Questions - Full Service Auto Body, Paint and Glass-Since 1974

Frequently Asked Questions

It is our goal to repair cars with the utmost satisfaction to the vehicle owner. We rank quality first, timely repairs second. We are desirous of delivering a timely efficient repair, but not at the sake of quality. Furthermore feel free to call me or my staff at any time with questions, or concerns. We are here to help in any matter we can assist with. I believe the best compliment any customer may give us is a good referral. Daniel Sipes (812) 279-5909

Resulting from our many years in the industry. These questions and answers offer a brief over view of general collision - insurance industry practices and how we must deal with them. It does not refer in particular to any specific insurance company’s practices, policies, or specific procedures. Please refer to your policy, or company’s representative for any specific question you may have.

1) Do I have a choice where my car is repaired?
2) How long will my vehicle be in the shop?
3) What type of parts will be used in my repair?
4) What is a supplement and do I have to pay for this?
5) What is betterment?
6) Rental cars. Who takes care of this?
7) What about a loaner car from the shop?
8) How and when will the shop receive payment for my repairs?
9) What is blending and why is it needed?
10) What does R&I on my estimate mean?
11) What is prior damage and/or pre-existing conditions?
12) How long are my repairs guaranteed for?
13) Will turning in a claim raise my insurance rates?

1) Do I have a choice where my car is repaired?

Yes! Absolutely! It is your vehicle & your choice. No matter what any insurance company may try to suggest. The choice is yours & you should do business where you feel comfortable.

2) How long will my vehicle be in the shop?

We have a pretty good formula for this question but there are many variables. To give some idea we add all the hours up on the repair estimate. We then divide by 5, (on any job over 16 hours/ for 16 hours or less divide by 4). This gives a good idea of how long repairs will generally take. If you have a total of 25 hours the repair length would then be 5 working days. We do not count the weekends as we are closed.

Why 5 hours in a 8 hour work day? Nearly all of the products we use require dry time in between steps. Examples are: filler, glazes, seam sealer, etch primers, primer, sealer, base coat, clear coat etc. On jobs less than 16 hours we generally divide by 4 for an estimated due date 16 hours equal 4 days. Some other variables mentioned earlier may include, but are not limited to: receiving damaged parts, parts that are on national backorder, sublet repairs, specialty repairs, supplements or hidden damages missed on the original estimate.

3) What type of parts will be used in my repair?

This can vary greatly. Some of the factors the insurance industry use are as follows: insured or claimant? The insured is person(s) turning in a claim to their own insurance co. (Generally these folks will have a deductible.) A claimant is person(s) who are filing a claim against another insurance company. Keep in mind the claimant does not have the same legal rights as the insured.

This is an Indiana state law known as the house bill 1024. We have copies available for those interested. Only the insured’s have the choice of new original equipment manufactured parts. (This is the current calendar year & five years prior.) Example: in 2009 on an insured’s car the oldest we can replace with o.e.m. parts would be a 2004 model. In most cases, the claimants do not have a choice unless; they opt to use their own insurance company.

4) What is a supplement and do I have to pay for this?

A supplement basically means that the end repair costs are higher than those originally estimated for. According to industry experts, the industry standard seems to be that about 25% of repairs require supplements. Supplements are generally due to hidden damage found after the damaged parts are removed. However they can be due to parts price increases,(manufacturers say that fluctuating steel prices, & fuel prices are to blame). Availability of parts (if a part figured comes in damaged, it may then have to be replaced with an o.e.m. part). This is one example of something that would warrant a supplement.

We work diligently to take digital photos, record supplemental damage and communicate with the insurance company handling the claim. So we may streamline the process and keep the repairs moving forward while your vehicle is in the shop. We always provide our customers with a copy of the final bill, including the supplement needed. Supplements are never the responsibility of the owner to pay unless betterment is taken or the repairs are self-pay. In most cases the owner only owes his/her deductible portion.

5) What is betterment?

Betterment is a term used by some insurance companies in reference to wearable or mechanical parts. Some examples are tires, batteries, and mufflers. Some insurance companies feel that since the life time of these parts are limited. When replaced with new, they have bettered the car (IE: prior to accident the tire probably had some wear & tear).

They often want to pro-rate these parts and are generally the only time a claimant would owe any portion of repair bill out of their pocket. Say a $100.00 tire had 30% of tread gone; the owner may have to pay $30.00 towards the tire that may have been replaced.

6) Rental cars, who takes care of this?

For anyone who is a claimant, using the other at fault company, they should provide you with a car while yours in the shop. Company policies will vary greatly, most use the afore-mentioned or similar formula to determine the maximum amount of days they are willing to pay for. If you are an insured person(s) you will want to check your policy, or with your companies representative. Many insurance companies will assist you in setting up your rental. However, if you need to do it, be sure to have your claim number, company handling the rental costs name, claim reps name and their phone number at your disposal when phoning in rental car reservations.

We recommend making reservations well in advance (when possible). This will help guarantee you have a car when yours is to be taken to the shop. While we do not endorse any car Rental Company per say, the local enterprise number is (812) 275-2466. Often they will pick you up at our shop then transport you to their office to get the rental. This allows them to do the necessary paperwork. Please be aware that you should use the rental car for only the time your car is in the shop. Otherwise you may have to pay for any unnecessary days of use, as deemed by the insurance company.

7) What about a loaner car from the shop?

We have free loaners available for those who do not have rental coverage and are not claimants against other companies. This is an expensive service our shop provides as a courtesy to our customers.

The lowest repair amount for eligibility is $1500.00 for (collision repair only). There is also a security deposit of $50.00 required. When our vehicle is returned undamaged with the same amount of fuel as it had when you took possession, you will receive the deposit back. Also it is you that is financially responsible for our automobile and any damages that occur to it while in your possession. Please check with your insurance company to make sure your insurance will transfer over while in use of a rental or loaner.

8) How and when will the shop receive payment for my repairs?

This depends on how your claim was settled. If your repairs are done through a direct repair program, you will need to sign a "direction to pay authorization" form for the insurance company. We will then send it to the company with the final bill. They generally pay this relatively soon to the shop. The check is generally made out to the shop only, in some cases the shop will ask for a power of attorney. If it applies, the only portion owed by the customer is the deductible. For independent appraisers and staff written estimates, (estimates written by the insurance company). Then you should have received a check from them, minus any deductible.

This payment form is usually a check made out at the time of the estimate or sent by mail soon after. This check is generally made payable to you and the shop of your choice. You may want to wait until you receive payment before scheduling repairs. Once again consult your claim rep on the matter as to when you will receive payment. Our shop does not require payment until the repairs are done. There is no incentive for our shop to delay the progress of your vehicles repair in any way.

9) What is blending and why is it needed?

If a panel on a car is damaged, let’s say the fender is being replaced. The shop (depending on age & color) may prepare the adjacent panels, (hood, & door) for blend refinish. This does not mean we are repairing any damage on these panels, however fading the basecoat into these panels allows for a seamless repair and optically pleasing color match.

10) What does R&I on my estimate mean?

This means to remove & install. This generally refers to any trim on vehicles and is used where refinishing panels is required. Often it is nameplates, moldings, handles etc. This not only keeps off any overspray, but allows the preparation to the said panel to meet the recommendations of paint and industry standards. "This is one of many quality assurance steps we take for you".

11) What is prior damage and/or pre-existing conditions?

These are terms used within the insurance industry to describe areas of the automobile that have previous damage not caused by the collision. For instance, if a vehicle were to hit a deer, in the left front. It would not cause the rear bumper to have damage and is obviously from another accident or mishap. And the automobile owner had opted not to get the damage repaired previously.

12) How long are my repairs guaranteed for?

The workmanship and refinish are guaranteed for as long as you own your car. However, mechanical parts are only warranted for the period granted by the manufacturer. Any mechanical, wearable part will eventually wear out / tires, bearings, brakes etc. All other replacement parts are generally warranted for the period granted by the maker of the part.

13) Will turning in a claim raise my insurance rates?

This depends on your specific companies policies and may depend on dollar amount. Frequency of claims turned in etc. etc. (Please refer to your agent / companies representative for direct answers to this question.)

Sipes Body and Glass Inc.
1001 7th. Street
Bedford, IN. 47421
812-279-5909
Mon-Thur: 7:30am 5:30pm
Friday: 7:30am 5:00pm