FAQ

World Auto Body Inc. presents to you a shop for any and every vehicle. Experienced staff, modern tools, and effective techniques allow our technicians to perform auto body work at the highest level.

What is “betterment” or “depreciation”?

If your vehicle has mechanical, suspension, electronic, tire or battery damage, etc., your insurance company may assess an additional cost over and above the amount of your deductible for what they call “betterment” or “depreciation”. Here is an example of how betterment is applied: Your vehicle’s tire is blown when the car hits the curb. The tire was approximately 50% worn. The insurance company paid for a new tire costing $100. The new tire is “better” than the old tire because it has all new tread. So, the insurance company may require you to pay $50 towards the cost of the tire. World Auto Body has no control over the betterment or depreciation charges assessed by the insurance company. You may be able to speak with your insurance company Claims Rep or Appraiser to review these charges.

Can I get other work done to my vehicle while it’s in the shop?

Yes! Our customers often ask to have non-accident related dings or scratches repaired while their vehicle is already in the shop. This is a perfect opportunity to restore the value and beauty back into your vehicle by fixing dents or other abrasions your vehicle gets from time to time. We call these minor repairs “extra work” and our appraisers can provide you with a written estimate for the cost to repair these blemishes. Just let your estimator know what other work you would like done so that he or she can make the necessary arrangements. You should not select a repair shop because they claim that they can “save your deductible”. In Massachusetts, “saving a deductible” is illegal, and if a business accepts $500 less to repair your vehicle, do you think they will still perform all of the work specified by the insurance company? You should insist that your vehicle be completely repaired to ensure it is restored to its pre-accident operation, safety, and value. And if a body shop is willing to cheat the insurance company, they could do the same to you!

I keep hearing the terms ‘Claimant’ and ‘Insured’ from the insurance representative. What do these terms mean?

“Claimant” means you are claiming the accident on someone else’s insurance. “Insured” means you are using your own insurance.

Do you provide free rental or loaner cars?

While we don’t provide free cars, we’ll have Enterprise Rent-A-Car bring a replacement vehicle to you. In many cases, the expense of your rental may be covered by the insurance company.

Can we return rental cars to the body shop?

Absolutely. Both Enterprise and Hertz will pick up the car from our facility.

Should I have my car repaired at the same place it was purchased? Does my dealer know more about fixing my car than other repair facilities?

Your dealer may not be your best choice for collision repair. Many of the highest-quality facilities in the area are not affiliated with dealers. Your dealer generally has no unique edge in terms of technology, techniques, or parts availability when it comes to repairing your vehicle after a collision. Rather than immediately returning to your dealer for collision repairs, World Auto Body Inc. encourages you to be a careful shopper when selecting a repair facility. Ask for the experiences of people you respect as to where they have had collision repairs, and select the shop you think will provide the highest quality result. You don’t need to gather multiple estimates for your insurance company. In fact, if you’re filing an insurance claim, then you don’t really need an estimate at all; you just need your vehicle repaired. World Auto Body will negotiate your repairs on your behalf with your insurance company to ensure you get the best and fastest possible repair. Remember: you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. We hope you choose World Auto Body Inc.

What if my car is a total loss?

If the damage to your car is greater than your car’s worth, World Auto Body Inc. can help you negotiate with your insurance provider in reaching a sufficient settlement.

After I pick up my vehicle, do I need to take any precautions with the new paint finish?

Yes, and please heed these few simple tips when caring for your new paint. Use cool water and mild detergent in a shaded area and wipe only with a damp or wet cloth – not a dry rag. Let 90 days pass before using polish or wax, and avoid extreme temperatures when frequenting commercial washing stations. Avoid any exposure to chemicals such as antifreeze or coolant, and immediately clean any fecal matter from birds as their droppings have a high acid content and can damage the paint and clear coat finish

If my vehicle’s frame is damaged, is it a total loss?

No. Vehicles are only total losses when repair prices go beyond insurance companies’ determined values for the automobile. Currently most cars are constructed with a unibody form (frame and body as one). World Auto Body Inc.’s highly-skilled technicians utilize state-of the-art computer measuring systems to return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If the frame section is bent beyond repair, it can simply be replaced.

Can you match the paint color?

Today’s modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. World Auto Body has made major investments in the finest paint systems available while also upgrading existing tech and equipment to ensure that each vehicle’s colors and hues are consistent. The final step in the restoration process is the paint application, and we are particularly careful and proud of the work we do to finish your car’s restoration.

To whom do I pay my deductible?

Deductible that are not waived will need to be paid by you when reclaiming your vehicle at the shop. Please check with your agent before arriving to check if you are required to pay the deductible.

Why should I use an environmentally friendly repair shop?

Auto shops are increasingly being required to meet government regulations in maintaining more carbon-neutral and chemically responsible processes, so rather than lament the extra work it requires our auto body establishment, we take great pride in exceeding those requirements. The paints we implement from PPG are one particular green feature we relish as they provide durable finished while reducing harmful solvents that damage the environment around our families. These waterborne paints contain, you guessed it, water, and that as the major ingredient replaces harmful solvents and other volatile organic compounds. These reduced fumes means cleaner air and a healthier work environment for factory workers and auto technicians. Waterborne basecoat paints are composed of 70% water, 10% organic solvents, and 20% pigment, metallic and pearlescent particles.