Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I am in an accident?

First, call the local police department. If the vehicle needs to be towed, advise the tow company to deliver the vehicle to Steve’s Auto Body. Contact your insurance carrier to file a claim. Contact Steve’s Auto Body to advise the vehicle is being towed to our facility and advise as to pertinent information (name, address, telephone number, insurance company, claim number).

Am I required to obtain more than one estimate?

You are not required to obtain more than one estimate.

Do I have to go to the repair facility that my insurance company suggests?

You are not required to go to a repair facility that your insurance company suggests. Illinois State Law allows you to choose the repair facility you may use for your repair. If you feel that your insurance company is pressuring you to use a collision center that they suggest, please contact us and we will assist you with this issue.

What if the estimate written by the insurance company is lower than our shop’s estimate?

We will review the insurance company’s estimate. In many instances, additional damage may not be determined until the vehicle is disassembled. We will disassemble the vehicle, re-write the estimate and submit the supplement to the insurance company for approval.

Will I have to pay additional costs if I use Steve’s Auto Body instead of the shop suggested by the insurance company?

The insurance company’s goal is to finalize the claim as soon as possible and at a minimum cost. We will carefully assess the damage to your vehicle, and if additional damage is discovered, we will contact the insurance company to review the modifications with them, and bill them directly for the supplement. This excludes any deductible or depreciation that the insurance company may charge you.

Who pays for the tow bill?

The collision center will pay the tow bill. The tow bill will be added to the final estimate and submitted to the insurance company for payment.

When do I pay my deductible, if applicable.

If you are required to pay your deductible, it is to be paid after the repair is completed and when you pick up your vehicle.

What are OEM parts?

OEM parts are “Original Equipment Manufacture” parts which means they come from the vehicle’s manufacturer.

What are aftermarket parts?

Aftermarket parts are parts made by a manufacturer other than the original manufacturer.

What are LKQ parts?

LKQ (like, kind, quality) are used parts similar to those that were originally on your vehicle.

Can Steve’s Auto Body save you your deductible?

It is totally unethical to modify an estimate to save the deductible. A reputable collision center would not suggest that they can save your deductible.

Who is responsible for warranty of the repairs?

The collision center will warrant the repairs performed on your vehicle. For this reason, it is imperative that you select a highly respected collision center. Any honest, quality repair facility will warrant their repairs.