PROTECT YOURSELF

  • To protect yourself from purchasing a rebuilt car the Consumer Federation of America lists the following guidelines for determining if a vehicle has been rebuilt.
  • Check to see that the paint on the outside of the door matches the paint inside the door frame.
  • Make sure that the parts of the car line up with each other. Make sure that the gaps between the doors and around the hood and trunk are straight and even.
  • Have a reputable auto collision shop check underneath for evidence of welding of the frame or unibody. Generally there is no fee for this service.
  • Look for evidence of flood damage. Check the mat under the trunk for mud or dirt. Look for watermarks on the inside of the doors and for moisture inside the trunk and under the seats.
  • If you are seriously thinking about buying a used vehicle here are some web sites and phone numbers that can help you protect yourself against buying a rebuilt vehicle.
  • Information about purchasing a vehicle (in both English and Spanish) http://www.wa.gov/dol/vehicles/buy-faz/htm
  • Check to see if a dealer is licensed: http://www.wa.gov/profquery/licenseesearch.asp
  • Get a vehicle history report: http://www.carfax.com

We have been in business for the past 26 years. We are a family business, owned and operated by family. Mel and Mark Denny started Denny’s Valley Autobody on April 1, 1983 and incorporated on June 26th, 1984. Their philosophy was to bring quality workmanship into the collision repair business. The technicians that work under Denny’s Valley Autobody name take pride in their craft. We hire the cream of the crop and keep them up to date on techniques to do the job correctly. Our team member’s are I-Car certified.

What does this mean to you as our customer? This means that the technicians that work on your vehicle are highly qualified. We can guarantee the work for a lifetime, simply because our technicians are craftsmen in their field and they take pride in their work. We are not commissioned base, they are here to do quality work and to work as a team to get your vehicle back to you in a timely manner.

Our number one goal is to bring a vehicle that has been in an accident back to pre-accident condition. Our number two goal is to be the best in customer service. You can come here in full confidence that we will listen to you.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT

  • Call 911. Let the operator know if there are any injuries, your location, and your name and phone number. Stay on the line until the operator tells you otherwise.
  • Find your insurance card and take out your driver’s license and registration. Exchange your information with the other party involved in the accident. Take the driver’s name, address, telephone number and insurance information. Most importantly write down the license plate number off the other party’s vehicle.
  • When the police arrive take down their name and badge number. Find out where you can pick up a copy of the police report.
  • Avoid any extensive discussions at the scene about who is responsible and do not accept any cash settlement at the scene of the accident.
  • Write a complete description of the accident as soon as possible, weather condition, estimated speeds and draw a map of the scene and what happened. Take photographs if a camera is available.

Here is a form you can use in the event of an accident. Print it out and keep it in your glove box along with a disposable camera and note pad and pen.

5 THINGS TO REMEMBER:

  1. You do not have to run around town to obtain three estimates, but you do have to allow the insurance company to inspect the damage.
  2. You can drop your vehicle off at a shop of your choice and the adjuster from the insurance company can make arrangements to inspect the vehicle.
  3. If the insurance company refuses to work with or tries to steer you away from the shop of your choice, contact the Insurance Commissioner at 1 800 562 6900 and report the adjusters name and the name of the insurance company.
  4. The tow bill is paid by the third party insurance, when the damage was caused by someone other then yourself. If the accident is your fault, check with your agent to see if you have tow coverage. It is really not that expensive to add to your policy. The same is true for rental coverage in the event you have to have a rental while your car is being repaired.
  5. Alternative transportation is provided when you are unable to drive your vehicle safely. If you are the insured, check with your agent to see if you have rental coverage. The cost of coverage is well worth it. If you are the claimant, the person not at fault, you will be provided a vehicle until your vehicle is back on the road. One thing to remember is that the insurance company will not pay for the fuel or the additional insurance to cover the deductible in the event of an accident while driving the rental car.

IF YOUR VEHICLE IS TOTALED:

The insurance company may offer you a dollar amount for your vehicle (less your deductible, if you are responsible for the accident) the insurance company must pay for the cost of an equal replacement of your vehicle and the cost of the license and tax. The value will be based on the mileage and the condition of your vehicle.

If you do not feel the amount is adequate, you will need to substantiate your claim for a higher dollar amount with independent written evidence showing the worth of a similar vehicle (year, make, model, mileage and condition, plus the options) in the same market area. The market area may be local or regional depending upon the number of vehicles for sale in the area. Reputable car dealerships will be happy to assist you in your search and will even put it in writing what they feel the vehicle will sell for on their lot or if they have a vehicle identical to yours on their lot.

Remember, upon extension of their offer to you, the insurance company has fulfilled its obligation and can at that time stop payment for rental car expenses. If your vehicle is totaled, visit the library and /or dealerships and clip ads from the local paper to substantiate your claim of what you believe your vehicle is worth.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

  • When choosing a repair shop consider asking your friends or family where they have had the best experience. If you’ve had personal experience with a shop, it’s okay to use them again. Most call centers from insurance companies do not know your local shops, but work with a list of contracted shops. They do not know their work, only that they give concessions.
  • Who better than you, to make the choice on where your vehicle is to be repaired.
  • You chose your insurance company; you chose your vehicle, the shop you choose, should be your choice. Don’t let an Insurance company tell you where you have to have your vehicle repaired. It is against the law for an insurance company to steer you to their choice.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR INSURANCE AGENT

  1. What will my policy cover exactly?
  2. Will I be allowed to choose the collision repair shop of my choice?
  3. Will I be allowed to choose the mechanical shop of my choice?
  4. Will the insurance company pay to have my vehicle repaired back to pre-accident condition? Or will they use aftermarket parts to cut the cost of repairs?
  5. Will I have rental coverage? What exactly will they give me to drive? Will I be able to drive a vehicle that carries the same amount of people as my car does? Or will I be able to rent a truck to replace my truck that has been damaged? Be careful on this, because I hear it all the time, the insurance company only has to provide a vehicle for transportation. This means they may only cover $ 17.00 a day to maybe $19.00 a day, which is a tin can.
  6. Will I have tow coverage? How far is the mileage? Can I have my vehicle towed to the shop I want to repair it?
  7. Ask your agent what mileage will deem it okay for them to replace parts at only aftermarket, not factory.

Next time your policy comes due or you are changing insurance companies’, keep in mind the old saying, \”You pay for what you get.\” Meaning, if the policy is the least expensive, there will be a reason for it. Instead of bringing your vehicle back to pre-accident condition, the insurance company will only be looking at the least expensive way to get your vehicle back on the road.

Vehicles today cost a lot of money. They are well built and the most important aspect is that your vehicle not only carries you around town, but also your family. You want the repairs done correctly not haphazardly just to save a hundred dollars.

Tell your agent what you expect in your policy and get it in writing. Sometimes the jargon that is used in a policy is mind boggling. Understand what you are getting and what you are paying for. Don’t wait until you have the misfortune of being in an accident to find out you have to take it to a shop that is preferred by the insurance company.

Remember… We live in America and we should have the choice to choose where we have our vehicle repaired at. You should have the chance to meet and tour a facility before you entrust your vehicle to a collision shop. Why would you trust the insurance company? They have your money and you have to have insurance….The Government says so. Don’t let the insurance industry dictate how you are going to spend that money that you so diligently sent in for your premiums. Take control of the repairs that will be done, in the event of an accident.

Don’t let the insurance industry turn you into a sheep. Take control before your need to use your insurance. Know what you have and let your agent know what you want.

TALK IS CHEAP AND ACTION SPEAKS – TAKE CONTROL

If you become involved in an accident, contact the police. Many times if there is no injury, the police may not come. Take control of the situation and insist that they come out. If the police refuse to come out to the scene, go to the local Police station or Sheriff Office and file a State Vehicle Accident Report. If there is any argument between you and the other driver(s), it is a good idea to call the police. If the other driver(s) claims to be uninsured, do no second guess about calling the police. Remember it is against the law to drive a vehicle without at least liability insurance. Take control.

QUESTIONS THAT ARE ASKED BY CONSUMERS

  1. Must I obtain 3 estimates? Generally, no. Unless your policy states otherwise, no one can tell you to obtain more than one estimate. You, as the car owner, may do so, should this be your desire.
  2. Do I have to take my vehicle to a certain shop for repairs? Absolutely not. No one can force you to go to a certain shop, unless your policy states otherwise.
  3. What is the best procedure for me to get quality repairs and quickly get my vehicle back on the road? Take your vehicle to a reputable collision repair facility. Leave it with the manager. Instruct the manager to contact your insurance company and advise them as to the damage. You should then call your insurance company and advise them of your vehicle’s location and that they will need to come out and inspect.
  4. Who is responsible for the safety, workmanship and guarantee of my auto repairs, the insurance company or the repair shop? Generally the repair shop is responsible. Ask the facility about their written guarantee
  5. How do I find a reputable repair facility? You can ask the dealership you bought your vehicle from for recommendations or you can get online and look up ASA.com and you will find qualified collision repair facilities in the area you are looking at. ASA is an Automotive Association that requires repair facilities to have standards and ethics.
  6. What is an Insurance policy? A contract defining coverage and outlining policy limits. It further outlines what is covered and what is not. It also outlines any limits or exclusions of coverage within your contract. It may also define what type of parts the insurance carrier is going to pay for in the event of a loss. It also defines your agreed upon deductible for collision and comprehensive provisions as sometimes these deductibles are not the same.
  7. What is a DRP? A DRP is a strategic alliance between said insurance carrier and a body shop. The shop agrees to meet the insurance company’s criteria and obeys their rules for repairs. You, the consumer are not required or obligated to use a DRP repair facility. You choose your vehicle, you choose your insurance, and you do have the right to choose who repairs your vehicle.
  8. What kind of contract do they have? Most contracts between insurance companies and body shops have concessions on labor and 5-15% back on parts cost to the insurance company. Free storage ECT, in return for steering jobs to their facility.

VISION AND DRIVING SAFETY

WIPERS: Wiper blades should be checked periodically. If they are worn and brittle, replace them. Depending upon your climate, the rubber \”squeegee\” part of your blades may be effective for only six months. Check with the dealership that services your vehicle. You can clean the blades with a glass cleaner or windshield wiper solvent to remove accumulated oily road film. If the wiper arm springs are weak or broken, replace the arm. This ensures the pressure will be evenly distributed along the length of the blade. Make sure the windshield washers are working properly and keep the reservoir filled with solvent. For me, I will have the dealership change my blades when I have my oil changed.
I have been out in the dark when it has been down-pouring and unable to see efficiently out of my windshield and tell you what, it is darn scary.

SIGNALS: Get in the habit of checking your turn signals, brake lights and emergency flashers. They are essential for communication. When they are not working properly, other drivers can not get the message and the results can be disastrous.

HEADLIGHTS: When the sun goes down, your chance of being involved in a fatal accident may increase as much as 100%. Make sure they work on both high and low beam and are properly aimed. It is also a good idea to keep your lights on during the daylight hours also.
If you need your headlights adjusted, we have the equipment to do this for you. The cost is only $ 25.00 plus tax. It doesn’t take long at all to do. Instead of hunting for owls in the trees you will be aimed at what is in front of you in the dark.
Also, if your headlights become dull and frosted looking, we have equipment here that we can polish it up to be bright and clean again. The cost of that is $ 30.00. The better your lights work, the better for the driver to see what is out there.

WINDSHIELD: The combined effect of chipped or cracked glass, bugs or road film can obscure your vision. Clean your windshield. Replace your windshield when your sight is hampered.

IMPORTANT ITEMS TO CARRY IN YOUR VEHICLE

  1. Jumper cables
  2. Pliers and adjustable wrench and a screwdriver
  3. Road flares or emitting light for emergency use
  4. First aid kit
  5. Blanket
  6. A supply of any regularly needed or taken medication
  7. Candles & matches in a water proof container
  8. Sand or kitty litter for snow or ice
  9. Clean bottled water
  10. Canned fruit or nuts and a can opener
  11. Flash light with out batteries/ they have a new kind of flash light that is shaken and a light will emit. (survival products)
  12. Portable shovel
  13. Disposable camera (Take photos of all cars involved in the accident)
  14. Paper and pen/pencil to write down information
  15. Phone numbers of your family/friends in case you are unconscious

How to contact Washington States Insurance Commissioner

You may file a complaint by:

Using their website at: https://fortress.wa.gov/oic/complaints
Once you have arrived at the website click the Auto/Home/Business/Title link.
Read through all the information and fill out the \”Request Consumer Assistance Form\”
Be specific and list items to be considered.
Submit form at bottom of web page.

Or you may fax the \”Consumer Assistance Form\” to 360.586.2018
(You will need to print the form off the above listed web page)

Or you can mail the form to : Office of Insurance Commissioner

c/o Consumer Advocacy
PO Box 40256
Olympia, WA 98504-0256

Denny’s Valley Autobody, Inc is a \”Consumer-First\” organization. We care about your rights and safety, as they pertain to the collision industry. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments about the collision repair process.

ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS COMMONLY USED ON AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS

OEM: Parts are made by the original car manufacturer. Warranted by the vehicle manufacture

A/M: Aftermarket parts are made by a manufacturer other than the original vehicle manufacturer. These parts are warranted by the manufacturer of the said part. There are two levels of aftermarket parts, one being “certified” and the other is not certified. Certified will mean that it should be guaranteed to fit your vehicle.

QRP: Quality replacement part. Insurance companies are staying away from the term A/M and are using quality replacement part. A quality replacement part is now considered Aftermarket, used or remanufactured.

Competitive parts: Another word for aftermarket.

LKQ: Like, kind and quality meaning used part from a salvage yard. The part comes off the same make, model as your vehicle. There may be some slight damage or different color, but it can be used to replace a severely damaged part off your vehicle.

Remanufactured part: A rebuilt part may not be an original part, it could be an aftermarket supplied part. This is a part that is being repaired and serviced for the purpose of resale. Rebuilt parts are typically supplied by an aftermarket source.

CAPA: This abbreviation is for Certified Automotive Parts Association. CAPA parts are aftermarket parts certified by an unbiased third party that insures the quality of the parts they test are equal to or greater than the original vehicle manufacturer parts.

O/H: Overhaul: Remove an assembly, disassemble, clean and visually inspect, replace needed parts, reassemble and reinstall on the vehicle making any necessary adjustments. For example, replacing a front bumper.

R&I: Remove and install. Usually referring to parts being removed from a vehicle to facilitate, repair or to allow access. The same part is then reinstalled on the same vehicle it was removed from.

R&R: Remove and replace: This abbreviation means that a part is being removed and replaced with a new, recycled or aftermarket part.

Over Lap: An automatic deduction made by the estimating system when two processes are duplicated. Therefore, not allowing for excess charges

If you ever have any questions regarding an estimate, please do not hesitate to ask a question. Take control of your life and your decisions. We are here to help and to help you.