Collision Repair
The most important rule of thumb to follow in collision repair is to ask that only original equipment parts are used. It’s the only way you can make sure that your vehicle is going to perform and be as safe as before the accident. If the shop you choose says they won’t be using OE parts, you can say no to them. It’s your choice.
Getting Back To Pre-Accident Condition
An accident is stressful for both you and your vehicle. The impact can affect anything, from alignment to sensors to the paint. It’s up to you to choose the collision repair center. Only someone who knows everything about your vehicle, bumper to bumper, is best equipped to get it back to pre-accident condition.
And you should understand the difference between the three types of crash parts that could be used in your repair:
- Original equipment (OE) parts or Genuine Ford crash parts are designed and engineered to perform just like the ones that came on your vehicle
- New aftermarket crash parts are unauthorized copies of genuine crash parts. While cheaper, they can sacrifice quality and possible resale value
- Salvaged crash parts are parts recovered from totaled vehicles. Since you don’t know where they came from, there could be issues with quality
A Ford or Lincoln Collision Repair Center has everything your vehicle needs. They:
- Are committed to your 100 percent satisfaction
- Use equipment that is Ford-approved
- Use original equipment parts
- Have technicians with the most up-to-date training, straight from the factory
- Follow strict repair standards
- Have a lifetime limited warranty on workmanship*
*See dealership for details.
What To Do If You’re In A Collision
Thinking clearly after an accident can be difficult, but making sure you have the right information is critical when you’re working with your insurance company to get your vehicle back to the same condition it was in before the accident. Be sure to:
- Obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of the other drivers, passengers and witnesses
- Notify the police and have a report filed
- Review your insurance coverage and write down any questions you may have
- Notify your insurance company immediately
- Choose a collision repair center
Do You Have The Right Auto Insurance Coverage?
Be sure to read the fine print when you’re shopping for an insurance policy. You may find out too late that it doesn’t cover original equipment parts, your accessories and possibly even labor costs. And that’s one problem that can’t be fixed after you have an accident.
Ask your insurance agency if they offer policies that:
- Cover you if you’re in a collision
- Cover replacing parts with original equipment
- Cover the replacement of your accessories
- Cover all or part of the labor at a collision repair center
- Cover the cost of a rental car
Some policies also include coverage for loaner vehicles, lodging if you’re away from home, towing, etc.
