FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

As you get ready for your repair, here are helpful answers to the questions you may have.

How do I get an estimate?

We offer all estimates free of charge on a walk-in basis. No appointment necessary. We also offer complimentary online estimates with our mobile estimating tool. This easy to use tool will walk you through the process and gather all the information we need to get you an estimate.
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Click Here To Start Your Estimate

Do I need more than one estimate?

No! One estimate is enough. Your insurance cannot require you to drive around town collecting estimates. LaMettry’s will work with your insurance company and off of their estimate if they’ve written one. Rest assured, we will never charge you more than your insurance is willing to pay.

I already have an estimate from my insurance company, what do I do next?

If your insurance company has already looked at your vehicle, you can call us to schedule the repairs. We must start the repair process from the original insurance estimate. You can fax or email us a copy, drop it off, or give us your insurance information and we can obtain our own copy of the estimate.

Will my estimate include all new OEM factory replacement parts?

Each insurance company has different parts guidelines for factory/OEM parts, aftermarket (new but made by another company), remanufactured (previously damaged), or used (LKQ) parts to be used during the repair. In Minnesota, you have the legal right to use only OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. LaMettry’s can assist you to use only OEM parts.

What are OEM Parts?

Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) is a term for new parts made by your vehicle manufacturer.

What are Aftermarket Parts?

These are new parts for your vehicle that were not made by your vehicle manufacturer. They are also known as Quality Replacement Parts (QRP). Aftermarket parts may not have the same fit and function.

What are LKQ Parts?

LKQ (Like Kind & Quality) parts are more commonly referred to as used or recycled parts. These parts generally come from automotive salvage yards. Salvage yards purchase damaged or totaled vehicles, remove the good parts, and then sell them as LKQ parts. All LKQ parts are inspected for prior damage, rust, and to make sure they are OEM and not Aftermarket.

Where do I get a claim number?

Let LaMettry’s assist you with obtaining your claim number from your insurance company. Make us your first call, and we will handle it all for you!

What is a deductible and how do I know if I have to pay one?

A deductible is determined at the purchase of your insurance premium and can range anywhere between $50 and $3,000. If the repair is going through your insurance policy, then the cause of the accident will determine the deductible amount. Ask your insurance company or go through your policy to find out. If you were not at fault and the repair is going through the other party’s insurance, then you will not have a deductible.

The other insurance company says my car is a "total loss". What does that mean?

In Minnesota, a vehicle is deemed a “total loss” when the cost of repairs exceeds 70% of the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident.

How is the Actual Cash Value (AVC) determined?

The ACV is determined by factors include mileage, age, and condition of the vehicle. The insurance company will assign an appraiser to inspect the vehicle to determine its condition prior to the accident.

What is Subrogation?

Subrogation is the process by which your insurance company pays for the repairs to your vehicle, and then collects the payment from another insurer or party. Your collision coverage will require you to pay your deductible, which may be refunded once the other party pays.

When is my deductible due?

You are responsible for paying your deductible when you pick up your vehicle. The insurance check issued will be minus your deductible amount, if you have one. At the time you pick up your vehicle, you will pay the deductible amount to LaMettry’s. If you are expecting your deductible to be reduced or waived by insurance, we suggest you contact your insurance carrier and confirm prior to picking up your vehicle.

Can you help bury my deductible?

No. When you purchased your insurance policy, you signed a contract saying you will pay the first amount of the claim up to your deductible. Repairers should not be asked to hide the deductible. That practice would constitute fraud by both the shop and consumer. The penalties for insurance fraud are severe. If a shop offers to save your deductible, they are absorbing that at your cost. They are not doing the said repairs in order to make up for your deductible. This could lead to unsafe and unsatisfactory repairs which will ultimately cost you at some point.

When is my final payment due?

Payment is due at the time the repair is complete. Please bring any insurance checks with you and your deductible (if you are going through insurance). If you want, you are able to simply sign the check over to us and do not need to deposit it into your account.

What types of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards.

When can I wash or wax the exterior of my vehicle?

You are able to wash your vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge as soon as you get it back.

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For the first 30 days we suggest that you:

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Do NOT use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes/sponges can mar the finish and damage the surface.
Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days.
Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. Also, tree sap can mar or spot a freshly painted surface.
Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish.
Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.

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For the first 90 days we suggest that you:

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Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.

How can I get a rental car?

If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements. Insurance companies will only pay for a rental car if you have that option on your policy or if you are the claimant. Check your policy and/or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what your specific limitations are.

Can I have my vehicle repaired at the shop of my choice?

Yes! It is your responsibility and your right to choose who will repair your vehicle. Minnesota law says you have the right to choose your repair facility. The insurance company cannot require you to go to a shop that they choose. LaMettry’s works with ALL insurance companies.

How long will the repair take?

There are many factors to consider when estimating the length of time for auto body repairs like part availability, size of the job, as well as paint and material dry times We understand that you depend on your transportation, and we work very hard to complete the repair in a timely manner.

Will my vehicle drive the same?

We have specifications on every vehicle to ensure that the frame or unibody is returned to its pre-accident condition.

Will my color match?

With our highly skilled professionals and paint matching technology, we are able to reproduce the finish on your vehicle. We only use paint of the highest quality.

What if I want to keep my vehicle after it is totaled?

You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, however the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value and you will have to “buy it back.” This should be discussed with the insurance company.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes. We have a limited lifetime warranty on all of our work for as long as you own the vehicle. It is important to know that your body shop is the only party responsible for a warranty on your repair, NOT your insurance company.

I picked up my vehicle but noticed something wrong after I got home, what should I do?

We do everything in our power to ensure your vehicle is back to pre-accident condition as your vehicle leaves our shop. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right or experience any problems, please do not hesitate to give us a call or stop back in.

What is ADAS?

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance System. These advanced safety and convenience systems include Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Warning, Park Assist, and Lane Departure Warning.

What about my ADAS system after a collision?

ADAS require precise service in the event of a collision. LaMettry’s has the advanced training and equipment to properly and safely repair ADAS systems to vehicle manufacturer specifications. We perform pre- and post-repair scans on all vehicles 1996 and newer to make sure all your systems are working properly. If your ADAS needs to be recalibrated, LaMettry’s has the training and tools to do so. We know you rely on these safety and convenience systems. You can trust us to make sure your ADAS is operating as your vehicle manufacturer intended.

What are all the processes that go into repairing my vehicle?

View our entire repair process guide by clicking HERE.

My car isn't drivable, can I get it towed to your shop?

Yes! Call us at (888) 898‐0016 and let us know you’re in need of a tow to the shop.

Who do I pay for the vehicle being towed?

LaMettry’s pays on your behalf the tow bill to the shop. If you are going through insurance, the tow bill will be covered directly to them. If you decide to pay out of pocket, the tow bill will be added to the final bill from us and due at the time the repair is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

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