Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about car repair. If you have a question concerning collision repair or insurance claims that is not answered here, please contact us at (510) 528-5940 or via email . You can also view the California Motorist Bill of Rights.

Your shop is not on my insurance company's preferred list. Can I still get repaired by you without having to pay extra ... and will I still receive a lifetime warranty from your shop even though you are not on their list for direct repair facilities?

Yes. You may always select the repair facility of your choice. We will repair any defects in our work as listed on the repair invoice for as long as you own your vehicle - unless caused by unreasonable use or lack of maintenance. Please contact us for more details on this warranty.

The damage to my car was caused by the other driver, but the company they are insured by is slow to accept any liability. What is my recourse?

You need to contact your agent and start the claim under your collision policy. If the other company still has not accepted liability by the time your car is ready, you will have to pay a deductible. Your company may get your deductible back if it challenges the claim successfully.

If the other driver is at fault, should I still notify my insurance company?

Yes. You should notify your insurance company. If the other driver does not agree with you, they may have already filed a claim against you. Your insurance agent will explain your rights and guard your interests within the limits of your coverage.

Do I have to pay the difference if my insurance company's estimate is less than yours?

The only time this happens is when you want replacement parts to come from a different source than the insurance company has listed. Parts can be listed from a variety of sources such as the dealership, after-market vendors (copies of the factory part), reconditioning vendors, and used-parts vendors. Neither Gilman Collision Repair nor any other repair shop (or dealership) can dictate what sources and therefore what costs the insurance will pay for specific parts.

When is it time to pay the deductible, and to whom do I pay it?

If a deductible is required, it is collected at our shop when the repairs are complete.