Frequently Asked Questions

General

Do I need to schedule an appointment for an estimate?

All “out of pocket” or “self pay” estimates require no appointment. If it is an insurance claim, we prefer a scheduled appointment so we can better serve you in a timely manner with the insurance estimator. There is only one estimator on staff per insurance company.

How long will the estimate take to write?

Most repair estimates take 15-20 minutes. If your vehicle has extended damage, it may take up to 30 minutes.

Are you open on the weekends?

Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30am – 5:30pm. Our office is open on Saturday from 9:00am – 12:00pm. We are closed on Sundays.

Financial

What is a deductible?

A deductible is the portion of your collision repair paid by you when the repairs are paid for by an insurance company. Your insurance company will be able to tell you if a deductible is applicable and what the amount of your deductible is depending on your policy. Deductible amounts are established at the time you purchase your auto insurance policy. DEDUCTIBLES MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE WE CAN GIVE YOU BACK YOUR VEHICLE.

When and who do I pay my deductible to?

Your deductible is paid to Canoga Auto Body when repairs are completed and you come in to pick up your vehicle. You may also pay when your vehicle is dropped off for repairs after you have signed our paper work.

Repair

How long will my repairs take and what if additional damage is found during the repair of my vehicle?

It can be difficult to see all the damage during the initial inspection and finding additional damage is very common after your vehicle is taken apart. If more damage is found during the repairs of your vehicle (and determined to be accident related) the insurance company will pay for them as supplemental damage. Your estimator will produce a supplemental invoice and submit it to the insurance company for approval when this occurs.

Please note, if the insurance representative wants to come and inspect the additional damage, the repair process could be delayed an additional 2-5 business days. If additional parts need to be ordered it will delay your original completion date.

We will then call you with an update to give you more information about the updated estimate amount and completion date. If you have any questions please ask the estimator when they contact you.

Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?

Yes!
Canoga Auto Body offers a limited Life-Time warranty for as long as you own the vehicle. If the vehicle is sold or returned as a lease the warranty will no longer apply.

After I pick up my vehicle, do I need to take any precautions with the new paint finish?

Once the vehicle is painted and assembled our detail department washes the vehicle and vacuums the interior. We buff and polish the areas that we paint so you won’t have to after you receive your car. You may wash the vehicle afterward but do not use commercial car washes with brushes and please do not buff or polish the painted areas on your vehicle for approximately 90 days. This allows the paint to cure completely.

What if I notice something that I don’t like after picking up my vehicle?

You may bring your vehicle back in or give us a call to discuss anything you notice that may seem abnormal and related to the accident or recent repairs. Our goal is to restore your car to pre-accident condition. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

My vehicle is “totaled” What does that mean?

If the insurance company deems your vehicle a total loss it means the repairs to your vehicle come close to or exceed the value of your vehicle. Please ask your estimator for a more detailed answer as every claim is different.

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Rental

I’ve dropped my car off and now I need a ride to/from my home/work and DO NOT NEED A RENTAL What should I do?

We can provide you with a complimentary Uber ride to or from our shop when dropping off or picking up your vehicle within the local area.

I need a rental vehicle but I don’t have rental insurance coverage, what can I do?

Canoga Auto Body offers our customers a discounted rate on auto rentals through Enterprise on Canoga Ave and Sherman Way. Our rates are about $20-25 per day depending on the vehicle chosen. You may call them at (818) 999-6102 for more detailed answers.


How do I pick up my rental vehicle?

Once you drop your car off at Canoga Auto Body during your appointment let us know you are expecting a rental vehicle. We will then call them on your behalf once we are done checking you in. The rental company will then come to our shop to pick you up and take you to their facility to assist you on your rental car.

What about my personal belongings?

Before dropping off your vehicle, we recommend that you remove ALL of your personal belongings or anything of value from your vehicle. We do not assume liability or responsibility for any items that you choose to leave in your vehicle.

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