Question 1

My car might not be safe to drive, what should I do?"

Accepted Answer

Never drive a vehicle that may be unsafe. Your safety is worth much more than the cost of a tow, and most insurance policies have coverage for towing. Call Riley & Sons and we will have your vehicle towed to our safe and secure lot.

You have the right to choose a repair shop to fix your vehicle so if you want Riley & Sons to repair your vehicle, you have the right to choose us.
 
Basically, get the CLAIM NUMBER from your insurance company and Riley & Sons will be able to start the process and get you scheduled to repair your vehicle. If you need help getting the CLAIM NUMBER we can help you with that too. It’s that easy and that is our goal to provide excellent customer service from the start to the finish.

Question 2

I've just had an accident. What should I do first?

Accepted Answer

We know and understand how frustrating an accident can be. We are experts in not only repairing your vehicle, but assisting with the claims process as well. Please contact us immediately to assist in arranging a tow truck if needed or to assist you with the claims process. We work with all insurance carriers and will ensure your vehicle will be repaired properly and timely.

Question 3

Do I need an appointment for a collision repair or auto painting estimate?

Accepted Answer

In order to properly estimate your repair, we ask that you schedule an appointment either online or by giving us a call.

Question 4

Are the collision repair and auto painting estimates free and without obligation?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. At Riley & Sons, we strongly believe that collision repair estimates should be free and on your schedule. If you're in need of auto body repair, auto painting or other collision center services in the Lafayette area, you can trust the team at Riley & Sons to offer you an accurate estimate. You don't deserve the runaround, and we promise not to ever do that to any of our customers. All of our estimates are 100% free, and we do everything we can to accommodate your schedule and needs in order to make the entire vehicle repair process as painless as possible.

Question 5

What if my vehicle is not safe to drive to your facility for a collision repair estimate?

Accepted Answer

Never drive an unsafe vehicle in need of collision repair. If your car is too damaged to safely drive to our convenient Lafayette, Indiana auto body shop, we will gladly arrange for safe towing of your vehicle to our state of the art collision repair facility.

Question 6

Can I choose what types of parts are used on my vehicle when repaired?

Accepted Answer

You, as the vehicle owner, may always choose the type of parts to be used on your vehicle. In Indiana, if your vehicle is 5 years or newer and you are going through your own insurance company, it is required by law to allow you to choose the type of parts you would like used in your repairs. This law covers any metal or plastic part that generally constitutes the exterior of the vehicle.

Question 7

Do I need to get three estimates for the insurance company that is paying for the collision repairs?

Accepted Answer

No, the law does not require that you receive multiple estimates before choosing a body shop to make your collision repairs. It's nice to know that there is no law that requires you get more than one collision center estimate or appraisal on your damaged vehicle. Of course, we encourage you to get as many estimates as you'd like in order to help you make an informed decision about your vehicle's collision repair. In the end, of course, cheap collision repair is not your goal, though with our efficient collision center, we can complete your paint and body repairs in a cost-effective manner without compromising quality or safety.

Question 8

What can you do to help me get the attention of the responsible insurance company?

Accepted Answer

Top collision centers can help you communicate better with insurance companies, and because we work so closely with so many Lafayette-area insurance companies, we may even be able to help you cut through the red tape to guarantee a more efficient, seamless collision repair process. We are experts at helping our customers navigate the entire claims process.

Question 9

Can my insurance adjuster come to Riley & Sons to inspect my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your insurance company can inspect your damaged vehicle at our location. Because we work closely with every major insurance company in Indiana, your insurance adjuster can come to our location to inspect your vehicle. While we understand that many insurance companies would like you to visit their claims facilities with your damaged car, we also know that this is not always convenient or even possible for our customers, so we make it convenient for your insurance adjuster to come visit us to inspect your vehicle before any collision repairs are made.

Question 10

Why are there so many discrepancies in different collision repair estimates?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, not all vehicle repair estimates are apples-to-apples. Differences in collision repair estimates are actually quite common because of a number of factors in the body shop industry. Here are just a few of the most common reasons why one estimate may be significantly lower than another:A collision repair estimate may not include all necessary work or may quote substandard replacement parts or paints.Not all Lafayette body shops or Indy collision repair centers are I-CAR or ASE certified. Not all Indianapolis body shops are capable of unibody repair. Advanced equipment and training costs more - but the results can be spectacular and the differences quite noticeable.Your collision repairs may not include a warranty from a reputable company that protects you for as long as you own your vehicle.

Question 11

Why has Riley & Sons invested so much in a state-of-the-art facility, while most body shops are just large, dirty garages?"

Accepted Answer

Your vehicle is too large of an investment to leave its repair to chance. Because your car, truck, SUV, minivan or crossover is probably the second largest investment you've made, it is critical that any auto painting or auto body repair preserve its value and especially your safety. At Riley & Sons we are always 100% committed to your satisfaction and safety. We want to be the best collision repair center and that requires having the correct equipment that ensures industry standards are maintained.

Question 12

Should I plan for replacement transportation in advance?

Accepted Answer

It depends, but it is a good idea. Because the average vehicle collision repair and auto painting can take two weeks, it is important to plan in advance for your replacement vehicle needs. At Prime Body and Paint, we have an on-site Enterprise Rent-A-Car office that can quickly and easily arrange for replacement transportation with or without an appointment. Of course, when you schedule your repairs, let us know, and we will have a rental car waiting for you. Remember to let your insurance company know that you will be needing a rental, if they are handling the charges.

Question 13

Can I choose where to take my damaged vehicle for collision repair?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as the vehicle owner, you have the right to have collision repairs performed on your vehicle anywhere you would like. Insurance companies cannot make you take your vehicle to a body shop that you do not wish to use. This is your right as a consumer. For example, insurance companies cannot require you to use their "preferred" body shop for your collision repair and auto painting needs - even when that body shop is Riley & Sons. And while we are often recommended by many insurance companies for our quality collision repair, as the consumer you have the final say in who you will trust with your vehicle repair needs.

Question 14

Do I have to repair my vehicle where the insurance company suggests?

Accepted Answer

You have the legal right to choose the shop of your choice to repair your vehicle. Riley & Sons works directly with all insurance companies, and possess the training and state of the art equipment to safely and efficiently repair even the most sophisticated vehicles.

Question 15

I received an estimate from the insurance company what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Just bring the estimate to Riley & Sons. We honor all insurance estimates, regardless of amount. We will work directly with the insurance company to document all damages and restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. Remember, estimates are just starting points, and changes to them can be made once the vehicle is disassembled and all related damages can be seen.

Question 16

Do I need more than one estimate?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no law requiring you to get more than one estimate. You only need one estimate from the place you want your vehicle repaired. If the insurance company wants a second estimate, they can send their own appraiser to look at the vehicle. Then Riley & Sons will honor the insurance company’s estimate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions