Frequently Asked Questions
Mackin’s Answers Your Questions
We know that you have a choice and we appreciate the trust you have placed in us by allowing Mackin’s Auto Body to repair your vehicle. We have put together some commonly asked questions about the repair process.
Do I need an appointment?
While we recommend scheduling an appointment to expedite the process as efficiently as possible, our professionals are available from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday to help.
How long does an estimate take?
Estimates usually take 15-30 minutes to complete. We have plenty of space for you to sit and enjoy refreshments while you wait. If you’re in a big hurry, we’ll be happy to provide it via FAX or E-mail.
How long will my repair take?
Every repair is different, but many repairs can be completed within a week. A detailed estimate will enable us to give you a better estimate of when your car will be done. Please keep in mind that heavily damaged vehicles may take significantly longer to fix.
Do you provide a written warranty?
Yes. All our repairs come with a written lifetime guarantee protecting your vehicle against any defect in materials or workmanship as long as you own the vehicle. Stop by one of our locations for details.
Do you provide free rental or loaner cars?
While we don’t provide free cars, we’ll have Enterprise Rent-A-Car bring a car to you. In many cases, the expense of your rental may be covered by the insurance company.
Can we return rental cars at the body shop?
Absolutely. Both Enterprise and Hertz will pick up the car from our facility.
Can my insurance company require I use their recommended shop?
No. Oregon and Washington laws prohibit insurance companies from forcing customers to use a particular repair facility.
Do you use aftermarket parts?
Yes. Many insurance companies require that aftermarket and reconditioned parts be used when available. These parts must be like kind and quality. Most major carriers even include this provision in their policy documentation. Keep in mind that we always fully warrant all our work and use only quality parts and materials.
Will my car look the same as it did before the accident?
Yes. Our trained professionals will restore your vehicle based on industry and manufacturer’s specifications.
If my car has just been painted, how long before I can wash it?
Hand washing is fine anytime after painting. It is important that you wash your vehicle in the shade, not in the sun. Dry with a chamois or soft cloth. If you wish to run your vehicle through a commercial car wash, wait at least 30 days.
How about waxing?
At Mackin’s Auto Body we use only the finest refinishing products available. Our top coats, while in the drying process, form a wax like protective layer. Please wait at least 30 days after your vehicle has been painted before waxing.
What happens if gasoline is spilled on my new finish?
Let it evaporate for one hour and then clean it with a mild detergent and water.
What does it mean if the Insurance company tells me my vehicle is a Total Loss?
During the estimating and inspection process there is a threshold (dollar amount of repair) in which the estimate must be sent to the insurance company for evaluation. In most cases the insurance company will assess the vehicle value and determine a total repairable cost that they can spend on repairs. This process can take an insurance company several days… If the insurance company does decide your vehicle is a Total Loss, here are reasons why.
There are 2 types of Total Losses: Economic and Structural.
An Economic Total Losses is when the repair cost exceeds the cost of the insurance company replacing your vehicle. This usually happen when the repair cost reaches around 75% of the vehicles value. The insurance company then sells the vehicle to an auction or salvage yard to recoup the addition cost in paying the total value settlement to the vehicle owner. Keep in mind that only the insurance company can determine a vehicle an Economic Total Loss.
A Structural Total Loss is when there is part of the repair that is not repairable. This is usually involves a repair in which either the vehicle manufacturer or government legislation has deemed a specific area of damage unsafe to repair.