Avenue Body Shop, Inc. Frequently Asked Questions

(415) 735-0935
333 South Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94103
Q: Will a car accident affect my insurance premiums?
A: "It depends on the situation. If the accident is your fault, your premium will probably go up, but comprehensive claims and cases of vandalism or theft won’t affect your premium at all—that’s mandated by the State of California. We can tell you if your particular damage will make your premium go up, which can help you determine if you even want an insurance company involved."
Q: Is it safe to drive my car when it has body damage?
A: "That’s a case-by-case scenario. If you have a dent in your fender or your car is just scratched, it’s OK to drive. However, it’s important to remember that some damage may look minor but can actually increase the chances of a second accident. For example, if you park in a space with a cement block and your bumper cover surpasses it, it can snap the bottom splash shield off of your car. That piece may seem insignificant, but it keeps your engine cool when the tires kick water up into it. If your car has body damage, call us and ask if it’s safe to drive. We can tell you if it’s worth the risk or not."
Q: Can you help me decide if I should have certain damages repaired?
A: "Yes. We can help you determine which repairs are necessary for the safety of the car and its ability to be sold in the future. Some people want to save money by skipping certain repairs, but we explain that it’s often cheaper to fix problems immediately rather than waiting a couple years."
Q: Do I have to use the auto body shop that my insurance company recommends?
A: "No. As a California driver, you can take your car anywhere. When you get into an accident and call your insurance company, they’ll give you a list of recommended shops, but that’s because they have contracts with all of them. You should never feel pressured or obligated to take your car to a specific shop."
Q: Do I need to get multiple estimates?
A: "No. In California, you only need one estimate—even if your insurance company wants more."
Q: How do I get an estimate if my car isn’t drivable?
A: "We can come to your house or the location of your vehicle, gather information and write an estimate. We can send that via email, fax or regular mail—it depends on how quickly you need it. If you’re involving your insurance company in the process, it’s often easier to get your car towed into the shop. There’s no penalty to do this; it’s included in the insurance coverage."
Q: Can I fix little scratches myself?
A: "Some scratches are simple to repair. Most auto retail stores sell mass produced chemical sprays that are designed to repair minor surface scratches. These products won’t work on deeper scratches, though."
Q: Can you repair damage to the underside of my car?
A: "Yes, but it’s usually better to have those repairs performed at an alignment or suspension shop."