Below is a list of vehicle repair frequently asked questions we get from our customers. If you have a question that's not included in this list, please contact us and we will be glad to help you.
Step 1: Check yourself and your passenger(s) for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 or ask someone else to do so. If you are seriously injured, try not to move, and wait for emergency personnel.
Step 2: Get to Safety. Turn off your vehicle and if you are able and it’s safe to do so, get out and take pictures of the accident, then pull your vehicle to the side of the road. If vehicle is smoking or you feel it’s unsafe, then get yourself to safety, keeping a safe distance from the damaged vehicle(s).
Step 3: Call 911. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a major collision, calling the police is important. In some states, it’s legally required. The responding officers will fill out an accident report and document the scene. If the police cannot come to the scene of the accident, you may go to the nearest police station to complete a report yourself. A police report will often be required by their insurer to begin the claims process.
Step 4: Exchange information. When possible, exchange the following contact and insurance information with the other driver(s):
Full name and contact information (Pictures of their license/ID’s)
Insurance company and policy number (Pictures of their insurance ID cards)
Vehicle information (Pictures of their license plate(s) and vehicle)
Location of the accident
Note: We recommend that you avoid discussing fault when going over the facts with the other driver. During your insurance claims process, the adjuster reviewing your claim will determine who’s at fault based on all pertinent information provided.
Step 5: Start the claims process. You may want to call your insurance company OR Ideal Automotive Services so we can get started on your claim, answer any questions you may have, and handle the rest for you. Our experts will provide complimentary advice to resolve your liability in your favor to the best of our abilities.
If you are involved in a hit and run accident, first check for any injuries. If there are any injuries, stay calm and call 911 immediately. You may elect to contact your Ideal Claims Specialist for free expert advice and decide whether or not it’s worthwhile to file an insurance claim. Our team can provide you with complimentary plate search in NYS to find the party responsible for the accident who fled the scene.
Note: Plate search results is not a guarantee of us finding the other party.
Ideal Auto is closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on vehicle repairs processes for our clients. We have optimized our locations in compliance with all CDC guidelines with stringent cleaning, disinfecting, and social distancing measures. With your safety being our top priority, we have also implemented the use of temperature scanners, PPE, and acrylic sneeze guards throughout our stores. We recommend that you make advance appointments to limit our in-store occupancy and help us maintain social distancing. Alternatively, we do offer complimentary “VIP Express Service” for your vehicle pick-up and/or drop-off for all service or repair needs.
Our shops are open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM EST. Check out our locations page for any updated hours of operation.
Yes! We provide complimentary VIP Express Service for touchless vehicle pick-up and drop-off. If you would like to drop-off your vehicle to us yourself, we will provide rental, shuttle, or Uber to get you home.
Your deductible amount, as indicated on your insurance policy will need to be paid to us upon job completion.
Full payment is due upon completion of your repairs and prior to vehicle delivery, no exceptions.
Ideal Automotive Services offers a full range of payment options for you to pay for your vehicle repairs. We accept the following forms of payments:
Insurance Company Check. Insurance check(s) you may receive are solely purposed for the payment of your claimed repairs and they need to be endorsed over to Ideal Automotive Services. Your insurance check(s) received that shows additional payee noted with a lienholder or third-party name(s) requires their endorsement as well in order to be accepted by us.
Certified Check. Certified or cashier’s checks from your banking institution payable to Ideal Automotive Services.
Cash.
Personal or Company Checks. These checks are accepted but cannot be pre or post-dated and the funds must clear into our bank account prior to vehicle pick-up.
All Major Credit Cards. We accept VISA, Discover, MasterCard, American Express, Apple Card.
Zelle. Simply ask your Ideal Claims Specialist for directions to quick-pay via Zelle.
Because newly repaired vehicle’s paint is soft, it needs time to properly cure and allow the paint’s solvents ample time to evaporate. Therefore, our experts recommend that you wait a minimum of 30 to 90 days before washing it for maximum protection and best results. If you must wash your vehicle within this timeframe, then you should take the following precautions.
Do:
Only wash the vehicle by hand with clean and cool water along with a very mild car wash solution using a soft microfiber cloth or sponge.
Only wash your vehicle in the shade or anywhere away from direct sunlight.
Operate vehicle normally, but take extra precautions.
Do Not:
Use mechanical or high-pressure wash.
Use harsh soap.The chemicals in some car wash detergents could damage the paint and its coatings.
Wax or polish the vehicle. Using wax on your car’s paint before it had a chance to cure properly can trap the solvents, causing the paint to look dull.
Dry wipe dirt or other contaminants off of your vehicle. This can damage the finish.
Park under trees or other areas that are at higher risk of bird droppings or tree sap. Bird droppings are highly acidic and will damage freshly painted surfaces.
Scrape ice or snow from newly painted surfaces.
Drive on gravel roads or construction zones that contain loose gravel. The new paint’s finish is vulnerable to chips from flying rocks because it hasn’t had enough time to harden into a protective barrier.
Yes, our team can help you process loss wages claim with your insurance company to seek maximum compensation for loss of work resulting from your auto accident.
Depending on your insurance coverages, your Ideal Claims Specialist works closely with our in-house Certified Auto Appraiser to help you claim diminished value on your vehicle resulting from your accident.
If your vehicle has been involved in an accident or sustained damage, it's a good idea to have it assessed by professionals. Even minor damage can impact your vehicle's safety, appearance, and value.
While some insurance companies may request multiple estimates, you are not obligated to do so. You can choose the repair shop that you trust and feel comfortable with.
Yes, Ideal Automotive Services is a certified and licensed collision repair shop. Our technicians are trained and experienced in handling various types of collision repairs.
Yes, we have experience working with all major insurance companies. We can assist you in the claims process, including providing documentation and communicating with your insurance provider.
You can contact us to schedule an appointment for a free estimate. Our team will assess the damage and provide you with a detailed estimate of the repair costs.
The duration of the repair process varies based on the extent of damage and the specific repairs needed. Our team will provide you with an estimated timeline once we assess your vehicle.
The deductible amount depends on your insurance policy. We recommend reviewing your policy or contacting your insurance provider to understand your specific deductible.
Absolutely, you have the right to choose the repair shop that best suits your needs. Your insurance provider should respect your choice.
We will notify you as soon as your vehicle is ready for pickup. You can expect a call, email, or text message from us to schedule a convenient time for you to retrieve your repaired vehicle.
The duration of the repair process depends on the extent of damage and the repairs needed. Our team will provide you with an estimated timeline during the assessment.
Yes, we can assist you in arranging a rental car through our partnerships with local rental agencies. This ensures you have transportation while your vehicle is in our shop.
Claim numbers are provided by your insurance carrier when you report your accident. If we reported the accident for you, we will provide you with the claim number and other relevant information. Once a claim is filed, your Ideal Claims Specialist will handle the rest.
The duration of the repair process varies based on the extent of damage and the specific repairs needed. Our team will provide you with an estimated timeline once we assess your vehicle.
Absolutely, we understand the importance of staying informed. We'll provide regular updates on the status of your vehicle, keeping you in the loop throughout the repair process.
Yes, we offer an online portal where you can track the progress of your vehicle's repairs. You'll receive login information and instructions from our team.
Our skilled technicians use advanced computerized color-matching techniques to ensure that the repaired areas seamlessly blend with the original paint color of your vehicle.
If our technicians uncover additional damage while working on your vehicle, we'll contact you immediately to discuss the findings and obtain your approval before proceeding with any additional repairs.
Yes, our repair technicians are highly trained, certified professionals with years of experience in collision repair. They undergo regular training to stay updated on the latest industry techniques and technologies.
No, our repair process is designed to restore your vehicle's structural integrity and safety. Our technicians follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure the repairs meet stringent standards.
Absolutely. Feel free to reach out to our team at any time if you have questions or need updates. We're here to provide you with the information you need.
While we encourage you to stay informed through our updates and on our portal, you're welcome to visit our shop by appointment to see the progress in person.
Yes, we conduct rigorous quality control checks and testing before your vehicle leaves our shop. This ensures that all repairs meet our high standards of excellence.
Your insurance coverage should remain in effect while your vehicle is being repaired. However, it's recommended to double-check with your insurance provider for any specific requirements.
If you'd like to make changes to the repair plan, please contact us as soon as possible. We'll assess the changes and provide you with the necessary information.
Because newly repaired vehicle’s paint is soft, it needs time to properly cure and allow the paint’s solvents ample time to evaporate. Therefore, our experts recommend that you wait a minimum of 30 to 90 days before washing it for maximum protection and best results. If you must wash your vehicle within this timeframe, then you should take the following precautions.
Do:
Only wash the vehicle by hand with clean and cool water along with a very mild car wash solution using a soft microfiber cloth or sponge.
Only wash your vehicle in the shade or anywhere away from direct sunlight.
Operate vehicle normally, but take extra precautions.
Do Not:
Use mechanical or high-pressure wash.
Use harsh soap.The chemicals in some car wash detergents could damage the paint and its coatings.
Wax or polish the vehicle. Using wax on your car’s paint before it had a chance to cure properly can trap the solvents, causing the paint to look dull.
Dry wipe dirt or other contaminants off of your vehicle. This can damage the finish.
Park under trees or other areas that are at higher risk of bird droppings or tree sap. Bird droppings are highly acidic and will damage freshly painted surfaces.
Scrape ice or snow from newly painted surfaces.
Drive on gravel roads or construction zones that contain loose gravel. The new paint’s finish is vulnerable to chips from flying rocks because it hasn’t had enough time to harden into a protective barrier.
We will notify you as soon as your vehicle is ready for pickup. You can expect a call, email, or text message from us to schedule a convenient time for you to retrieve your repaired vehicle.
Please bring a valid driver's license and any relevant documentation that we may have provided during the repair process.
Yes, we offer our signature Ideal Lifetime Warranty on the repairs performed at our shop. The warranty period and coverage details will be outlined in the documentation provided to you upon completion of the repair.
Absolutely, we encourage you to inspect the repairs with our team before taking your vehicle. This allows us to address any concerns or questions you might have about the repair work.
If you notice any issues with the repairs after leaving our shop, please contact us immediately. Our team is here to address any concerns and ensure your complete satisfaction.
Yes, we work closely with insurance companies to streamline the claims process. We'll provide necessary documentation and details to your insurance provider to ensure a smooth resolution.
If you have any further questions, concerns, or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our customer service team is here to help.
