facts you need to know about collision...
TRANSCRIPT
Facts You Need to KNow about collisioN RepaiR.
infiniticollisionnetwork.com
Facts You Need to KNow about collisioN RepaiR.
don’t�Wait�Until�it’s�too�late
although we hope you never experience an automobile crash, accidents do happen. being prepared ahead of time can help minimize the aggravation that can accompanyauto collision repairs.
be�preparediNFiNiti has developed this brochure to helpyou navigate the collision repair process withyour insurance company and the body shop.it also will show you the important benefitsof having your vehicle repaired with iNFiNiticollision Replacement parts.
these parts help preserve the function of the vehicle's safety systems as a whole, aswell as the overall appearance, helping to maintain your vehicle’s value.
in addition, there are factors to considerwhen purchasing insurance that will helpmake the repair process less of a hassle. let’s hope this is information you never need.However, the time to think about it is beforean accident—when you purchase your insurance policy. after an accident it will betoo late.
select�the�rightinsUrance�policy
choosing�the�right�insurance�companyand�policy�can�make�all�the�differencewhen�it’s�time�for�repairs.�making�a�quickdecision�when�choosing�a�policy�can�causemajor�headaches�later.
Q: Why�shoUldn’t�i�jUst�shop�aroUnd�and�bUy�the�least�expensive�policy?
A: if you have an accident, you will likely getwhat you pay for when it comes to yourinsurance policy. Many people begin theirauto insurance policy search thinkingthey will never have an accident and,therefore, are looking for the leastexpensive policy they can buy. the leastexpensive policy, however, could result ina less satisfactory claims experience.
Q: if�i’m�in�an�accident,�isn’t�my�infiniti�vehicle�aUtomatically�repairedWith�parts�from�infiniti?
A: Not necessarily. when a new iNFiNiti vehicle is built, all the components areGenuine original equipment parts.iNFiNiti has invested millions of dollarsin the research, development and engineering of those parts. they areextensively tested as an entire vehiclesystem to deliver the intended level ofsafety and performance. unfortunately,nearly all auto insurance policies allowfor the use of alternatives.
Q: hoW�can�i�ensUre�thatrepairs�are�made�Withinfiniti�parts?
A: before you buy insurance, read the policy and know what coverage you are purchasing. ask your insurance representative about parts and otherrestrictions prior to purchase. that wayyou will pay for the protection you wantat the price you’re willing to pay.
when you purchased your new iNFiNitivehicle, you bought an original. You canhelp keep it original by ensuring that your insurance company uses iNFiNiticollision Replacement parts.
collision�repairrelationships
Q: What�are�the�three�primary�relationships�involved�in�collision�repair?
A: – You and the body shop– You and the insurance company– the body shop and the
insurance company
Q: Why�are�these�relationships�important?
A: understanding each of these relationshipsaids you in making decisions that help protect:
– You and your family– the performance of your vehicle’s
safety systems in the event of a future collision
– the resale value of your vehicle
in those three relationships, yoU are themost important person. yoU have rightsyou should understand before you purchase your vehicle and drive it for the first time.
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Q: i’ve�heard�aboUt�insUrancecompanies�having�their�oWndirect�repair�shops.�are�they�a�good�choice?
A: if your insurer directs you to one of its direct repair facilities this may be a goodchoice, but you should check it out prior totaking your vehicle there for repairs. if you are not comfortable with your insurance company’s recommendation, you still have the right to go to another body shop of your choice.
ultimately, any body shop you select is repairing yoUr vehicle for yoU. You have the right to select the body shop and choosethe parts used to repair your vehicle. Yourinsurance company pays the bill on which youand the body shop have agreed, although youmay have to pay any price difference if your insurance policy allows for low cost alternative
parts. but all thisshould be decidedand agreed-tobefore repairsbegin, not afterthe vehicle isreturned to you.
select�the�right�collisionrepair�facility
oK,�so�the�unthinkable�has�happened�andyour�vehicle�is�involved�in�a�collision.�nowthe�collision�repair�process�begins.
Q: Who�is�the�first�person�yoUshoUld�call�if�yoU�are�in�an�accident�and�need�torepair�yoUr�vehicle?– your�infiniti�retailer?– your�insurance�company?– local�body�shops?– your�friends�and�family?
A: our advice is to talk to all of thembefore you select a collision repair facility. when doing this, carefully consider the benefits of each:
yoUr�infiniti�retailer – they werethe original source for your vehicle andare your trusted source for maintenanceand repairs so they are a good place tostart. ask if they operate or can directyou to a collision shop in the area that isa certified member of the iNFiNiticollision Repair Network. the iNFiNiticertified collision Repair Network hasbeen developed as a dynamic competitive program to recognize and distinguishretailer owned and independently owned and operated body shops thatmeet or exceed standards for repair work, training, equipment and delivery of customer service.
yoUr�insUrance�company – if filing a claim, your insurance companywill need to be called to begin the claimsprocess. they may recommend a shop in your area that tHeY have a relationship with.
local�body�shops – check out several.consider how they handle your inquiry overthe phone. ask them about their facilities,equipment and capabilities. ask them whatpart types they use and about shop and technician certifications.
yoUr�family�and�friends – word ofmouth could be one of your best sources forfinding a reputable body shop. sometimes thebest advice you can get is from a family member or friend who has gone through the process.
Facts You Need to KNow about collisioN RepaiR.
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select�the�right�parts
Q: Why�is�it�so�important�tohave�my�vehicle�repairedWith�infiniti�parts?
A: today’s vehicles use more advanced high-strength steels, exotic metals and compositematerials than ever before. iNFiNiti vehicles also include highly advanced crash avoidance and safety system technologies.it is critical for these systems to be repairedwith parts that will deliver the intendedlevel of form, function, performance andsafety our engineers originally specified.
the only way to be certain you are getting original equipment performance is to useiNFiNiti collision Replacement parts.unfortunately, many customers tell us theyare not aware that anything other thangenuine collision replacement parts wouldbe used to repair their vehicle after an accident.
Q: do�i�have�the�right�to�chooseWhich parts�are�Used�in�myrepairs?
A: absolutely. a reputable body shop will discuss with you in detail the part typesspecified to repair your vehicle before itstarts repairs. this is required by law inmany states. You always have the rightto choose the type of parts to repairyour vehicle, but your insurance company may make you pay the price difference if your policy allows for the use of low-cost alternatives.
Q: hoW�can�i�tell�What�typesof�parts�are�being�specifiedfor�my�repairs?
A: Have the body shop or insurer explain anyacronym or comment on the repair estimateyou don’t understand, before you sign therepair authorization. these are the differenttypes of parts you may encounter.
neW�aftermarKet�collision�partssometimes called “aftermarket part” on theestimate, these copies are made by companies other than iNFiNiti or its oeMsuppliers, and may not be made of thesame material or to the same tolerancesand specifications as iNFiNiti collisionReplacement parts. as a result, some newaftermarket crash parts may not be of thesame quality or have the same performancecharacteristics as oeM parts.
salvage�partssometimes called “salvage,” “used,”“lKQ” or “Recycled” parts on the estimate, these parts are removed fromsalvage-yard vehicles. Quality concernsmay exist with salvaged parts becausethe source, condition and durability of theparts are not known. in some cases thepart could be a salvaged aftermarket part.
the�right�parts�are�critical�to�your�vehicle’s�long-term�performance�and�your�peace�of�mind.
remanUfactUred/reconditioned�collision�partssometimes called “Reman” or “Recon”parts on the estimate, most of these collision parts are removed from salvageyard vehicles or from the scrap heap outbehind body shops and reconditioned.
like salvage parts, quality concerns may exist with theseparts because the source,condition and durability ofthe parts are not known.collision parts that are commonly reconditioned
are bumpers, fascias, wheelsand lighting.
5Facts You Need to KNow about collisioN RepaiR.
select�the�right�parts,�continUed
infiniti�collision�replacement�partssometimes called “oeM part” on the estimate,these parts are designed by iNFiNiti and produced tothe same specifications and tolerances as the partsused on the vehicle when it was manufactured.they all meet stringent internal requirements forfit, finish, structural integrity and corrosion protection, and also meet Federal Motor Vehiclestandards (FMVss).
when new vehicles are designed and built, eachpart works together to form systems that arerigorously tested to meet strict internal and government standards. when a non-genuinepart is introduced, the characteristics of theoverall system can be altered, potentially affecting the safety, drivability or appearance of the vehicle.
5consider�yoUr�optionsMaking sure you know the difference in parttypes and approve of the parts being specified foryour vehicle–before the repairs begin–can helplead to a more satisfying repair experience.
infiniti�collision�replacement�parts�help�retUrn�yoUr�vehicle�to�pre-accident�condition.
it’s�all�aboUt�valUe
carefully�consider�the�use�of�infiniticollision�replacement�parts for�collision�repair.
Q: Why?
A: You receive many benefits when you useiNFiNiti collision Replacement parts:
better�repair�appearanceiNFiNiti parts provide a precise fitbecause they are produced to the samespecifications as the new vehicle. thisensures that body lines, contours andgaps are the same as when your vehiclewas originally manufactured.
faster�repair�timethe use of new aftermarket, salvage orreconditioned parts may take more time to install and may require modifications to achieve an acceptable fit, which may ultimately increase order and repair times.also, iNFiNiti collision Replacement parts are readily available at every iNFiNiti retailer.
improved�strUctUral�integrityMany parts play an integral role in yourvehicle’s overall structural integrity and the function of its safety systems. when iNFiNiti parts are installed usingfactory recommended materials and procedures, they deliver the same structural performance characteristics as the original parts.
6Facts You Need to KNow about collisioN RepaiR.
maintains�vehicle�resale�valUethe use of new aftermarket, salvage orreconditioned parts may decrease resalevalue because of potential poor quality, fit,finish and appearance. using iNFiNiti partsfor repairs is one way to help keep your vehicle looking “like new,” which may help to maintain its value and may be required if you’re leasing your vehicle.
original�manUfactUrer's�limited�WarrantyiNFiNiti collision Replacement parts are theonly replacement parts warranted by iNFiNiti.damage to your vehicle or its parts caused bythe failure of new aftermarket, salvage orreconditioned parts may not be covered byyour iNFiNiti New Vehicle limited warranty.
it’s�all�aboUt�valUe6
Facts You Need to KNow about collisioN RepaiR.
peace of mind comes from educating yourselfand knowing your rights on collision repairbefore an accident happens. when it comes toselecting the right parts for your vehicle, theonly way to truly know what you are getting isto use iNFiNiti collision Replacement parts.
contact:
yoUr�insUrance�company�representative�
– Find out exactly what your policy covers,now, before you need it
– Find out what is covered if your vehicle isdamaged and needs repairs
– Find out if your policy allows choiceswhen it comes time to choose parts torepair your vehicle
yoUr�state�insUrance�commissioner
– check the laws and regulations that govern insurance policies
– check the laws and regulations that govern repair facilities
– Know your rights as a consumer when itcomes time to repair your vehicle
KnoW�yoUr�rights
parts used to originally produce iNFiNiti vehicles are thoroughly tested during the vehicle development process. Vehicles are subjected to a battery of stringent internaltests as well as Federal Motor Vehicle safetystandards (FMVss) tests to help ensure allindividual components work as a system during a crash sequence and meet or exceedour internal performance standards and thestandards of the u.s. Government (NationalHighway traffic safety administration).
iNFiNiti collision Replacement parts meet ourstringent requirements for fit, finish, structuralintegrity and corrosion protection. we strongly recommend the use of original equipmentreplacement parts for collision repair. use ofnew aftermarket, salvage or reconditionedparts could result in diminished value of the vehicle, and increased damage in a subsequent collision. Further, these types of parts are not warranted by iNFiNiti, and any damagecaused by their use is excluded fromiNFiNiti’s warranty coverage.
For more information please visit:
original�eQUipment�partsposition�statement
infiniticollisionnetwork.com
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Facts You Need to KNow about collisioN RepaiR.