Auto Body FAQ
Q: Do I have a choice where to take my vehicle for collision repair?
Absolutely. It’s your vehicle, and the law allows you to choose where you have it repaired. Many insurance companies recommend you have your vehicle repaired at a shop with which they have negotiated discounted rates. Kuni Collision Center in Beaverton works with all major insurance companies, meaning you won’t pay any more for the luxury service you’ll receive than you would at a discount repair shop.
Q: Do you have rental cars available?
Yes. We have Hertz Car Rental conveniently located onsite. We also work with all other major rental car companies, and are happy to assist you in setting up reservations.
Q: Will my car be repaired or replaced, and who decides?
Typically, after evaluating the damages to your vehicle, your insurance company has the option of repairing your vehicle, replacing your vehicle, or reimbursing you for the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV). Actual cash value is the amount your vehicle would have sold for on the date of the accident.
After reviewing the extent of the damage to your vehicle, the insurance agent or company will decide whether to replace your vehicle or reimburse you for the ACV when the vehicle is too damaged and it is economically impractical to repair it. A vehicle is considered economically impractical to repair, or a total loss, if the cost to repair the vehicle equals or exceeds the vehicle’s ACV on the date of the loss.
In many cases the insurance company will go ahead and total the vehicle if the appraised damages equal 80% of the vehicle’s ACV. This is often the case because, once repairs are underway, additional damages or “hidden damages” may be found which would render the vehicle a total loss by definition. This is sometimes referred to as a “constructive total” loss.
Q: How long will my repair take?
Most insurance companies take the labor hours divided by a set formula according to their company guidelines. Every insurance company we work with has a slightly different formula but the typical breakdown is an average of a 5 hour work day.
So if the agent’s repair estimate calls for 45 hours total labor, you can divide 45 by 5 to arrive at an estimated repair time of business days. At Kuni Collision Center, we will always work with you and your agent to get your vehicle back on the road in record time.
Although we try to work quickly to keep costs down, we also have to be extremely thorough in our work to ensure your safety and the quality of the job done. Ordering parts from somewhere else will also affect the repair time spent on your vehicle.