Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where are you located?
A: Our street address is 4 Crane Circle, Cataumet, MA 02534. Now serving the South Shore, Cape Cod, and the Islands. Come see us at our new location.
Q: Do I need an appointment for a visual damage estimate?
A: Not unless you need to come by after hours, so drop by anytime between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Allow approximately 15-30 minutes for us to write a visual damage estimate.
Some collisions require dismantling to provide you with an accurate estimate of all the damage. We will make an appointment for these situations. All visual damage estimates are free of charge. Estimates requiring dismantling will be handled on a per case basis.
Q: How do I report my accident?
A: It is best to call your insurance company directly (not your agent). They will provide you with a claim number as well as the adjuster assigned to your claim. Please call with any questions. We will be happy to walk you through the process.
Q: Do I need to get three estimates for my insurance company?
A: Absolutely not. You do not need any estimate for your insurance company. They will write the initial estimate. We are on all major insurance companies' preferred shop lists. We will identify and negotiate for any supplemental damage with your insurance company.
Q: Will you preorder the parts for my repair?
A: Yes, once you have provided us with the initial insurance estimate and signed all appropriate paperwork.
Q: Can you save me some/or all of my deductible?
A: No. In MA it is illegal for a shop to save deductibles. If you choose not to make a portion of the pair on the original estimate, we will only bill you for the repairs actually performed.
Q: Who do I pay my deductible to?
A: Your deductible will be paid directly to the body shop at the completion of the repair.
Q: How long will it take to repair my vehicle?
A: We will make every effort to ensure your damaged vehicle is repaired quickly. How long it takes is determined by the amount and severity of the damage. Accidental Auto Body will make the repair as expeditiously as possible; however, we will not sacrifice the quality to save time.
Repair time also depends on the type of vehicle and availability of parts. Most times, after we dismantle the vehicle, hidden damage is found. If this is the case, a supplemental estimate must be written and the additional repairs and parts need to be approved by your insurance company.
We can only offer an educated opinion as to when the vehicle will be completed. What we tell you may not always be what you want to hear, but at Accidental Auto Body, we feel it is our responsibility to be as honest and forthright as possible.
Q: Are towing services available?
A: Yes. We have towing services available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you call after hours, the on-call towing company's phone number will be on the answering machine.
Q: Who pays for the tow bill?
A: Accidental Auto Body will pay for the tow bill upon delivery of the vehicle to the shop then we will bill your insurance company as applicable. If an insurance company is not involved, the tow bill will be added to the final repair bill. It is a cost associated with the accident.
Q: Should I take the check the insurance company sends/gives me for the repair of my vehicle?
A: Yes. The insurance company is responsible for restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. If there is additional damage, Accidental Auto Body will be able to negotiate for additional compensation. You surrender none of your rights by accepting a preliminary payment.
Q: What methods of payments are acceptable?
A: We accept all insurance company checks (even those with a lien holder listed on them), personal checks, American Express, Diner's Club, MasterCard, Visa and Discover for any deductible due.
