preserve its value and your safety.
Do I have to get 3 estimates if I’m going through insurance?
No. No law requires you to get more than one estimate.
Why is one estimate I have lower than another?
The lower estimate may not include all necessary repair work. If you are not sure why one estimate is lower, ask us to go over the differences with you.
The insurance company is telling me I have to go to their drive in claim center to have my vehicle inspected. Do I have to go there?
No. The insurance company cannot require you to visit their drive-in claims center. You can if it is convenient for you, or you can leave your car at our body shop and tell the insurance company they can inspect it here so we can make sure they do a thorough inspection. The insurance company does have the right to inspect the car before repairs are started, and they usually want to write the “estimate of record” for the claim.
The insurance company says they won’t warranty the work if I take it to your shop. Do insurers offer warranties?
Insurance companies do not repair your vehicle; a repair shop does. Therefore the insurance company does not warranty repairs. Aurora Collision Center has been at the same location for nearly 20 years and warranties all repairs for as long as you own your vehicle.
What if I already have an estimate from the insurance company?
If you already have an insurance estimate; we will use it to get started. Then we will go back to the insurance company for any additional damage. Additional damages and changes are called “supplemental damages.”
Why is the insurance estimate lower than the estimate you gave me?
Insurance companies often write estimates for the bare minimum. They hope in some cases that you will take the payout and not get your vehicle repaired. It is our job to look for additional damage that the insurance company missed or left out. We will go back to the insurance company for any additional and necessary repairs.
I think there may be hidden damage on my vehicle. How do I make sure it gets repaired?
It is our job to look for hidden damage on your vehicle. We will work with the insurance company to make sure all the necessary repairs are made to re-store your vehicle to pre-accident condition and to ensure your safety.
I received a check from the insurance company. Is that all they are going to pay for the damage to my vehicle?
The insurance company is obligated to pay you the amount necessary to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. The check you get from the insurance company is based on the adjuster’s appraisal of the damage to your vehicle less any deductible. It is our job to look for additional hidden damages or things the adjuster may have missed and go back to the insurance company to make sure your vehicle is repaired correctly.
What should I do with the check I received from the insurance company?
The check you get from the insurance company pays the initial cost of repairs. You should bring your check with and sign it over to us to pay for the repairs.
What if I need a rental car?
If you need a car while yours is being repaired, Aurora Collision Center has a special rate with Enterprise. They are just down the street from us and will pick you up here when you drop off your car for repairs. If you have rental car coverage on your insurance policy, your insurance company will pay for your rental car up to your policy limits. If you were hit by someone, that person’s insurance company is responsible for your rental car.
Can you match my car’s paint color?
Every car has a paint code. We enter your car’s paint code into our computerized paint mixing system, and it gives us the formula to mix the paint. We also use a Rapid Match Camera that scans the paint and helps us with color matching. We use water-based paint, the same kind the factory uses to paint your car, and it provides an excellent color match to your original paint. Our painter, Rick, is a trained and certified expert at matching colors.
How long will my vehicle be in the shop?
Every repair is unique. A bumper repair typically takes 2 days. A larger repair may take 4 or 5 days and maybe up to 3 weeks depending on the amount of damage. There are many variables when it comes to repairing body damage on a vehicle — the extent of the damage, availability of parts, insurance delays, etc. When you come in for an estimate, we will let you know approximately how many days we will need in order to repair your vehicle.
How do I pay my deductible?
You will pay your deductible to Aurora Collision Center.
What is the difference between OEM parts and aftermarket parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. GM, Ford, Dodge, Honda, Toyota, etc. are examples of this. Aftermarket parts are a generic brand that is made for your vehicle, but they are not from the original manufacturer. We prefer to use OEM parts because the quality and fit is usually better than aftermarket parts.
Can I get an estimate over the phone?
We need to see your vehicle in person in order to give you an accurate estimate. Most damage is a judgment call: how long will it take to repair the dent? Is it repairable or should the panel be replaced? The extent of a dent isn’t always evident from a photo.