Common Questions About Columbia Collision in Surrey, BC

Columbia Collision Repairs Answers Auto Body Repair Questions

Columbia Collision Repairs has provided auto body repair services to our neighbors in Surrey, British Columbia, since 1981. We operate a family-owned, 8,500-square-foot ICBC accredited body shop with state-of-the-art equipment to make sure we can meet your auto body repair needs. With nearly 40 years of experience repairing dents, scratches, windshield cracks, and an array of other auto body issues, our team of certified technicians can quickly and expertly answer any questions regarding the process. Below are answers to questions we commonly receive from customers.

What is the first step in the auto body repair process?

You will need to determine whether you are using insurance to pay for your auto body or collision repair or paying for it out-of-pocket. If you are personally paying for the repairs, you need only come by our auto body or collision repair shop in Surrey, British Columbia, so that we can assess your damage and prepare an estimate for the costs. If your insurance provider is responsible for covering the cost of your collision repairs, you need to contact its office to process a claim. An insurance claim adjuster will contact you to discuss your coverage. You should let him or her know that you plan to have your work done by Columbia Collision Repairs so that the appropriate information gets forwarded to us.

How much will I have to pay to have my car repaired?

If you are using insurance to pay the costs of your collision repair, our experienced team at Columbia Collision Repairs will work with your insurance company on your behalf to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. However, depending on your claim, you may have to pay the following when you pick up your vehicle:

• Deductible
• A portion of the cost of depreciation
• Harmonized sales tax (HST) – only if you are an HST registrant

How long do auto body repair services take?

No two repair projects are the same, so it is difficult to determine an average time frame to expect for auto body repair services. Some projects last only two to three days, while others may take weeks to complete. However, Columbia Collision Repairs wants to ensure you are not without your primary source of transportation for long, so we will endeavor to finish your auto body repairs as quickly as possible. We will not take shortcuts, but we will work fast to get your car back to you. We can typically provide a time estimate at the time of your pricing estimate.

Will I have access to a rental car during auto body repairs?

Your insurance coverage may include rental coverage. You should reference your insurance papers to determine if this is available to you. If the plan is unclear, call your provider directly to get more information. Columbia Collision Repairs maintains a fleet of vehicles available to rent for clients who need transportation while their car is undergoing auto body repairs. We strive to accommodate each of our customers who need a vehicle.

With which insurance companies do you work?

Columbia Collision Repairs is happy to work with nearly every insurance company, including out-of-province providers. We aim to make your auto body repair experience hassle-free, which is why we will work directly with your insurance carrier to receive the necessary approvals for your collision repair work. We will even bill the insurance companies directly. Additionally, we are proud to be an Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) Express Valet Shop and fully accredited with the ICBC Valet shop.

Am I required to use my insurance carrier’s “preferred” shop?

In British Columbia, you have the right to get your auto body repair work done wherever you want, regardless of your insurance provider’s suggestions. It is important to remember that you have a different set of interests than your insurance company. You need and deserve high-quality collision repair, while the insurance carriers are focused on minimizing costs. We are happy to work with your insurance company to keep costs low, as long as it does not limit our ability to provide exceptional auto body repairs in Surrey, BC.

Should I go through insurance even for small accidents?

Using insurance is the safest way to ensure that you do not incur unexpected costs. If someone hits your vehicle and does not want to use insurance, we will help make arrangements for him or her to pay for your collision repairs before you visit our Surrey, BC collision center, but there is always a potential for things to go wrong. Insurance companies have procedures in place to deal with hidden damages and changes to your estimate, but individuals do not. You will safeguard yourself by using insurance to cover all auto body repairs. Once the claim is completed, however, most insurance companies will allow the offending party to pay the cost, thus protecting his or her driving record.

Do you provide estimates for auto body repairs?

We provide estimates free of charge for all auto body repairs. You will not need an appointment for an estimate. Just visit our shop in Surrey, BC, and one of our estimators will be happy to help you. If you are using insurance, bring your claim number and insurance papers to expedite the process. We cannot provide estimates over the phone.

What if you find additional damage during the repair process?

Our team of experts is capable of fixing damage to your vehicle, whether it stems from a collision or not. If we find any issues unrelated to the accident that led to your need for car body repairs, we will let you know. In addition to providing an accurate estimate for repair services, we will alert you to how much longer it will take to complete the project and suggest any further precautions you may need to take for your vehicle. If you are aware of potential issues before bringing your car to us, notify us so that we can focus our attention.

How much does a new paint job cost?

There is not a set price for repainting your car. We will need to assess your vehicle before determining a price so we can ensure the highest-quality paint job. We use paint that is designed to last for the life of your vehicle and can match your existing color exactly so that there are no noticeable reminders of your accident or collision repair. Simply bring your automobile to our autos body repair shops, and we will discuss accurate pricing for the work you need.

Do you complete glass replacement or repair?

Yes. Windows and windshields are often damaged or shattered during vehicular collisions, so Columbia Collision Repairs has technicians that specialize in glass replacement and repair. We aim to be your one-stop-shop for collision repairs, and glass expertise is critical to that mission. Whether you need complete glass installation for a windshield, full window, or smaller window pane, we can handle it. Furthermore, if you merely need chip repair, we can handle that, too. Regardless of your glass repair needs, we have you covered.

Do you guarantee your auto body repairs?

Certainly! We guarantee the auto body and collision repairs we perform in our Surrey, BC body shop for as long as you own your vehicle. Columbia Collision Repairs guarantees that all automotive body repairs and paint repairs meet acceptable industry standards and ensure that the completed project does not have any defects in workmanship or materials. Our guarantees are valid from the date of issue and for as long as the car remains in the continuous possession of the registered owner.