Tips & FAQ
You Have Collision Repair Questions, ProCare Has the Answers
We know there is no shortage of auto body shops in Omaha. At ProCare Collision Center, we work to distinguish our shop by being especially helpful and upfront when it comes to addressing customer concerns and handling repairs. Here are some answers to some questions people often have when they’re looking for an auto body shop.
In Case of an Accident,
Follow This Simple Checklist
Car accidents can be stressful events that raise dozens of questions at once. These following steps may help guide you through important decisions you need to make if you’ve been in an accident. To be best prepared keep relevant documents in your vehicle, such as registration, proof of auto insurance, your leasing agent’s name.
- If possible, pull the vehicle to a safe area on the side of the road. Assess possible injuries to yourself or your passengers. Make sure everyone is okay. Call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Once you’re assured everyone is okay, review the extent of the damage to the vehicle. If possible, take pictures of your vehicle from different angles, showing the damage done to both cars. It might also be a good idea to take pictures of the other car’s license plate.
- If you are involved in a serious accident, let law enforcement know, especially if anyone is hurt. If necessary, the police will notify the nearest medical unit. Get the names and badge numbers of the officers on the scene and ask where you can get a copy of their accident report. Whether an accident is considered a minor fender-bender or a major collision, calling the police is important — and in some states, it’s legally required. The responding officers will fill out an accident report and document the scene.
- Get the names of and contact information for everyone involved in the crash, including witnesses. Ask the other driver or drivers (if you are involved in a multi-car accident) for a license, car registration and insurance ID card, and get the makes and models of the cars involved. Take note of the location of the accident, time of day and the weather conditions.
- If the police can’t come to the scene head to the nearest police department (or their website) to file an incident report and ask for a copy. Having an official report can help in case the other driver decides to sue for damages or medical injuries, or there is more damage done to your car than initially thought. And you will need to have the report when making your insurance claim.
- Notify your insurance professional and begin the claims process. They can tell you exactly what they will need to in order to process your claim and what to expect during the claims process. Work with your insurance company as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remember the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drop off my vehicle after hours?
We have a key drop slot next to the front door. Fill out an envelope, found next to the drop slot with your name, contact information and vehicle information. Place your keys inside and place in the drop slot.
Do I have to pay a deductible?
The amount of deductible you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, please contact your agent to discuss your coverage.
How do I get a claim number?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just jot the number down and bring it with you when you come in to begin the repair process. ProCare Collision Center will do the rest.
If my vehicle's frame is damaged, is it a total loss?
Many cars are built using unibody construction (frame and body as one), and most frames can be repaired. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our onsite frame straightening equipment, can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If we determine that the frame section is beyond repair, that section can be replaced.
What are betterment charges?
Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e. tires, batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly subject to “betterment charges”, when they are replaced during the repair process. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are prorated based on actual miles on your vehicle. If you encounter this, we will be happy to explain it further.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept debit cards, most major credit cards, cash, and checks.
What is PDR or Paintless Dent Repair?
Paintless Dent Repair is a technique used to remove dents and dings with the original paint in place. Paintless Dent Repair technicians use specialized tools to push the metal back into its original shape from behind the dent. The metal around the outside edge of the dent is slowly massaged back into its original position. No sanding, body filler, or repainting is necessary. Advantages of PDR include:
- Less expensive than traditional body repair
- Same-day service in most cases
- Your vehicle retains the original paint
What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts?
OEM is an acronym for “original equipment manufacturer”. Aftermarket is not the manufacturer’s original equipment. It is a part produced by a manufacturer other than the original vehicle manufacturer. ProCare Collision Center strives to use only OEM parts for our customers’ cars. Ultimately, your insurance policy determines the type of parts authorized for repairs.
Direct Repair Programs
and Why They Can Hurt YOU
ProCare Collision Center is proud to be an independent body shop with no affiliation with insurance companies. Many consumers are unaware that many body shops and collision repair facilities are part of something called the Direct Repair Program, or DRP.
Those involved in a DRP become ‘preferred’ repair shops for insurance companies and must abide by their guidelines to maintain the relationship. What does this mean for you, the customer?
- To remain in the program, shops are graded on how quickly and inexpensively they can complete repairs. This means they could rush the job or use sub-par parts to meet the goals and get a good ‘grade’.
- The shop is answering to the insurance company first. When you work with a DRP shop, you and your vehicle are not their first priority. Their goal is to remain in good standing with the insurance company and they may compromise individual repair jobs to do so.
- It can often be less expensive to repair a part rather than replace it, even if replacing it is a safer and better option. DRP shops may cut corners such as repairing a part to meet their quotas and get the job done below budget.
Our team is committed to providing information about the dangers of DRP and maintaining our commitment to YOU, the customer. If you have any questions about DRP, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Vehicles We Repair
We work on all makes and models including light duty trucks
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ProCare Collision Center
Auto Body Repair & Service in Omaha, Nebraska Serving Omaha, Ralston, La Vista, Papillion, Elkhorn, Fremont, Council Bluffs, Chalco, Bellevue, Carter Lake and surrounding areas.
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