Dieterich: (217) 925-5331Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do in the case of an accident?
- Call the police!!! A police officer will help determine whose fault it is and will document a police report. This will help solve any questions your insurance may have regarding the accident.
- Write down the names, phone numbers and insurance information of all the parties involved. Also include any witnesses and their phone numbers.
- Notify the officer in charge who you would like to tow your car and where you want your car towed to. Probst Auto Body can take care of all of your towing and auto body needs.
- Contact your insurance company and let them know what happened and inform them of where you want your car repaired.
Do I have to get more than one estimate?
No. There is no law requiring you to get more than one estimate.
Simply inform your insurance company where you would like your car repaired. If they still demand 2 estimates, contact the repair facility of your choice and they can deal directly with the insurance company concerning your repair. Most insurance companies are willing to cooperate with any reputable repair facility.
Do I have to take my car to the repair shop my insurance company recommends or can I take it to Probst Auto Body?
Only YOU have the right to choose where your car gets repaired. Always remember that this is your car, not the insurance company's.
Many insurance companies attempt to steer repairs to a direct repair provider (DRP). DRP shops are preferred by insurance companies only because they usually offer discounts to the insurance companies under contracts.
Just remember to choose a reputable shop. Any reputable shop will stand behind their repairs and will offer a warranty to cover his repairs.
What makes Probst Auto Body different from other body shops?
Probst Auto Body sincerely cares about the customer and their needs. We understand that quality is expected from the customer, but what isn't expected is the service you receive when you choose Probst Auto Body.
Sometimes it may be that extra dent we fix or the fact we thoroughly clean every car we repair. We do not pretend to be a high production shop that pushes cars in and out just to get the job done. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our superior workmanship, which makes us stand out above our competition.
If you want the best, Probst Auto Body is who you need to call!
Do I need to get an estimate before having my car fixed?
The answer to this is No. An initial estimate, if done, only gives us an idea to the extent of the repairs because we cannot see the "hidden damage" nor has the research been done to accurately write a thorough repair plan. The easiest and quickest way to speed up the repairs is to follow these steps:
- Decide who you want to fix it.
- Contact that shop and let them guide you through the process.
- Schedule the repairs.
- Drop off your vehicle and pick up a rental.
- Receive updates throughout the repair.
- Bring rental back and pickup your vehicle.
- Drive confidently.
How much will I have to pay for these repairs?
This will depend on your insurance policy and what is wrote up in your agreed contract. The following may be reasons why you'll owe money out of your pocket.
- Deductible - Whatever you agreed to in your policy is what you'll have to pay. We have seen these anywhere from $100 - $1,000.
- Co-Pays - There may be additional charges if your Insurance policy doesn't pay for specific operations related to a proper and safe repair.
Some examples (not all) we've seen include:
- not paying for required inspections by manufacturer
- not paying for new OEM parts
- not paying for factory scan reset
- not paying for administrative fees incurred during the repair process
Are all insurance companies the same?
The answer is No. We are seeing insurance companies that refuse to pay for OEM repair procedures. When we ask why, they tell us to charge the customer the difference. Realize cheaper insurance may not always be cheaper when you have a claim. We have our "Preferred List" of insurance companies that we recommend to our clients. We can attest that these companies have the best interest of the customer in mind when it comes to proper repairs and safety. For more information about our "Preferred List", contact us at (217) 925-5331 and we will be happy to guide you in the right direction.
