Frequently Asked Questions
Claim #
When a claim is made through an insurance company, wether yours or someone else's, they assign a number that is used by the everyone involved to reference the claim and repair
Estimate
Initial price quote provided before repairs, should include breakdown of labor time and parts.
Supplement
Additional charges that are needed after the original estimate, can be things such as additional parts or labor.
Betterment
On insurance repairs, a betterment charge is applied when a wearable part has to be replaced and is worn from normal use. These included batteries, tires, exhaust, etc. For example, The left tire needs to be replaced on your 2001 Honda. The estimator determines the tire has been worn 50%. The new tire cost is $100. The customer is responsible to pay the shop 50% which is $50. This is in place because insurance companies do not want to replace a worn part with a brand new one.
OEM Parts
Original manufacturer made parts. 'Honda parts made by Honda'
LKQ Parts
Used parts which come from a like model vehicle, the same year or newer than your car. They will used from vehicle which was not damaged in the area from which the part comes.
Aftermarket Parts
New parts made for your specific vehicle, by a second party company. 'Honda parts made by a non Honda manufacturer'
Refurbished/Reconditioned Parts
Parts, usually bumpers that are repaired by a company and re-sold to shops
Insurance Deductible
Per your insurance policy, the amount the customer must pay before the insurance will cover any repair expense.If you have $250 deductible and your total repair cost is $1000, the customer pays the first $250, with the insurance picking up the remaining balance of $750. While the repair cost can change during the repair, your deductible never changes.
Labor Rate
Labor time billed is flat rate time determined by industry manuals for each required operation, it is not actual time spent on repair.
DRP Program
An agreement between insurance companies and shops. The insurance company agrees to recommend a shop to their customers in exchange for certain restrictions, including; set rates, repair processes, warrenties and often discounts on parts or bottom line prices.
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Do I have to use the shop my insurance recommends?
NO. By law in Maryland, you can use the shop of your choice. Insurance companies set up Direct Repair Programs where they enter into agreements with the shops of their choice, where they can set prices and often receive discounts. While it saves the insurance company time and money, this does not always translate into the best repairs for you, THE CUSTOMER. When choosing a shop base your choice on the quality of repair and service, not what's best for your insurance company.
Does Classic have DRP programs?
Yes, we have several. Through trial and error we have found the companies that share our dedication to quality repairs and dedicated customer service and we have formed solid relationships with them. Are focus has always been our customers, and we will work with most any willing insurance company. Please call to inquire about our specific partners.
What if my vehicle needs mechanical repairs as well as body?
For the mechanical operations we are not equipped to handle we use Tolker Automotive. They are housed in the same building as Classic, and they not only handle our mechanical needs for customers, they also service our personal vehicles as well.
Who decides what kind of parts go on my car?
In most cases, on an insurance claim, your policy will determine what kind of parts we are able to use. On self-pay jobs, the customer may request a certain type of part, as long as it is available.
What rental companies do you recommend?
We use Enterprise Rental Car and NextCar. They both will pick up/drop off from our office when you drop your car for repairs.
How much does it cost for an all over paint job?
Prices vary widely depending on the amount of body work required. It is an expensive process to paint an entire vehicle, and often ranges from $2000-$4000.
Can I get a quick estimate over the phone?
We do not give estimates or prices over the phone. To get an accurate price for repairs we need to see the damage (in person) as well as obtain information from your vehicle.
Why does my insurance company estimate differ from Classic's?
Most often competing estimates will vary in price. This is due to the differences in estimating systems, repair processes and other outside factors. It is important when you have more than one estimate to note the labor hours as well as what kind of parts the shop will be using. At Classic we strive to write as complete an estimate as possible from the beginning. This helps cut repair time in many ways.
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