FAQ's
26587 Hwy 281 North
San Antonio, Texas 78260
830-980-1823
830-438-6926
- NEW! 33170 HWY 281 N
Spring Branch-Bulverde, TX 78163
More Info Coming Soon! - Coming Soon! 1604 Location
FAQ’S
Should I be concerned about the shop I choose staying open in the future?
Feel at ease with the pending doom of the automakers, Bracken Collision is here for you now and in the future. GM has announced the closure of 42% of its dealers and others are filing bankruptcy with more to follow. I’m sure this will affect the San Antonio dealer base with so many same type dealers and who knows who will be here for the long haul. Rest assured, we are family owned and operated and will be here for you and your family for generations to come.
UPDATE!!! Looks as though GM and Chrysler have filed bankruptcy. We are sure some dealers and parts manufacturers will close and it may be difficult to get some parts for your damaged vehicle. We would like to put you at ease by letting you know that we at Bracken Collision are not parts changers, like some dealers. We have skilled craftsmen that can fix and repair most parts that some may want to replace. Our goal will be to fix it right and get your vehicle back to like it was new as soon as possible. Remember, we will be here to warranty your vehicle now and in the future.
Does having my new car repaired at a repair facility other than the dealership void my manufacturer’s warranty?
Absolutely not. If anyone tells you this, I would ask to see it in writing. The warranty on your vehicle has nothing to to do with collision repairs. Fixing a scratch or ding on your vehicle will not void your paint warranty either. If anyone tells you this, it is an attempt to get you to go to a dealer to get your vehicle fixed. (With the current economic situation of the manufacturers, will your collision warranty be there in the future?)
What do I do after an auto accident?
Get the name of the person(s) driving the other vehicle(s) involved along with their phone number, driver’s license, vehicle license, insurance information. Also try to obtain any witness’ name and number. Note the location, time and date. And, if you have a camera, take pictures. Contact the repair facility of your choice and have them set up a tow or appointment to get your vehicle in the shop. If you need alternative transportation, ask the shop to set up the rental for you. Contact the Insurance Company responsible and let them know where the vehicle is and/or where it is going and ask for a claim number. If the Insurance Company wants to examine your vehicle at your house or in their claims center, you have the choice of doing this, or you can inform the Insurance Company that you are dropping the vehicle at the shop of your choice and they can see the vehicle there. Call the shop and give them the claim number. From this point on, the shop will negotiate on your behalf to insure that your vehicle will be returned to pre-loss condition.
Can I go to any Repair Shop that I want to?
Yes. You can go to any shop you would like to. It is against the law for an insurance company to steer you to a preferred shop.
Do I need three estimates?
No. You are free to get as many estimates as you desire, but it is not necessary. Your only obligation is to choose the shop of your choice and inform the insurance company.
Am I required to notify my insurance company before repairs begin on my vehicle?
Yes. Only the vehicle owner may authorize repairs.
What is a DRP (Discount Repair Program) shop?
Insurance carriers provide their customers with a list of DRP’s – Discounted Repair Providers. Other names that the insurance company will refer to as a DRP are: Network Shop, Preferred Shop, Star Shop, COD, BlueRibbon, Select Service, Guarantee Repair Program, or Concierge Center to name a few. This list of DRP shops must meet certain monitary standards (discounts) that an insurance company requires of their repair facilities. These discounts are not passed on to the consumer. While communicating with your Insurance Company, you may hear word traks such as, “We cannot warranty Bracken collision Centers’ work.” Insurance companies do not warranty repairs. Insurance companies do not repair vehicles. We repair Vehicles. We warranty the repairs! Such statements by some insurance companies are misleading. The warranty they speak of requires you to go to one of their Discounted Repair Shops to receive this warranty. Again, to receive a discounted repair.
What should I look for when choosing a repair facility?
Referrals from other satisfied customers are good. Evidence of employee training and certification through accredited industry standards, such as I-CAR. Repair shops who guarantee their work with a lifetime warranty.
DDoes your shop offer a warranty?
Bracken Collision Center offers a lifetime warranty on all repairs relating to the current loss. Please see attached lifetime warranty.
Who is responsible for the guarantee of workmanship and safety of my vehicle repairs?
The repair facility is ultimately responsible. You should choose a facility that offers a lifetime warranty on all work performed, not a collision shop based on a statement by any insurance company, be it your insurance or the other party.
What if an insurance company refuses to work with the repair facility I choose?
An insurance company can’t refuse to work with the facility you choose. They cannot suggest that you will pay any differences other than your deductible and any additional work you may authorize to be repaired while at the shop. They also cannot say,”If you use this shop you have chosen, they will not pay anything above what is standard and customary.” This is a tactic to get you to go to the shop that will give them a discount. The insurance company must pay to put your vehicle back to it’s pre loss condition, regardless of what shop you choose.
Who is responsible for payment to the repair facility?
Unfortunately, you are responsible. Your insurance policy contract states that your insurance company will pay for the damages to your vehicle, less the deductible amount. You may instruct your insurance company to pay directly to the repair shop of your choice, however, full payment must be arranged prior to your vehicle being picked up.
Do I have to pay for a rental car?
Check with your insurance company if you have rental coverage. You must specify to your agent when getting coverage. All claimants should have rental coverage thru the other parties insurance.
When is my deductible due and how do I know how much it is?
Your deductible amount is due at time of completion. Your insurance adjuster should tell you how much you owe if you do not already know.
What should I do when I pick up my repaired vehicle?
Review your itemized final bill. Walk around the vehicle with your service advisor and have him show you all repairs performed. Look at the paint finish, exterior trim, and all details. Choose a shop where satisfaction is guaranteed before any payment is made.
What are my rights regarding repair to my vehicle?
Texas Insurance Code 1952 was created to protect you and your rights as a consumer. Click on Texas Code 1952 for the actual laws. If you have any questions, you can contact a representative at the shop of your choice and they may be able to assist you.
What is steering and how does this affect me?
Steering is any attempt to get you to take your vehicle somewhere other than where you choose or it is giving you “options” that don’t include the shop you wish to use. Why should you be asked to drive by a collision repair shop that may be closer to your home, more convienent, and will offer the same warranty as any other shop just to satisfy another insurance company, including your own? It is your vehicle and it is your choice to decide where your vehicle should be repaired. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
When should a structural part be repaired vs. replaced?
Deciding whether to repair or replace a structural part may be determine by whether a part is kinked or bent. A bend is defined as achange in shape of the part between the damaged and undamaged area that is smooth and continuous. When the part is straightened, it is returned to proper shape without any arears of permanent deformation.
A kink is defined as a sharp bend with a small radius, usually more than 90 degrees over a short distance.
A part is also considered kinked if, after straightening, there is a permanent area of deformation that will not return to its pre-accident shape without the use of excessive heat.
Kinked parts are typically replaced because there are changes in the metal structure. These changes create permanent damage that cannot be repaired regardless of the type of repair performed.
Additional considerations to the kink vs. bend rule include:
- Extent of the damage.
- Location of the Damage.
- If the area is subject to repeated stress.
- Type of surface (e.g. flat, corner, or engineered shape).
- Restoration of the corrosion protection.
- Restoration of part dimensions.
My friend has a mobile autobody and paint company, what are your thoughts about using him?
We do not endorse at home or mobile body or paint companies. First of all, it is illegal to paint without the proper facility and qualifications. Secondly, the large fine that may be imposed by OSHA, EPA, or TCEQ would be passed down to you, the consumer. Autobody shops must go through a stringent inspection and qualification process to insure no environmental damage is being done to receive certification to do any autobody painting. Using an established repair facility is the only option for you. We are in business today and will be in the future. They may be gone tomorrow!
If your questions are not answered above, please Contact Us. We will respond to your question as soon as possible. Thank you.
