Open Monday – Friday – 8:00am – 5:00pm
Do you have a Question?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question? Here are some of our frequently asked questions.
How Long Does An Estimate Take?
As a general rule, we can complete your initial estimate in just 15 to 30 minutes. If you are in a rush, you can always leave your car with us and get the results by phone call or email later on.
What Happens If You Notice Additional Damage After The Initial Estimate?
This is another one of the most popular auto body repair questions we get. Sometimes, it is impossible for us to see the full extent of the damage until we start working on your car. As we begin repairing your vehicle, we may realize more issues have to be resolved. If this happens, we will always talk to you and your insurance company before we take care of the additional damage. We don’t believe in giving our clients a surprise bill, so we will always inform you about the work before we do it – and remember, as a family owned business, we will always make sure you are satisfied.
Do I need more than one estimate?
No. There is no law requiring you to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal.
My insurer has a preferred repair shop, do I have to use them?
No. This is called insurance steering. Insurance steering occurs when your insurance company tries to persuade you to use a specific repair shop. Only you can approve who carries out your repairs. Martins Collision Center of Venice can help you deal with your insurance claims, and we always ensure that your vehicle is restored to safe driving conditions. We never cut corners with your safety.
Do I need an appointment for an estimate?
At Martins Collision Center, that is up to you. We are happy to set up an appointment for you, or you can drop in during our business hours and we will assist you as soon as we can. Please allow approximately 30 minutes or less for the estimate to be written. If there is substantial damage, or you have an unusual vehicle (such as a specialty sports car), it may take up to 45 minutes to inspect your vehicle and write the estimate.
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the owner’s portion of an insurance claim. The amount of the deductible is determined by your insurance policy.
Can you save me (some of) my deductible?
An honest repair shop will always say “no”. Here’s why: Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. It says that if you have a collision loss, you are responsible for the first portion of repairs (your deductible). Conspiring to “Bury The Deductible” is insurance fraud and illegal. Insurance company appraisers know the costs of repairs and cannot be fooled by inflated prices. If an auto body shop agrees to “Bury The Deductible” they will need to take short cuts with the repairs and the owner of the vehicle is getting a second rate job, which will depreciate the value of the vehicle at trade in time. In our over 20 years of service, we have never taken any shortcuts – and your satisfaction is always guaranteed at Martins Collision Center of Venice.
What type of parts do you use?
As a local, family owned repair shop, we always recommend using new OEM parts. However, these are generally more expensive. Unless your insurance coverage includes an OEM Parts Endorsement, you can expect the insurer to always ask for cheaper parts, but insurers can't require non-OEM parts unless they are equivalent to OEM parts. Someone has to demonstrate to the insurer that specified aftermarket parts are not equivalent to OEM parts. That's where Martins Collision Center can help.
How long will it take to repair my vehicle?
It can vary. There are many unforeseen delays that can happen in our industry. This includes difficulties in obtaining parts, and delays caused by insurance companies. However, as your hometown auto body shop in Venice, we will do our best to keep our customers in the loop throughout the process so you know what to expect. These issues aside, we will provide a ballpark of estimated work time and an expected date of completion. Since we are a family owned business, we are committed to your 100% satisfaction.
Can You Repair My Car If The Frame Is Damaged?
While frame damage is rarely good news, it isn’t a death sentence like it used to be. Thanks to modern equipment and new techniques, Martins Collision Center of Venice can often repair frames.
How soon may I wash my car?
The vehicle may be washed immediately. We recommend hand washing using a mild car soap.
Will my paint match?
Today’s paint mixing technology allows us to use a computer to match your existing paint. We guarantee a paint match for all vehicle manufacturer colors.
How soon may I wax my vehicle after auto body repairs?
We recommend waiting 90 days after repair.