CENTENNIAL AUTO LLC3708 CENTENNIAL DR MIDLAND, MI 48642 PHONE (989) 496-2411 |
FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my insurance company work with Centennial Auto? A: Centennial Auto works with all insurance companies. Q: Am I able to bring my vehicle to Centennial Auto even if you are not on my insurance companies preapproved list? A: Centennial Auto accepts your vehicle whether we are a preferred partner or not. Fortunately, we are able to work with all insurance companies. Michigan State Law prevents an insurance company from “steering” customers to specific repair facilities. This allows you to choose a repair facility you prefer and trust. Q: How many estimates do I need? A: You are only required to get one estimate. After you have gotten your estimate, the insurance company may choose to send an adjuster to do an estimate. There are several reasons for this, such as: It’s the insurance company’s procedure, the cost of repairs might exceed certain limits set forth by the individual insurance company, or the vehicle may be a total loss. However, if someone else damages your vehicle and they are going to pay for the repairs instead of involving the insurance companies, that person may ask you to get more than one estimate. This is of course, between you and them. Q: Do I need an appointment for an estimate? A: No, at Centennial Auto you do not need an appointment. Our Estimators are available during business hours Mon- Thur 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Fri 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Q: How long will the estimating process take? A: Most repair estimates take 10-20 minutes. The process may take longer if, for example, extensive damage exists or vehicle is an older model and parts are uncommon. Q: What should I bring with me when I come in for an estimate? A: Please bring with you any documentation received from the insurance company involved. Some examples may be emails, prior written estimates, insurance claim numbers, insurance company contact names and phone numbers, and pre-issued insurance checks. Q: I have a repair facility that I have used in the past and am very happy with them, but my insurance company told me to go to someone else, that my facility is not on their list. Can they do that? A: No. Michigan State law says that the consumer has the right to choose which facility to have their repairs done. However, if the repair facility you chose is not competitive to the rest of the area, you may be responsible for the difference. An example of this would be; your insurance carrier pay’s $30.00 per labor hour in your area and the facility you use charges $31.00. Your estimate shows 10 labor hours. You would be responsible for the additional $10.00 – this rarely occurs. Q: Who do I owe my deductible to and when do I have to pay it? A: The deductible is the first thing paid on a claim before the insurance company payment occurs and it is paid to the repair facility. However, repair facilities normally collect the deductible when you take delivery of your vehicle. Centennial Auto collects the deductible when you take delivery of your vehicle. Q: How long will I be without my vehicle? A: We understand the frustration of being without your own car, so we work hard to get you back on the road in the shortest amount of time. We will do our best to minimize the length of time that your vehicle "is in the shop". Q: What if I need a rental car? A: Our staff can assist you in arranging a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Also, check with your insurance agent to see if your insurance policy covers any of the cost of the car rental fees. We also have free loaners that are first come first serve based on availability. More details can be provided when you schedule your repairs. Q: Who determines whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used? A: You will have the choice of whether OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or aftermarket (parts made by a company other than the original manufacturer). However, depending upon your insurance policy provisions, you could be required to pay the difference out of pocket if you insist on OEM and your policy requires use of cheaper aftermarket parts. It is wise to know your coverage before a claim happens. Contact your insurance agent if you are unsure of your policy details. Q: I ran into my garage door and need to have my vehicle repaired, but if I make a claim it might raise my insurance premiums. Do Centennial Auto's “computerized” estimates go to my insurance company or to a company like CARFAX? A: No. Insurance companies or CARFAX do not have access to our system and your estimate is not forwarded or uploaded to your insurance company unless you request it. Q: Why do different collision shop repair estimates seem so much higher or lower than the rest? A: Sometimes this can be caused by differences in the materials or labor rates, but often a quote that is much lower than the rest will have skipped or missed a portion of the repair process. It is not always an "apples to apples" comparison. If you have questions about a quote that you received from our collision shop or another auto body shop we can help you decipher it. Make sure you are 100% satisfied with the written estimate before you commit to any shop. Q: Will the paint colors match after my vehicle is fixed? A: We have state of the art paint mixing systems that ensures your vehicle will match to its proper color. That also includes all vehicle colors and finishes. We mix our paint in house using BASF refinishing process that allows us to match the paint to your specific vehicle. If you have any questions regarding this process, please feel free to give us a call to explain in further detail. Q: My car is a lease. Do I have to use the dealership for the repair work? A: No. You can have the repair done at a shop that you choose. Q: I had my car repaired by Centennial Auto and I am not happy with the repairs, will Centennial Auto make it right? A: Yes. We warranty all our work. We want to be the first one you call if there is ever a problem or question. We will make it right. |
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