1. What is CARSTAR?
2. My vehicle is still under warranty. Does it need to be repaired at the dealer?
3. Are all collision repair warranties the same?
4. Who get to choose my collision repair shop, me or my insurance company?
5. What should I do after an accident?
6. Why are estimates so different from one shop to another?
7. How do I know if I need to pay a deductible?
8. How do I know that the repairs will be done right?
9. Do I need to replace my child's car seat after an accident?
10. When and how do I pay my deductible?
11. Can you "bury the deductible" for me?
12. What will I drive while my vehicle is being repaired?
13. Will my car ever be the same?
14. So...How do I get my car fixed, quickly?

1. What is CARSTAR?

CARSTAR is an international franchise of high quality collision repair facilities. We are committed to providing a consistent quality product to our customers and insurance partners. Our technicians are highly trained and continually receive technical training to ensure they are qualified to work on any vehicle. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority.

2. My vehicle is still under warranty. Does it need to be repaired at the dealer?

No. Not every dealership has their own collision repair facility, and they may send their vehicles elsewhere for repairs. Your vehicle's warranty is with your vehicle's manufacturer, not solely with the dealership. The CARSTAR network provides its customers with a nationwide warranty that is will be honored at any CARSTAR location throughout the nation.

3. Are all collision repair warranties the same?

No. Some facilities offer "lifetime" warranties, but whose lifetime? Is it the lifetime of the facility, (or its ownership), or the lifetime of your vehicle? CARSTAR's lifetime warranty is good for as long as you own your vehicle.

4. Who get to choose my collision repair shop, me or my insurance company?

The right to choose your repair shop is yours. A high quality collision repair shop will be honest, maintain up to date training and certifications, perform quality repairs and will offer a written warranty. CARSTAR offers the only 5 year nationwide warranty as an added benefit.

5. What should I do after an accident?

First, stay calm. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately. Do not move your vehicle, unless you are in immediate danger and it would be safer to get your vehicle in a different location. You should get the name of the person (s) driving the other vehicle (s) involved along with their phone number, driver's license, vehicle license and insurance information. Try to obtain any witness' name and phone number (s). Note the location, time and date. If you have a camera, take pictures.

6. Why are estimates so different from one shop to another?

One of the reasons estimates may differ from another shop is thoroughness of the appraisal process. Some estimates may leave necessary repairs out of the initial estimate, causing the amount to be different from another facility. At CARSTAR we take our time to identify the steps necessary for a quality and safe repair for your vehicle.

7. How do I know if I need to pay a deductible?

If you are responsible for the accident, and the claim is going through your insurance company, you will determine how much your deductible is based on what your policy states. Deductibles range anywhere from $250.00 - $1000.000. The amount of the deductible also depends on whether the claim is considered a comprehensive claim, collision, uninsured motorist or "hit and run." It is very important to check with your insurance company to determine the type of deductible.

8. How do I know that the repairs will be done right?

CARSTAR facilities offer a 5-year nationwide warranty that will be honored throughout the nation at any CARSTAR location. Our technicians are highly trained through ASE and I-CAR. We maintain strict standards for certification so that you can rest assured the repair is done right!

9. Do I need to replace my child's car seat after an accident?

Yes. The National SAFEKIDS network recommends that you replace any car seat that was in the vehicle during an accident.

10. When and how do I pay my deductible?

Your deductible is due when you pick up the vehicle after repairs are complete. Financing is available for deductibles at participating CARSTAR facilities.

11. Can you "bury the deductible" for me?

Although we understand that the accident is an inconvenience to you and an expense you weren't exactly expecting, to "hide" or "bury" your deductible in the repair costs to the insurance company is considered fraud and we know you wouldn't want to be involved in any fraudulent activity!

12. What will I drive while my vehicle is being repaired?

If you are the claimant (the other party is paying for the repairs), you may be entitled to a rental vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired. If it is going through your insurance, you'll want to call your agent to verify that you have rental coverage. Most of the time rental coverage is very inexpensive and can save you lots of money in the long run. We are happy to make arrangements for your rental vehicle. You may receive a rental vehicle of approximately the same size, make and year, depending on the policy of the insured.

13. Will my car ever be the same?

Our guarantee to you is that your vehicle will meet or exceed all manufacturers recommended specifications for refurbishing your vehicle. The more detailed information we receive regarding how the accident occurred, the better our ability to know what type of repair procedures to use so that your vehicle meets or exceeds all manufacturers specifications for collision repair.

14. So...How do I get my car fixed, quickly?

First, attempt to begin the claim process with the insurance company. Insurance companies have very different ways of handling a claim, so our advice would be to ask them as many questions as possible. We work with many different insurance companies so we can help you as well. Simply give us a call and we'll help you with the process.