Frequently Asked Questions

  • I just want my car fixed! Do I need an estimate?

Don’t waste time collecting estimates from multiple shops, choose Olsen Auto Body to repair your car, give us a call and we’ll help you. We will ask you a few questions to help guide you in the right direction and prevent any redundancy or unnecessary running around. We’ll schedule you for an estimate/repair consultation and answer all your question.

  • Do you charge for estimates?

Call to schedule for a FREE estimate/ repair consultation and we’ll review the damage to your car for no charge.

  • Do I need to make an appointment for an estimate/ repair consultation?

Yes, please call today and schedule an appointment for your free consultation.

  • How long will an estimate/ repair consultation take?

Your in person scheduled appointment should take 20 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of damage and how many questions we can help you with. Come in to the office to check in. An estimator will go out to your car with you so you can explain the damage and they will take some photos. We will then head back into the office with you and you can sit in our waiting area while they write up the preliminary quote. After the quote is written, we will go over the information with you in person, explaining method of repair, parts usage, cost of repair and length of time needed in the shop. Once you have discussed the preliminary quote, it’s time to schedule the repair!

  • Do I need an estimate from a shop if I already have an estimate from an insurance company?

No need for estimate! We will be able to use the insurance estimate as our starting place for repairs. We’ll just schedule you for a repair consultation so we can look over the damage and compare it to the insurance estimate. If anything is missed by the insurance company, we will contact them when your car is in the shop and have anything additional approved by them so we can fix your car properly and you won’t have to do any other paper work. Bring a copy of your insurance estimate and for your appointment and we’ll make a copy and take it from there.

  • Do you do online estimates so I don’t have to bring my car in?

At this time we are not doing photo estimates. Please call to schedule an in person appointment.

  • How do I know if I should make an insurance claim?

Let us help you weigh your options. Call today for a free estimate and repair consultation. Once you know the estimated cost of repairs, we can help you decide if it would be worth it to file a claim. The choice is yours but we are here to help.

  • Do I have to use the body shop that my insurance company recommended?

No. The State of Washington law allows the owner of the vehicle to pick the shop of their choice. Your insurance company may recommend a specific shop for repairs, and they will warranty the work that shop does. We are on the programs of some major insurance companies, so your insurance may suggest Olsen Auto Body. We do work with ALL insurance companies and we provide a warranty on all our work for as long as you own the vehicle. We are here to help you whether or not we are on a special program with your company. The choice is always yours.

  • Is Olsen Auto Body on my insurance company’s preferred shops list?

We are a preferred shop for some major insurance companies, but we will work with all U.S. insurance companies and warranty repairs for all vehicles we work on.

  • I had an accident with another vehicle, how do I know if I should use my insurance or their insurance company?

Click this link to our blog for lots of helpful tips on this subject: My Insurance or Yours?

  • What about paying my insurance deductible?

If you have an insurance deductible, it is due when the repair to your vehicle is complete. Plan on paying the deductible to Olsen Auto Body when you pick up your car after your repair is complete. The insurance company will cover the rest.

  • My insurance company already sent me a check, what should I do with it?

Hold on to any checks your insurance company sends you, do not cash or deposit them. You can sign the checks over to Olsen Auto Body directly when your repair is complete. If we find any additional damage not covered in the initial insurance check, we will contact the insurance company to have the additional repairs approved and they will send us the remaining amount owed directly. If you already deposited the insurance check, we will need cash or cashier’s check for that exact amount when the repairs are complete (Personal check’s accepted for up to $500. Major credit cards accepted for up to $1,500).

  • How long will repairs take?

The length of repair is something we can go over when you have your repair consultation appointment. Every repair is very different and sometimes your repair length can change. We may find we need additional time if more damage is found when your car is in the shop for repairs and disassembled. In that event, we will contact the insurance company for approval on additional damage, update you on your status of repairs, and update your rental car if you have one. While we can’t promise a date your repairs will be completed, we can keep you updated as things progress with your repair.

  • What about a guarantee?

Olsen Auto Body warranties all the work we do for as long as you own your vehicle. Any questions about a repair we’ve done? Call us or stop in right away!

  • Will I get a rental car?

We can help you schedule a rental reservation for the day you drop your car for repairs. If your insurance covers it we can guide you through that process, if they don’t cover it we can get you a discounted rate from a nearby rental company.

Check out our blog for more tips on dealing with accidents, insurance companies, estimates and repairs www.olsenautobody.blogspot.com