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Towing
Yes! Call us at (847) 695-6644 and let us know you’re in need of a tow to our facility.
If you are going through insurance, in most cases, the tow bill will be billed directly to them. If you decide to pay out of pocket, the tow bill will be added to the final bill and due at the time of repair completion.
Rental Cars
If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements. 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. In some cases, you may be required to pay for the rental out of pocket and then submit the bill to insurance for reimbursement.
We do not offer loaner cars; however, we can help you set up a rental reservation.
Estimates
In most cases, we offer estimates free of charge. When in need of an estimate, we do appreciate you making an appointment so we can guarantee the time it requires to make you feel comfortable in your decision to let us repair your vehicle, however, this is not required.
• Click Here to Schedule Your Appointment, or call us at (847) 695-6644.
No, it is up to you to decide how many estimates you would like and if you want to compare with more than one shop. If you decide on a shop, have your insurance company deal with them directly. In an insurance claim, the only estimate they are going to recognize is the approved insurance copy, or, the Estimate of Record (EOR) – getting more estimates won’t change the amount paid out on a claim. However, if the amount seems too low for repair, that’s okay, we can start with what the insurance company has already approved and get everything else necessary for the repair through the blueprinting and supplement process.
If your insurance adjuster already came to look at your vehicle, or you have your approved estimate through a virtual claim, you are able to call and schedule the repairs. You can fax, email a copy, drop it off, or give us your insurance information and we can attain our own copy of the estimate. We must start the repair process from the original estimate.
Each insurance company has different parts guidelines. Many insurance companies only allow for aftermarket (copied and made by another company), remanufactured (previously damaged) or used (LKQ) parts to be used during the repair. Forrest Auto Body will attempt to ensure that only OEM parts are used during repair through price-matching and mirror-matching; however, you always have the choice to pay any difference in part price if you would like to use all factory parts in your repair.
Repair Process
Yes, in the state of Illinois it is always your responsibility, and your right, to choose who will repair your vehicle.
There are many factors to consider when estimating length of time for the repairs. These can be part availability, paint and material dry times, availability of specific equipment within our facility, and insurance delays on supplement. We understand that you depend on your transportation and we work very hard to complete the repair in a timely manner.
Vehicles with frame or suspension damage will require a two or four-wheel alignment. We have specifications on every vehicle to ensure that the frame or unibody is returned to its pre-accident condition.
With our highly skilled professionals and paint matching technology, we are able to reproduce the finish on your vehicle. We only use the highest quality paint.
In an insurance claim, if your vehicle is 9 model years or older, you have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, however the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value; and if you choose to not have the vehicle repaired at our facility from that point forward, you may be responsible for storage and admin fees if the insurance company does not cover them.
LEARN MORE: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K3-117.1
Yes. We have a limited lifetime warranty on all of our work for as long as you own the vehicle. It is important to know that your body shop is the only party responsible for a warranty on your repair, NOT your insurance company.
We do everything in our power to ensure your vehicle is back to pre-accident condition as your vehicle leaves our shop. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right or experience any problems, please do not hesitate to give us a call or stop back in.
Insurance
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Make sure to write it down and bring it with you when you come in to begin the repair process; we’ll do the rest.
If you were not at fault and the repair is going through the other party’s insurance, then you will not have a deductible. A deductible is determined at the purchase of your insurance premium and can range anywhere between $50 and $3,000. If the repair is going through your insurance policy, then the cause of the accident will determine the deductible amount. Ask your insurance company or go through your policy to find out.
The cost of repairs plus the value of the vehicle in damaged condition (salvage value) – is greater than the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident.
Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) is a term for parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
These are parts not made by your vehicle manufacturer. They are also known as Quality Replacement Parts (QRP). Aftermarket parts are much cheaper than OEM parts and might not have the same fit, function, or safety rating as OEM parts.
LKQ – (Like Kind & Quality). These parts are more commonly referred to as used or recycled parts. These parts generally come from automotive salvage yards. Salvage yards purchase damaged or totaled vehicles, remove the good parts and sell them as LKQ parts. All LKQ parts are inspected for prior damage, rust, and to make sure they are OEM and not Aftermarket. Forrest Auto Body will only use A0 (Undamaged, Insurance Quality) recycled parts.
The ACV of a vehicle is calculated just like how a comparative market analysis report is run on a home in Real Estate. The insurance company will use comparable vehicles to determine the value while taking into account prior damage, mileage, and vehicle history. The insurance company will also factor in salvage value and fair market value of the vehicle in their determination. Usually, the purchase price of the vehicle is not included in this determination as vehicles depreciate over time.
Subrogation is the process by which your insurance company pays for the repairs to your vehicle, and will attempt to collect from another insurer or party that hit you. Your collision coverage will require you to pay your deductible, which may be refunded once the other party pays.
Payments
When the repairs are complete and you pick up your vehicle. The insurance check issued will be minus your deductible amount, if you have one, and at the time you pick up your vehicle Forrest Auto Body will collect both amounts.
Your deductible is due when you pick up your vehicle. If you are expecting your deductible to be reduced or waived we suggest you contact your insurance carrier and confirm prior to picking up your vehicle.
Payment is due at the time the repair is complete. Please bring any insurance checks with you and your deductible – if you are going through insurance. If you want, you are able to simply sign the check over to us and do not need to deposit it into your account.
No. When you purchased your insurance policy, you signed a contract saying you will pay the first amount of the claim up to your deductible. Repairers should not be asked to hide the deductible. That practice would constitute fraud by both the shop and consumer. The penalties for insurance fraud are severe. If a shop offers to save your deductible, they are absorbing that at your cost. They are not doing the said repairs in order to make up for your deductible. This could lead to unsafe and unsatisfactory repairs which will ultimately cost you at some point.
Cash, Money Order, Debit Card, Insurance Draft.
Post Repair Care
You are able to wash your vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge as soon as you get it back.
For the first 30 days we suggest that you:
- Do NOT use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes/sponges can mar the finish and damage the surface.
- 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.
For the first 90 days we suggest that you:
- Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.
What To Do In The Event Of An Accident
1. Safety First
If it’s possible, move your vehicle out of harm's way and turn on the hazard flashers. Surround your car with warning triangles or flares if you have them. Then get out of the car and stand a safe distance away while you talk to other drivers or wait for help.
2. Are You Injured?
Check yourself and others involved to make sure no one is hurt. Some injuries may delay their effects, so check often over time. Even a fender bender might have caused an injury that's not noticeable right away. Small things like dizziness, nausea, and trouble focusing may be a sign someone is injured more than they appear. Call for medical help if there is any doubt.
3. Call The Authorities
Call 9-1-1! Especially if there has been substantial damage and anyone is injured or acting confrontational. When the police arrive, ask for the investigating officer's name, contact information, and for the accident report number so you can follow up.
4. Exchange Information
Obtain the name, address, phone number, drivers license number, plate number, and insurance information of any other drivers involved in the accident. Also record names of anyone with injuries and witnesses. Don't argue over who is at fault, and don’t admit blame.
5. Record The Scene
If possible, take photos of the scene (a cell-phone camera can come in handy) or draw a diagram showing the positions of all involved vehicles. Contact your insurer right away.
6. Call Forrest Auto Body
After recording the scene, call Forrest Auto Body at (847) 695-6644 and we'll guide you through the next steps of getting your vehicle repaired quickly and safely.
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Get Your Free Estimate Today
Finding yourself in an accident is one of the most stressful situations you could possibly experience. That’s why we take the stress away and simplify the entire collision repair process, from start to finish. Use our free online estimate tool, and we’ll get back to you with our evaluation promptly!