Collision Repair and Auto Body Repair FAQs

Read below to view a variety of FAQs and answers related to our collision repair services:

Q:  My insurance company says I must get an auto body repair estimate from one of their “preferred shops.” Can the insurance company dictate where I get my vehicle repaired?

A:  According to Section 167C of the New York State Insurance code, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired in the body shop of your choice. You only need one auto body repair estimate or appraisal. Referral repair shops work for the insurance company. Insurance appraisers work for the insurance company. Rudy Schmid works for the consumer! We will make the process convenient and easy for you.

Q:  I’ve been in an accident, but my car seems drivable. I’m pretty busy, so can I wait to have it repaired?

A: While your car might look okay on the surface, modern vehicles rely on complex ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) that can be compromised by even a minor “fender bender.” Never drive a vehicle if its safety systems are in question.

At Rudy Schmid, we look beyond the visible dents. A shifted bumper or a slight misalignment can disable or calibrate your vehicle incorrectly:

• Backup Cameras: Critical for rear visibility and parking safety.
• Blind Spot Monitors: Which rely on sensors hidden behind body panels.
• Automatic Emergency Braking & Lane Assist: Systems that require precise sensor alignment to function.

Safety systems are now  as relevant as visible damage. Please bring your car to us as soon as possible so we can assess its true “driveability” and accurately document the damage for your insurance. We’ll ensure those hidden sensors are still protecting you before you head back out on the road.

Q: I have an estimate from the insurance company that was prepared from photos I sent with an app they provided.  Why is the estimate from Rudy Schmid so different from the insurance estimate?

A:  Differences in collision repair estimates are common. A lower auto body estimate may not include all the necessary work—often,  but damage that cannot be seen from a photo is not included in the estimate. If you’re not sure why an estimate is different from another, we can help by reviewing any of the collision estimates you have.

Q:  My insurance company is insisting that I use a certain type of replacement part. It makes their appraisal lower than the auto body repair estimate. What does this mean?

A: It is common for an initial insurance appraisal to be lower than our professional estimate because most insurance companies write “visible-only” quotes based on the most cost-effective parts available. At Rudy Schmid, we know that a low initial estimate rarely tells the whole story. Once we begin the repair, we often discover hidden damage to structural components or sensor brackets that weren’t visible from the outside.

When we find additional items or hidden damage, we submit a “supplement” to the insurance company for approval to ensure the true cost of a safe, high-quality repair is covered. While we use high-quality used OEM parts when appropriate, we work to minimize aftermarket parts to ensure a precise fit for your vehicle’s sensitive technology.

Q:  I have a deductible on my insurance policy. To whom do I pay the deductible?

A:  Typically, if you have a deductible on your insurance policy, you will be responsible for paying the amount to Rudy Schmid when you pick up your vehicle. The amount of the deductible is determined by your insurance policy. If you are unsure about your deductible, an insurance agent from the company will be able to tell you whether your deductible will be waived or if you will be responsible for paying it upon vehicle pick-up.

Q:  Comprehensive vs. Collision Car Insurance: What is the difference?

A:  Comprehensive insurance coverage applies when your car does not actually collide with another vehicle or object, but instead suffers damage caused by a fire, natural disaster, animals, falling objects, theft, or vandalism. Collision insurance covers damage that occurs as a result of a collision with another vehicle or object, whether the accident is your fault or not.

Q:  I don’t have rental car coverage on my policy. What should I do?

A:  Rudy Schmid often has rental vehicles at our disposal for very reasonable rates. Please ask us to reserve one for you when you schedule your collision repair.

Q:  How long will my vehicle repairs take?

A: At Rudy Schmid, our goal is to return your vehicle to its pre-accident condition as quickly as possible without sacrificing safety. The repair timeline depends on several factors, including the extent of the visible and invisible damage and the availability of replacement parts. However, modern repairs often require additional time for digital diagnostics and ADAS recalibrations to ensure your safety sensors are functioning correctly. Furthermore, discovering hidden damage during the teardown process may require us to submit a “supplement” for the insurance company’s approval, which can extend the overall duration. Your service advisor will provide a specific estimate based on your vehicle’s needs and will keep you updated as we move through the structural, mechanical, and technical phases of the repair.

Q:  What forms of payment do you accept?

A:  We accept all major credit cards, with a 2.75% non-cash adjustment that is added. We also accept cash and personal checks.

Q: Do you guarantee the repair work performed on my vehicle? 

A: Yes. We stand behind our 95-year reputation with a lifetime guarantee on our workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle. This includes our structural repairs and our premium Sherwin-Williams paint finishes. While we cannot warranty the parts themselves (which carry their own manufacturer warranties), we ensure that every repair meets our rigorous I-CAR Gold Class standards for safety and quality.

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