Where do I get a claim number?
Are you open Saturdays?
Will the parts for my vehicle be ordered before I drop it off for repair?
If my vehicle's frame is damaged is it a total loss?
Can you match the paint color?
Can I get other service work done on my vehicle while its in the body shop?
How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?
Can I get a ride home when I drop off my car?
How can I get a rental car?
How will I know when my car is done?
What is a deductible?
Do I have to pay a deductible?
Can you save me my deductible?
When and where do I pay my deductible?
What forms of payment do you accept?
What are betterment charges?
Can I wash my car?
What are OEM Parts?
What are "Aftermarket" Parts?
What are LKQ Parts?
Do I have to accept used parts?
Do I have to use the shop my insurance company recommends or can I always take it to Carriage Shoppe?
Do I have to get multiple estimates?
What happens if the insurance companys estimate is lower than the one I get from Carriage Shoppe?
What happens if more damage is found?
What is the difference between collision insurance and comprehensive insurance coverage?
Will my insurance rates go up?
What about my personal belongings?
Does Carriage Shoppe fix my kind of car?
Does Carriage Shoppe guarantee their work?
What will it cost me?
What makes Carriage Shoppe different from other body shops?
What should I know before I get into an accident?

Where do I get a claim number?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just jot it down and bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process, we will do the rest.

Are you open Saturdays?
No, but we are open 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Mon - Fri.

Will the parts for my vehicle be ordered before I drop it off for repair?
Absolutely. We generally order your vehicle's parts at the time that we write the estimate and schedule your vehicle for drop-off a couple of days later unless your vehicle is found unsafe to drive, then we would help you arrange for a rental vehicle as soon as possible. This enables us to provide quicker turnaround time.

If my vehicle's frame is damaged is it a total loss?
No. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company's determined value of your vehicle. Nowadays, most cars are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our state-of the-art computer measuring system, can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair, that section can simply be replaced.

Can you match the paint color?
All most all colors can be matched by creating an illusion. Carriage Shoppe employs highly skilled paint professionals who are factory trained using state of the art equipment to assure colors are matched to manufacturer’s standards.

Carriage Shoppe uses the following steps to ensure your satisfaction with the color match.
1. Your vehicle has an information label that includes a paint code. This code identifies the color of your car.
2. Our computerized paint-mixing system includes the standard color for your car and known variants. The database of known variants is important because in the vehicle manufacturing process there is some variability (such variations typically occur between paint lots or between factories). We check for the best match among these base colors and their variants.
3. A perfect match usually cannot be obtained by tinting alone.
4. Blending is used to fade the freshly painted finish into the original. Between tinting and blending, the color match area becomes completely invisible.

Can I get other service work done on my vehicle while its in the body shop?
Yes. Just let your advisor know what other work you would like done so that he or she can make the necessary arrangements.

How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?
Your advisor can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure to check with your advisor for the specifics on your vehicle.

Can I get a ride home when I drop off my car?
Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you. We want each customer's visit to be a positive experience and will work diligently towards that goal. We provide a pickup and delivery service.

How can I get a rental car?
If you need a rental car, we can coordinate a rental agency to pick you up at Carriage Shoppe when you drop off your vehicle for repairs. Insurance companies will only pay for a rental car if you have that option on your policy or if you are the claimant. Check your policy and/or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what your specific limitations are.

How will I know when my car is done?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. You can also check this website. You will see a message next to the last picture of your vehicle telling you that your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your advisor during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.

What is a deductible?
A deductible is like a ”co-pay" on health insurance. It is a portion of the repair bill that is not covered by your insurance policy. The amount is determined by your insurance policy and is first set when you first purchase your insurance.

Deductibles are commonly $100, $250, $500 and $1,000. The higher your deductible amount, the lower your insurance premium.

Do I have to pay a deductible?
The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you carry broad collision, and you were not at fault, your insurance company most likely will waive your deductible. Insurance companies determine fault by your account of the accident when you make the claim, and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.

Can you save me my deductible?
No. And neither can any other honest repair facility. Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. It specifically outlines what is covered by insurance and what is going to be your financial responsibility. Falsely manipulating an insurance claim to advance one party's interest is unethical and in many cases it is illegal. There may be legitimate ways to reduce your cost, such as appearance allowances or "cashing out" and declining some portion of the repair. We suggest that you consult your insurance company for details.
Be wary of a repair shop that offers to "cover your deductible".

When and where do I pay my deductible?
Your deductible is paid directly to Carriage Shoppe when your repairs are complete. The insurance company pays us for the work performed minus your deductible.

What forms of payment do you accept?
The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your portion of the repairs to your vehicle is with a major credit card. We accept Visa, & Mastercard. Of course, cash and checks are always welcome.

What are betterment charges?
Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e., tires, batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly subject to betterment charges when they are replaced during the repair process. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are pro-rated based on actual miles on your vehicle.

Can I wash my car?
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 30 DAYS
DO
-Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge.
- Always use clean fresh water.
- Wash your vehicle in the shade
DON'T
- Do not use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface.
- Do not "dry wipe" your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish.
- Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days.
- Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. Also, tree sap can mar or spot a freshly painted surface.
- Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish.
- Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS
DON'T -Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.

What are OEM Parts?
OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacture" and is used to describe parts made by or for the manufacturer of your vehicle. So OEM Ford parts come from Ford, Mercedes parts from Mercedes and so on.

What are "Aftermarket" Parts?
Aftermarket (A/M) is used to describe parts that are produced by some manufacturer other than the one who originally made your car. Some aftermarket parts carry certification that helps ensure the basic quality of the part. Aftermarket parts are usually less expensive than new OEM, but for some applications may be a better choice than used OEM parts. While it is not the practice of Carriage Shoppe, some repairers and insurers list these parts as "Quality Replaced Parts."

What are LKQ Parts?
LKQ stands for "like, kind and quality." Most of us are more familiar with the other term for this category which is "Used Parts." The term LKQ should more precisely define a sub-category of used parts that are just like the ones on you vehicle before the loss.

Do I have to accept used parts?
No, you do not have to accept used parts. Most customer oriented insurance companies will only suggest used parts (LKQ) when there is agreement from all parties; generally used parts are suggested when there needs to be a savings to justify the repairs. The insurance company's obligation is to restore your vehicle to "pre-loss" condition - not better than it was and no worse.

Do I have to use the shop my insurance company recommends or can I always take it to Carriage Shoppe?
You can always take it to Carriage Shoppe. The insurance company can not tell you where to repair your vehicle. Some insurance people with special interests will attempt to convince or STEER you to fix your vehicle at their PREFERRED SHOP; a shop that gives the insurance company special deals. These deals will often come at the vehicle owner’s expense which could compromise safety and the quality of repairs.

Should this happen please contact Carriage Shoppe; our professional claims handlers can guide you through this unfortunate practice. Remember that it is the insurance adjuster's job to satisfy the customer and close the claim at the lowest possible cost.
If you decide to use your insurance company’s preferred shop, ask if your policy contains an “elects to repair” clause, causing your insurance to be responsible for the quality of repairs and possibly loss of value.

Do I have to get multiple estimates?
No, you do not need to get multiple estimates; you only need to notify your insurance representative as to where you will be having your repairs done. Your insurance company will work hand in hand with your choice of shop to insure you receive the service and quality repairs you have come to expect.

What happens if the insurance company’s estimate is lower than the one I get from Carriage Shoppe?
Insurance companies are generally willing to pay for a proper repair. The insurance company appraiser may include only the most obvious damage in their estimate. At Carriage Shoppe, we try to write as thorough an estimate as possible. Just bring the insurance estimate in with you and we can go over the differences. If necessary, we'll notify the insurance company of the changes we need to make. Generally this just takes a phone call and we will bill your insurance company for the supplement at the completion of the repair.

Although it does not happen often, some insurance companies will refuse coverage of certain necessary operations even though those operations are required to properly repair your vehicle. Unless you, "the Boss," tell us to perform the inferior repair, we will charge the insurance company storage while the vehicle is left idle in the shop. Generally, that provides some amount of motivation to resolve the impasse and provide you with proper repairs.

What happens if more damage is found?
Today’s vehicles are very complex; so it can difficult to see all the damage during the initial inspection. Therefore, finding additional damage has become very common; estimates written without a thorough disassembly of the vehicle often have overlooked additional damages. Carriage Shoppe is the exception; our DFR process (Disassembly for Repair) all most always assures no surprise damage.

If additional damage is found, it is documented and discussed with you and the insurance company. The insurance company may, or may not, want to come see the damage. These supplemental charges are itemized, authorized and billed along with the rest of the repairs.

If the insurance representative wants to come see the additional damage, the repair process could be delayed from 2 - 5 business days. Be mindful that any additional parts found to be damaged will have to be ordered and that can lead to another delay (based on availability.)

What is the difference between collision insurance and comprehensive insurance coverage?
Collision insurance and comprehensive insurance may vary. Generally, collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another object. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your automobile from incidents such as vandalism, theft or glass breakage. It is generally a good idea to periodically review your policy and ask your insurance agent what exclusions are in your policy.

Will my insurance rates go up?
Your rates may or may not go up depending on who is at fault, and the type of loss; also your driving history may influence a rate increase. Your insurance agent or customer service representative can assist you in determining the impact of a given claim on your own policy premium.

What about my personal belongings?
Before dropping off your vehicle, we recommend that you remove your personal belongings or anything of value. Our insurance covers damage to your vehicle as a result of fire, theft, or even employee error, but it only covers the vehicle and its factory installed parts. Consequently, we do not assume liability for other items that you choose to leave in your vehicle. Even though our team is comprised of very honest people, they often remove interior parts to gain access to the damaged area or to protect the interior from damage.
One misplaced item can cause a lot of hard feelings and we value your good opinion.

Does Carriage Shoppe fix my kind of car?
Carriage Shoppe’s skilled technician’s are trained to repaired all makes and models of vehicles, foreign and domestic. We also have technicians who specialize in certain makes of vehicles; having factory certified technicians for European vehicle and also specially trained technicians for Asian vehicles.

Does Carriage Shoppe guarantee their work?
Yes. We guarantees all repairs with a Lifetime Warranty.

What will it cost me?
If you are filing an insurance claim with your insurance company all you will be responsible for is the price of your deductible. If you will be paying for your repairs yourself, an estimate will be provided to you after we have the opportunity to asses the damage on your vehicle and explain the repair process to you.

What makes Carriage Shoppe different from other body shops?
• Carriage Shoppe is Colorado’s premier auto repair facility for over 30 years.
• We specialize in Insurance Claims Handling; “LET US DO THE WORK”. We work with your insurance company so your claim is expedited in the most efficient manner.
• Carriage Shoppe warrants every repair we do. We offer fast friendly quality repairs that are guaranteed!
• We are a collision facility that will keep you informed throughout the repair process by offering daily viewing of the repairs with the AutoWatch service at www.carriageshoppe.com. You will actually have the opportunity to view the daily progress of your vehicle
• At Carriage Shoppe, we pride ourselves in ensuring that all of our collision technicians are certified with continuing education.
• Our technicians are certified in: o Structural correction
• Welding
• Mechanical
• Brakes
• Wheel Alignment
• Refinishing

What should I know before I get into an accident?
At the accident scene, should your vehicle not be safe to drive, advise the officer you would like to have your vehicle towed by Choice Towing at (970) 482-0159. Instruct the police that you would like your vehicle to be repaired at Carriage Shoppe or the repair shop of your choice; this will be a savings to your insurance company only having to tow your vehicle once.

If your vehicle is safe to drive, take your vehicle to Carriage Shoppe, or the collision facility of your choice; give them all your insurance information, asking them to advise your insurance company about the repairs.

You should also contact your insurance company and advise them on the damage, informing them of the facility you’ve selected.

Some insurance companies have what is called “drive-in claims service;” it is not mandatory you use this service unless your policy states otherwise. Just inform your insurance company where their claims person can see your vehicle.

If the accident is your fault, your insurance company will cover the damage to your vehicle and the other party. If the accident wasn’t your fault the other parties insurance should cover your damages; try to collect from the other insurance, this will entitle you to a rental vehicle and you won’t have to pay a deductible.