Collision Repair Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to use the facility my insurance provider recommends?

By law, you have the right to select the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company may ask you to visit their drive-in claims center, but you may ask them to inspect the vehicle at our facility instead. You also have the right to select the parts used for repairs. However, an insurance company is not required to pay “more than a reasonable amount for such repairs and parts," as stated in the Texas Department of Insurance Bill of Rights. Some insurance companies may have ownership in the repair shop they recommend, and some pay bonuses to employees for sending customers to specific repair shops.

Why does the process take so long?

Repairing today’s highly complex vehicles is a time-consuming and involved process, particularly when the goal is to rebuild the car to the manufacturer’s specifications. Please take a moment to review the 15 steps in the Sewell Collision Repair Process. Despite the technical time that is required to deliver the highest possible quality, only a small portion of the total time that it will take to repair your vehicle will be spent with a repair technician. Often the greatest contributor to the long wait for the receipt of your vehicle is insurance approval. We will make every effort to handle all communications with the insurance provider. Ultimately, we work for you, so in the event that we need your help to expedite the insurance approval process, we will not hesitate to contact you.

What happens when I run out of rental car coverage?

Most insurance policies have an established dollar amount policy limit for a rental vehicle. The number of days of coverage will depend on the cost per day for the selected rental vehicle. We will make every effort to have your repair completed within that allotted timeframe. Much of the repair timeframe may be spent waiting for insurance approval. These days will count against your total policy limit, and if we run into any issues with your insurance provider, we will notify you.

Why can you not guarantee a completion date?

There are three factors that make it difficult for Sewell to guarantee a completion date prior to starting the repair.

  1. We cannot begin the work to restore your vehicle until the insurance company has reviewed the claim, examined your vehicle, and approved the work. While we do our best to meet the insurance company’s documentation and procedural requirements in an efficient manner, we have no way of knowing exactly how long it will take for them to complete the process. We can be very confident in the amount of time our technicians will spend executing the repairs, but it is the time taken by insurance partners that is unknown.
  2. A preliminary estimate is completed at the initial visit. This estimate accounts for the damage that can be seen from the outside. Once the vehicle is disassembled, it is common for additional necessary repairs to be revealed. We cannot move forward until the insurance company has reviewed our findings and agreed to cover the supplemental repair.
  3. Sewell carries a larger-than-normal parts inventory, but it is difficult to predict the parts that will need to be replaced for collision repairs. When a part is not available on the shelf, we must wait for that part to become available or be delivered. Parts shipped from overseas manufacturers can create longer-than-normal delays.

Why are you asking me to authorize payment for any cost overage?

Sewell Collision Centers are committed to returning your vehicle to pre-loss condition, which includes only replacing parts with those built by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), as well as adhering to the OEM repair procedures. This methodology can conflict with that of the insurance companies involved. Parts can be sourced through aftermarket manufacturers and wholesale vendors at a lower cost. Furthermore, following the OEM repair instructions can add more labor in metal, mechanical, and paint, which could increase the cost of the total repair. We believe that Sewell’s repair methods are necessary to guarantee the cosmetic quality and mechanical operation of your vehicle, as well as its safety features. There are times when the insurance company is unwilling to participate in the cost for OEM parts and repairs. In such instances, you agree to cover any overage.

Do I need to get three estimates before the insurance company will process my claim?

You do not need multiple estimates before the insurance company will process your claim. You have the right to bring your vehicle to the collision center of your choosing, and you are not required to obtain more than one estimate.

Why do estimates vary between collision centers?

Differences in repair estimates are common. There are a few possible reasons for this: First, not all body shops use factory-certified parts. When repairing a luxury vehicle, it is imperative that no unauthorized manufacturer parts be used in the repair, or else the manufacturer warranties could be voided. Additionally, our body shop has been certified to perform work on your vehicle because of the factory tools, equipment, and training we provide for our technicians. While this involves additional expense, it is something we would never consider operating without. If you are not sure why one estimate is different from another, please ask your estimator.

Which insurance options help protect my vehicle in the event of an accident?

Ensuring the safety and appearance of your vehicle in the unfortunate event of a collision is our top priority, which is why we recommend a few insurance options that may not be included with your current insurance coverage:

  • Original Equipment Replacement Parts Rider
  • Original Equipment Glass Replacement Rider
  • Rental car coverage for a replacement vehicle while repairs are made to your vehicle
Sewell Automotive Companies 32.86151328739947, -96.80971563273204.