Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, with links to the deeper explanations when you want them.
Insurance
Can my insurance company make me use their shop?
No. In California, you have the right to choose the repair shop. An insurer may recommend shops in its network, but the decision is yours, and an insurer cannot require you to use a specific shop. We help coordinate with your insurer wherever you choose to have the vehicle repaired.
What is a repair supplement?
A supplement is additional repair cost documented after the initial estimate — usually because disassembly revealed damage that couldn't be seen from outside. Supplements are a normal part of collision repair. We document them with photos and submit them to your insurer; coverage decisions remain with the insurer.
Will you use OEM parts?
Part types depend on the repair plan, your insurance policy, and your choices. New OEM, aftermarket, and recycled parts each have a place, and California law gives you specific disclosure rights about which are used. We explain what the plan calls for and what your options are before work begins.
When do I pay my deductible?
Your deductible is your share of an insured repair, set by your policy, and it's typically paid to the shop when you pick up the vehicle. If another driver's insurance is paying, there may be no deductible at all. We'll walk you through what applies to your claim.
Estimates
Can you give me an estimate from photos?
Yes — with an honest caveat. A photo estimate is preliminary: it covers what's visible in your photos. Final repair requirements may change after inspection and disassembly, which is normal for collision repair. Photos are the fastest way to get the process started.
The repair
How long will my repair take?
It depends on the vehicle, the damage, parts availability, and insurance approval timelines — so we don't quote a number before we've seen the vehicle. What we do promise: a written repair plan, status updates as the vehicle moves through each stage, and early warning if anything changes the timeline.
Why does my car need scanning or calibration?
Modern vehicles run dozens of computers, cameras, and sensors. A collision — or the repair itself — can leave fault codes or knock safety systems out of alignment without any warning light. Pre- and post-repair scans document the vehicle's electronic state, and calibration is performed when the vehicle maker's procedures require it.
Does frame damage mean my car is totaled?
Not necessarily. 'Totaled' is a financial decision made by your insurer — it compares repair cost to the vehicle's value. Many structural repairs can be completed properly per the manufacturer's procedures. Whether that's true for your vehicle is determined after measurement and blueprinting, and we'll give you an honest read either way.
Will the paint match?
Color matching is a core part of our refinish process: we start from your vehicle's color code, adjust to the actual panels (which shift with age and sun), verify with spray-out cards, and blend into adjacent panels where the finish requires it. The goal is a repair the eye can't find.
Towing
My car isn't drivable. What do I do?
Don't drive a vehicle with deployed airbags, leaking fluids, damaged suspension, or anything you're unsure about. We can help coordinate towing to the shop — tell us where the vehicle is and we'll take it from there, and we'll confirm who performs the tow and any fees before it's dispatched.
General
Can you help with a rental car?
Rental coverage depends on your policy (or the at-fault driver's). We can point you to what to ask your insurer, and coordinate timing so a rental isn't returned before the vehicle is ready. Ask us when you book and we'll tell you exactly what we can arrange for your situation.
How do I find out where my repair stands?
Use the repair status page to send a secure request — you'll need your repair order number, the last four digits of the phone number on file, and your name. We'll respond with a current status. Phase 2 adds a full status portal.
Let's understand the damage and determine the next step.
Photos are enough to start. A written preliminary estimate, a clear explanation, and no pressure.