Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I have a choice in where my vehicle should be repaired?

An insurance company can recommend a collision repair shop. However, Illinois law clearly states they cannot force you to a particular shop. Some have subtle ways to influence your decision by saying you must get an estimate from a shop on their "preferred list," that they will only guarantee repairs done by a shop on that list, or if you decide to go to another shop rather than one they recommend, you will have to pay a difference between any charges and their estimate. All of these claims are NOT TRUE! Illinois law protects your freedom of choice and clearly states that your insurer must honor that choice without intimidation, innuendo, or threat to you in any way.

How do I choose the right repair shop?

Choosing which body shop to entrust your vehicle's repairs to is an important decision. Don't feel obligated to have your vehicle repaired by a facility that doesn't meet your expectations. The collision repair shop of choice should have a professional staff that is courteous and knowledgeable about the entire repair process. The staff should be able to answer your questions, provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost to repair your vehicle, and offer a written warranty. Trust your first impression. A prefessional facility will have a presentable front office and waiting area and should reflect an atmosphere of professionalism.

In case of an accident, what should I know?

Your car is the second largest investment you're likely to make. Preserve its value and your safety. Some insurance companies may want you to visit their claims center before having your car repaired. However, you may leave your car at your collision repair shop and have the car inspected there. Remember, you are not required by law to obtain more than one estimate, and you have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. Know what repairs will be made. The repair shop should have modern state-of-the-art equipment and give a lifetime repair warranty. Know if the shop will be using genuine manufacturer replacement parts. And finally, the repair shop should help you negotiate your claim with the insurance company.

What does an "estimate" tell me?

An estimate is more than the projected cost of all identified parts and labor. It also provides the basis of a work plan for your vehicle's repair. Key elements include your insurance policy's specification for original equipment, aftermarket or used parts, and whether to repair or replace certain sheet metal parts since the cost of repairing a damaged part can often be more than the cost to replace it. Since the estimate is usually written before the vehicle is disassembled and measured, it is only a preliminary document and subject to change. However, be weary of the estimator who includes work which cannot be seen. An honest estimator will explain the possible damage and then let you know before final repairs are performed. Remember, by law you have the right to obtain just one estimate from the shop of your choice. We hope your choice will be Woodman Collision Center.

What is Paintless Dent Removal?

Paintless Dent Repair, or PDR, has been in existence since the early days of vehicle manufacturing. There has always been a journeyman, who with the aid of rudimentary tools, could "bump and massage" damaged panels back to their original condition. The PDR process of "metal bumping" became the standard for quick dent removal and for all types of minor damage including door dings, dents, and hail damage. Best of all, repairs were completed while maintaining the factory's original paint finish, saving the customer both time and money. Insurance companies adopted PDR as the "preferred method" for repairing minor damage. Each year, thousands of claims are filed for hail damage, with many being repaired by painntless repair technicians. After hail storms, temporary businesses show up in the area. We can offer these quick and affordable alternative repairs year-round.

Why didn't my airbags deploy?

Early airbag-equipped vehicles had sensors in front of the vehicle. They would deploy the airbag(s) when a sudden deceleration occured. Over the years, bags have deployes unnecesarily in minor fender benders and some didn't deploy as they should have. Recent airbag technology uses a centrally mounted sensor that measures deceleration forces from all directions and makes a millisecond decision as to whether the airbags should deploy. These newer systems are much more intelligent so if the airbag didn't deploy, its because the technology involved determined they were not needed. Repairing dameged vehicles today requires advanced technology and high level of skill and patience. Be sure to select a facility that will not only utilize state-of-the-art equipment, but will also take the time necessary to produce the highest quality repairs possible.

How do I deal with the insurance company?

Getting your car repaired should be a simple process. Know your rights and don't waste your time. No law exists requiring you to acquire more than one estimate. Never submit an estimate from a shop you wouldn't want to repair your vehicle. Beware of phrases like, "its easiest if you go to a selected shop." Sometimes insurance companies establish special relationships with repair facilities in return for discounts. Insurance companies cannot tell you where you should have your vehicle repaired. Such action could constitute restraint of trade. If you know who you want to repair your vehicle, tell the insurance company immediately. This will expedite the process. Be a careful consumer. Rely on the combination of experience available at Woodman Collision Center. We offer expert assistance with insurance claims, as well as the highest quality repairs possible.

Can you save my deductible?

Our answer to that is always no. Conspiring to "bury the deductible" is committing a fraud upon the insurance company and is against the law. If a shop agrees to do this, it has to take shortcuts in making the repairs and you as the owner could get lesser repair, which may lower the value of your vehicle when it is sold. Also keep in mind that any shop willing to sheat an insurance company may be wiling to cheat the vehicle owner as well. Shops that claim to absorb the deductible, rarely do. Usually the value is taken right out of the job by repairing rather than replacing parts with used items when they have paid for new ones.

Will my insurance company cover all the charges?

It is the collision repair center's responsibility to work directly with your insurance company to get approval on all needed repair work, including anything not covered on the original estimate. The insurance company wants you, the customer, to be completely satisfied, so they expect your selected collision shop to repair the vehicle according to their standards and yours. Restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition is important to Woodman Collision Center. As a former vice president of claims for an insurance company and owner of this shop, Jess has a thorough knowledge of collision repair. He works well with all insurance companies to assure that they pay for all that is necessary and that your vehicle is repaired correctly. That's why WCC has attained a 98% customer satisfaction rating from Customer Research, Inc. It's your car. It's your choice. Choose Woodman Collision Center where we build our business one car at a time.