DALAND BODY SHOP, INC., always uses the best materials and all repairs are done to factory specifications. Don't be fooled by the "lowest estimate." There is a big difference in body shops. A low bid could reflect an incomplete job or inferior materials. When some items (like alignment) are overlooked on a repair, the consequences to the driver can be serious. A bad cosmetic repair will instantly lower the resale value of your vehicle. Exercise your right to determine which shop repairs your car. Make sure every detail has been attended to and repaired to your complete satisfaction. Here are the answers to some of our more frequently asked questions.
I've never been in an accident how do I start the process?
There are a number of ways to process and expedite your claims handling. Here are a few:
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If your vehicle is not drivable and requires a tow: Call our 24 hour hotline at (650) 588-1764, and a Daland staff member will immediately dispatch the tow service, and provide you with transportation (if necessary) to our facility, your home or office.
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If your vehicle has minor damage, and can be driven: Call the listed telephone number on your “Evidence of Liability” card. Let the insurance representative know that you are interested in having you vehicle repaired at Daland Body Shop. In most cases, the insurance company will then provide you with a claim number. Once a Daland staff member is provided with your claim number, they can schedule and arrange to get your car attended to and repaired immediately.
With Daland's advanced electronic technology, most contact with your insurance company will be done without the presence of an insurance company representative. Remember, "It's your choice" where you take your vehicle for repairs. It is unlawful for an insurance company to direct you, or try to sway you to go to any particular facility (learn your rights by law). Compare Daland Body Shop to the rest.
If you are insured through CSAA, Esurance or Farmers Insurance, or various other insurance carriers, you may immediately drop off your car to be inspected right at our facility. Please ask your Daland representative if your insurance carrier is a "DRP" with Daland.
Keep in mind at all times that the Daland staff is very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to claims processing. We urge you to call us with even the smallest of questions so we can make this experience as easy as possible.
Am I required to use a repair shop recommended by my insurance company?
The answer is NO. Only you may determine where your vehicle is repaired. Research a shop’s facility, equipment, and staff training to help you make a best decision for you and your investment. For more information on your legal rights view our Law Page. Your insurance company cannot insist that you have you vehicle repaired, or direct you to any repair facility – The choice is yours, and only yours!
Is an insurance company "DRP" (Direct Repair Program) facility better qualified or better set up to offer superior service.
The answer is, not always. A DRP (Direct Repair Program) facility can be less qualified in some cases, have an inferior service history, be less equipped, and be less experienced than any particular non DRP shop. Compare DALAND'S experience, equipment, and service history with others and we're sure you will lean to the superior product that has given us our name. Our continuous training brings us to the cutting edge of the collision repair industry. Daland Boasts a 97% Overall Customer Service Rating!
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Am I required to get more than one estimate?
The answer is NO. You are not required by law to get more than one estimate. Daland can provide your insurance company (no matter who they are) with a detailed estimate of all repairs necessary for processing any claim. Daland is able to instantly send a damage quote along with digital pictures directly to the claims office. For more information on your legal rights view our Law Page.
Is the estimate going to be the final cost?
Not always, repair estimates will vary. There are sometimes “hidden” costs (items we cannot see until the vehicle is disassembled for further inspection) that arise. The Daland staff will document any additional costs directly with your insurance carrier, guaranteeing there will be no additional or “out of pocket” costs to you. A lower estimate may not include necessary detail oriented items such as front or rear wheel alignments, re-aiming your headlamps, safety checks, etc. It's your vehicle and the second largest investment people make, so be sure it's repaired to your satisfaction.
Who may authorize repair on my vehicle?
Only you, the owner, can authorize repairs on your vehicle. Once the repair to your vehicle is complete and is to your satisfaction, you will sign a form of “authorization to pay” or "Repair Completion" that will only then, signal your insurance company that the process is completed.
Will my car or truck ever be the same? Even if it has structural damage?
Yes, Daland uses the Genesis 2 laser measuring system that allows us to reconstruct unibody and conventional frames, and suspension to factory specifications with less than 1mm tolerance. All structural repairs come with a before and after computerized print of dimensions. Also a computerized print out of suspension and alignment specifications are provided at the time of vehicle delivery.
Can you match the paint that is currently on my car?
Yes, paint can be calibrated to match the vehicle's current paint specs. Each vehicle has a factory paint code that acts as “DNA” for your finish color. All paint is mixed to factory specs, and then hand adjusted by our expert refinish staff to assure our GUARANTEED color matches.
Do you use factory OEM parts?
Yes, OEM / factory parts are available for all repairs. Each repair comes with a detailed form stating the origin of the parts.
Do you warranty the work that has been done?
Yes, we stand behind everything we do here at Daland. Click the link to see our Written Warranty. In almost all cases Daland offers a “Lifetime” warranty that will cover all repairs related to craftsmanship. Please ask your Daland team member for specifics.
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Can you buff scratches from my paint?
Yes. Depending on the severity, minor scratches can be removed, and / or improved by a process known as “color sanding and polishing”. This process can be performed on a complete exterior, or a small isolated area depending on your needs. Any scratch that is below, or into the “clear coat” or “color coat” will need refinishing.
What does shampooing do?
Just as you would have your home carpets cleaned, Daland uses stain remover and carpet cleaners to loosen soiled areas. We then brush scrub, shampoo and hot steam carpets, door panels, and headliners depending on your needs. This is great when your goal is to clean for a better appearance and get that “fresh” new car smell.
Can all stains be removed from my interior?
Each stain is different, and some are tougher than others. We cannot guarantee 100% results for each job, but the service team will give you their best estimate of projected stain removal results during your consultation. Paint, crayons, and ink seem to have the lowest rate of success.
How often should I detail/wax my vehicle?
We have many clients that use our services in various different ways. We recommend that your auto gets waxed a minimum of once every three months (once per month for darker colors), but this really depends on the weather conditions, and things like inside or outside storage. The average vehicle should be on a once or twice per year interior shampoo and detail schedule depending on your use.
Will detailing get dents and dings out of my car?
Unfortunately not. Detailing only improves the very top condition of your interior and exterior, but our body tech team will be glad to help you on this one. We do have a process called "paintless dent removal" available. Ask a representative for more information.
I have little paint specks on my paint - can this be removed?
Commonly known as “over spray” this can be improved upon and in most cases removed completely from the exterior of your vehicle. All cases vary, and a member of our staff will advise you of the forecasted results at the time of your consultation.
Will detailing improve resale or help me with lowering my costs with a lease return?
Almost always YES! A clean vehicle is a vehicle that appears to be taken care of. We have seen many clients enjoy quick sales once detailed.
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