FAQ
Questions drivers actually ask
Straight answers about your rights, the insurance claim process, OEM parts, total loss settlements, and how we work.
- Do I have to use the auto body shop my insurance recommends? +
- No. In both New York and New Jersey, you have the legal right to choose your own collision repair shop. The insurance company can recommend a 'preferred' or 'direct repair' shop, but they cannot require you to use one. We help you exercise that right with a vetted match.
- How much does Collision Experts cost? +
- Our shop matchmaking is completely free to you. Independent appraisal and total loss consultation are professional services with transparent pricing — we'll quote the scope before any work begins, and we never take a kickback from an insurer or shop.
- Who pays for my rental car while my vehicle is being repaired? +
- If you carry rental reimbursement coverage on your policy, your insurer does — up to the daily and total limits in your policy. If the accident was someone else's fault, their liability carrier typically owes you a loss-of-use rental. We help you make sure the rental days actually line up with the repair timeline.
- What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts? +
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by your vehicle's manufacturer to factory spec. Aftermarket parts are third-party copies — fit, finish, and crash performance vary. For structural, safety, and ADAS-related components especially, OEM is almost always the right answer. We push for OEM where it matters.
- What does it mean if my car is declared a 'total loss'? +
- A total loss means the cost to repair your vehicle (plus its salvage value) exceeds the insurer's calculated Actual Cash Value (ACV). They write you a check for the ACV minus your deductible. The ACV is often disputable — comps can be wrong, stale, or geographically off, which is where our total loss consultation comes in.
- How quickly will someone get back to me after I submit the form? +
- A licensed specialist will call you back the same day, usually within minutes during business hours. After hours, you'll hear from us first thing the next morning. Need to talk now? Call or text 347-921-9478.
- What areas do you serve? +
- We serve all of New York (the five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, Hudson Valley) and all of New Jersey. We have vetted shop partners in every major metro across both states.
- Will my insurance rates go up if I use you? +
- Using us has no impact on your rates. Whether your rates change depends on the claim itself — at-fault status, your policy, and your carrier's rules. We can walk you through how the claim may affect renewal before you commit to a repair.
- What if I already started a claim or already picked a shop? +
- We can still help. We frequently come in mid-claim to review the estimate, catch missed damage, verify OEM procedures, and inspect the finished work. It's never too late to get a second set of eyes on your repair.
- Are you affiliated with any insurance company or auto body shop? +
- No. We are independent. We're not paid by insurers, and we have no ownership in any auto body shop. That independence is the whole point — it's why our recommendations are actually in your interest.