Why should I choose North Star Automotive to repair my vehicle?

• 5 Star Service - we take care of you and your vehicle
• We are committed to quality repairs
• Highly trained technicians with the most advanced equipment in the industry
• Clean and well-run facility
• We value the trust you have in us to repair your vehicle the way you would if you had the tools, knowledge, and skill to do it yourself.

Do I have to have my vehicle fixed at one of the insurance companies preferred shops?
No. In the state of Pennsylvania you have the right and responsibility to choose a repair shop that you trust to restore your vehicle's integrity to manufacturer's specifications. A well repaired vehicle will be prepared for another impact and will protect the well being of the occupants just as the vehicle was engineered to do. North Star Automotive works with all insurance companies and can return your vehicle to pre-loss condition.

How does a body shop become a "preferred shop" by an insurance company?
There is no licensing of body shops in the state of Pennsylvania yet you need a license to operate a hair salon or barber shop. This means anyone can open a body shop but only a licensed professional can open a hair salon or barber shop. A bad haircut will eventually grow out, while a poorly repaired vehicle will only deteriorate faster and may compromise the safety of the occupants inside the vehicle. Therefore as long as the body shop is willing to do as the insurance company tells them then they maybe eligible to become a preferred shop. Based on the corporate philosophy of the insurance company their practices may not be in your vehicles best interest.

Why is North Star Automotive not a preferred shop of my insurance company?
In order for a body shop to be a preferred shop they must sign a contract with the insurance company which outlines the rules the shop must follow. All insurance companies have different rules, which are based on their individual corporate philosophy that the shop must follow. North Star Automotive feels that it is in your best interest that we are not restricted from informing you of anything that may occur during the repair process.

My insurance company says they cannot warrant the repairs if they are made at North Star Automotive. Why?
Insurance companies do not warrant repairs because they are not the ones making the repairs. However, they have a vested interest that your vehicle be repaired at a shop where they have a contractual agreement with that shop. North Star Automotive warrants all repairs completed as per the manufacturer's recommendations. Remember you are responsible to choose the body shop that makes the repairs to your vehicle and thus any warranty issues are between you and the body shop not the insurance company.

Who guarantees the repairs to my vehicle?
North Star Automotive guarantees and warrants all repairs made to your vehicle as per the manufacturers recommended procedure.

Do I need more then one estimate?
No. The law does not require you to get more then one estimate. You should get an estimate from the body shop that you choose to repair your vehicle. If the insurance company would like a second estimate then they will send out an adjuster to review the damages to your vehicle with the shop of your choice.

I have any estimate from the insurance company. Now what do I do?
Bring your vehicle (if it drivable) and the estimate to North Star Automotive. Our licensed appraisers can explain anything on the estimate that you may not understand. We will review the estimate for accuracy and note any additional operations that may be needed to be submitted to the insurance company on a supplement. From there we will order parts, schedule your appointment and setup your rental car.

Will the insurance company pay for my rental vehicle?
If you have rental coverage on your policy the insurance company will cover you up to the amount stated in your policy. If the accident was not your fault then Pennsylvania state law entitles you to a rental vehicle for the reasonable amount of time that the vehicle is being repaired. The insurance company may not pay for any upgrades or add-ons such as additional insurance coverage and damage waivers that you may wish to take with the rental vehicle. Be sure to discuss what you are responsible to pay for with the rental company representative.

I'm not sure if my car is safe to drive since the accident. What should I do?
If you feel unsafe driving your vehicle since the accident North Star Automotive's towing service can deliver your vehicle to our collision repair facility. Typically your insurance will cover the tow as part of the loss due to the collision. If you drive a vehicle that has been in an accident the insurance company may decline to pay for any additional damage caused by driving the vehicle after the accident. Remember you are responsible for any liabilities driving a damaged vehicle.

How is a vehicle determined to be a total loss?
If the cost of the repairs to restore the vehicle to pre-loss condition plus the value of the damaged vehicle (salvage value) is more than the actual cash value of the vehicle prior to the accident then it is determined a total loss.

If my car is determined to be a total loss what am I entitled too?
If the insurance company is responsible to indemnify your loss and your vehicle is deemed a total-loss then you are entitled to the actual cash value of the vehicle on the date of your loss.

Who determines the actual cash value, and can I determine the actual cash value?
Insurance companies employ professionals to determine the actual cash value of vehicles. You can also determine the actual cash value of your vehicle. Providing receipts of upgrades or special equipment and speaking with professionals in your locality can all be used to document and settle on the value of your vehicle.

Do I need an appointment for an estimate?
No. We are happy to provide you with a free computerized estimate from a licensed appraiser. We are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5:30pm. It is always a good idea to call ahead and let us know when you might stop by.

Can you match my paint color?
Yes. North Star Automotive has made continuous investments in training, tools, and equipment in order to provide a finish that matches the OEM finish on the rest of your vehicle. North Star Automotive proudly sprays Dupont refinish materials. Dupont is an industry leader in innovation and technology and is the preferred refinishing product of many manufacturers.

Is there a warranty with the repairs you make?
Yes. North Star Automotive warrants your collision repairs with a non-transferable lifetime warranty.

Washing the car?
North Star Automotive recommends that you hand wash the car with a clean soft hand mitt or sponge, cool water, and a clear coat friendly soap. Never allow soap to dry on the panel. Avoid using brushes, dirty mitts or sponges, Automatic car washes can sometimes be aggressive and scratch, chip, or damage the vehicles finish.

Waxing the car?
When your vehicle was being repaired North Star Automotive polished all the panels that were painted on your vehicle. It is not recommended or necessary to wax your vehicle for a minimum of 90 days. Never wax or polish a vehicle in direct sunlight. Allow the vehicles surface to cool down prior to waxing.

Things to avoid:

• Driving close to a vehicle in front of you as rocks and debris could kick up into your vehicle causing chips, and scratches
• Driving on gravel roads
• Parking under power lines or where birds sit in general. Bird droppings have high acidity content and can eat into and permanently damage your paint if not removed immediately.
• Parking under trees where sap could fall onto the car which will mar the paint if not removed immediately
• Using any product or procedure that you may be unsure if it will affect the finish of your car. Call North Star Automotive first and we will be happy to answer your questions.