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Estimates
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.
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.
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.
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.
Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) is a term for new parts made by your vehicle manufacturer.
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.
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.
Insurance
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.
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.
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.
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.
Payments
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.
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.
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.
We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards.
Post-Repair Care
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.
For the first 30 days we suggest that you:
- 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.
For the first 90 days we suggest that you:
- Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.
Rental Cars
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.
Repair Process
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.
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.
We have specifications on every vehicle to ensure that the frame or unibody is returned to its pre-accident condition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
View our entire repair process guide by clicking HERE.
Towing
Yes! Call us at (888) 898‐0016 and let us know you’re in need of a tow to the shop.
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.
