1. Q: What are your hours?
   A: Office hours are Monday thru Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Estimate hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2. Q: Do I need an appointment for an estimate consultation?
   A: You DO NOT need to make an appointment, however, for earlier than 8:30 a.m. or later than 4:00 p.m., an appointment is appreciated.
3. Q: How long do estimate consultations take?
   A: Allow approximately 15-30 minutes for the damage assessment and photos to be taken. If there is a substantial amount of damage. Often we can document the damages and send a digital estimate later. This allows you to get on with your day.
4. Q: Do you charge for estimate consultations?
   A: For visual estimate consultations there is no charge. For in depth and complicated repair planning, there may be fees, but we will go over any costs during the estimate consultation.
5. Q: Will you work off my insurance estimate?
   A: Yes, we can work with all insurance companies and help you through the insurance process. Occasionally, an insurance company or adjuster will not pay for all required repairs, or parts. In these situations we work very hard for you, to minimize any out of pocket costs.
6. Q: Can you write an estimate over the phone?
   A: There really isn’t a way to give a complete estimate over the phone. We do have an estimate tool on our website (access it here) that allows you to submit photos. This can help us to get an idea of the damages to your car and we can advise you of your options prior to coming down in person.
7. Q: Why do I have to come in for an estimate?
   A: An in person evaluation is the only real way to evaluate all damages as possible and to minimize your time without your vehicle. In Humboldt County we need to pre-order any needed parts ahead of time. In person assessment allows us to develop the most accurate repair plan possible for your vehicle repairs. Ultimately the process goes faster and you get your vehicle back sooner if we prepare in advance for your repair appointment.
8. Q: Can you write an estimate on any vehicle?
   A: Our estimate database accommodates most vehicles on the road. If you have, for example, a specialty sports car, collector/antique vehicle, etc. it may not be in our database.
9. Q: Does my car need to be clean for an estimate?
   A: Ideally yes, but it isn’t required.
10. Q: Can we hide the deductible?
    A: It is insurance fraud to “hide” the deductible. Some insurance companies recognize the value in not doing some of the accident-related repairs and will offer to adjust the deductible to allow a savings to you.
11. Q: Is my estimate final and binding?
    A: No, an estimate is only an estimate. In fact we don’t like the term estimate, because to estimate is to guess. When you are ready to have repairs done, we want to write a complete repair plan. The only way to do this is by disassembling your completely prior to repairs.
12. Q: Where do I park?
    A: Please park in any open stall in our front lot.
13. Q: Who reports the accident to my insurance company?
    A: You need to provide details of the accident. Please contact your insurance agent, insurance company, fleet manager or fleet management company.
14. Q: What information does Quality Body Works need?

A: If you are working with an insurance company for repairs, QBW will need your claim number, and it’s best when your insurance company contacts QBW directly.

15. Q: What is an insurance adjuster, appraiser or claims representative?
    A: The person who reviews the damage to your vehicle, and carries forward the repair process.
16. Q: How does a total loss work?
    A: If the damage on your vehicle is extensive enough to declare it a “Total Loss”, you and your insurance company will calculate the value of your vehicle and settle the claim.
17. Q: Can you tow my car?
    A: We can help facilitate towing to our facility. If you call after hours, the towing company will bill Quality Body Works inc.
18. Q: When are you scheduling for?
    A: Our estimators can advise you when our next opening is. After writing the estimate, seeing the damage, or reviewing the insurance company’s estimate we can advise you on approximately how long the repairs will take. We will try to get you booked as soon as possible.
19. Q: Can I just schedule an appointment and drop off my car, then have you write the estimate?
    A: Yes you can, however, the repair process will go faster if we can write the estimate in advance, pre-order your parts and have insurance authorization in place.
20. Q: Do you have a drop box for keys?
    A: We have an after-hours drop box available. Please be sure to lock your vehicle and take all personal valuables out of your vehicle including your parking permit and/or garage door opener. We cannot be responsible for vehicles left after hours.
21. Q: How long will repairs take?
    A: A general guideline is to look at the total number of hours on your estimate and add preliminary inspection time, paint and/or glass urethane drying time, final inspection and clean-up time. Your estimator can advise you when the estimate is written, how long it will take.
22. Q: Can you give me a ride?
    A: (DUE TO COVID, QBW pickup/delivery services are suspended) We would be happy to give you a ride, in the general vicinity – approximately a 15 mile radius from our shop. Please arrange in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
23. Q: Do you have rental cars?
    A: Rental cars are available through Hertz Rent-a-car or Enterprise Car Rentals.  Cost varies by the size of the vehicle.  Both rental companies will meet you at our shop or deliver a car to you.  We’ll be glad to call either of them for you.
24. Q: Who pays for the rental car?
    A: If you carry rental car coverage, your insurance company covers the rental car per the policy provisions. If another company is paying for the damage on your vehicle they may pay for the rental car. If you do not have rental coverage, the cost is approximately $25.00 per day varying by the type of vehicle and the number of days you have it. Quality Body Works inc does not pay for rental cars.
25. Q: What does the repair process look like?
    A: The flow chart below will give you the basic idea on how the average repair process works.