Every Client Should Know:

• No law requires you to get more than one estimate.
• You have the right to choose your repair shop. The laws of New York state this is your choice.
• Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop. It is your vehicle and your choice where you get it repaired.
• The insurance company cannot dictate which rental company you use. New York laws state this is your choice.
• If you had a child’s car sit in your vehicle at the time of the accident inform the insurance company. It may need to be replaced even if a child was not in the seat. Many manufactures recommend replacing the seats after an accident because of the possibility of unknown damage.
• Differences in repair estimates are common. Some shops may underwrite estimates to get jobs in the door and then bill for the amount needed after the vehicle is in the repair process.
• An estimate is only an approximation of repair costs; it is not a final bill

What to do if you are in an accident:

• Turn off the ignitions of the cars involved.
• Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles.
• Make note of specific damages to all vehicles involved.
• Write down the names, addresses and license numbers of persons involved in the accident. Also, write a description of the other vehicles.
• Exchange insurance company information. DO NOT discuss "fault" or make statements about the accident to anyone but the police.
• Make a quick diagram of where the vehicle occupants were seated and indicate the vehicles' direction of travel and lane. Also note the date, time and weather conditions.
• Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
• Get a police report number
• Write down names and addresses of anyone who may have witnessed the accident. This can prevent disagreement concerning how the accident actually happened.
• If necessary, you may have your vehicle towed directly to Star Car.

Collision Repair Dictionary:

Aftermarket Parts
Automotive replacement parts that were not made by the original equipment manufacturer. Also known as Quality Replacement Parts, Generic Parts, C.A.P.A. Certified Parts

Basecoat ( BC ) / Clear coat
A paint system in which the color effect is given by a highly pigmented basecoat and gloss and durability are given by a subsequent clear coat

Bench
A heavy metal platform used to restore a vehicle's structural geometry to factory specifications. This is done by securing a portion of the vehicle to the platform, then pulling appropriate areas of the vehicle into place using special clamps, chains and hydraulic winches.
Aternate Term(s): Frame Rack, Frame Machine

Betterment
Term used to describe an item replaced due to an accident that has some wear. The practice is often applied to tires and batteries that are several years old. If a battery has used up 3/4 of its life, the Insurance company will pro-rate the item’s cost and in this case will pay 1/4 of the cost to replace the battery and will ask the insured or claimant to pay the remaining 3/4. The premise being that the Insurance Company is only obligated to return the vehicle to its pre-accident condition

Clear or Clear coat
The clearcoat imparts gloss and protection to a basecoat clearcoat system. It is essentially a pigment-free paint.

Detailing
Final cleaning both inside and outside of vehicle, application of pinstripes, removal of overspray from underhood, trunk lids etc. as well as polishing

DRP
Acronym for Direct Repair Program. These programs often involve a contractual agreement between an Autobody Repair Center and an Insurance Company. For the most part, the agreements set the rules of repair and standardized procedures such as warranties, billing practices and record keeping.

Hazardous Waste
Any unusable by-product derived from the repair and/or painting process that cannot be disposed of through normal waste disposal streams. These products can be potentially harmful to the environment and require special handling as well as professional disposal. Federal, State and Local laws apply and may differ in their scope.

LKQ
Acronym for Like Kind and Quality. Refers to a used part salvaged from another vehicle. It is inspected by the seller and re-inspected by the shop upon receipt and accepted if it is deemed appropriate

Metallic
A term used for finishes incorporating fine metallic particles, usually aluminium, in the paint

R&I
Acronym for Remove and Install. Refers to a part removed from the customer's damaged vehicle to be saved and reinstalled after the repair has been completed.

R&R
Acronym for Remove and Replace. Refers to a part removed from the customer's damaged vehicle that cannot be acceptably repaired. It is replaced with a new part.

Repair Authorization
The point at which a Consumer authorizes the repair to their vehicle (and in some cases contingent upon the Insurance Company settlement process).

Supplement
Additional repairs needed to complete the repair that were not identified on the original estimate

Tint and Blend
The process of mixing toners to match the existing paint finish, then blending or overlapping the color into the adjacent panel to avoid color match problems

Unibody
The structural support found in most late model vehicles

VIN
Acronym for Vehicle Identification Number. This is a unique number that identifies your vehicle. Although its primary purpose is to identify your vehicle, it often contains important information concerning the equipment and options that were installed on your vehicle at the factory. This information allows the Repair Center to order the correct parts for your vehicle. Any professional estimate or Repair Order will have this number on it.