Roc Auto Body · FAQ
Auto body repair FAQ — Rochester, NY
Honest answers to the questions Rochester drivers actually ask about collision repair — deductibles, part choices, rental cars, paint matching, and frame damage. No hedging on price ranges.
Do I have to pay my full deductible for auto body repair?
Yes — your deductible is the amount you pay before insurance covers the rest. If your deductible is $500 and the repair is $2,000, you pay $500 and insurance pays $1,500. If the repair is less than your deductible, you pay the full repair cost and should not file a claim. Some shops offer "deductible waivers" — be aware that accepting these can be considered insurance fraud in New York State.
Can my insurance company require me to use a specific auto body shop?
No. New York State law gives you the right to choose any licensed auto body shop. Insurers often push "Direct Repair Program" (DRP) shops, which are shops that have agreed to insurer pricing guidelines in exchange for volume referrals. You are not required to use them. Your insurer must accept a reasonable repair estimate from any licensed shop you choose.
What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket body parts?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by your vehicle's manufacturer and guaranteed to fit exactly. Aftermarket parts are made by third parties — they cost 20–40% less but fit quality varies. For safety-critical components (hoods, doors, structural rails), OEM is strongly preferred. For cosmetic panels on older vehicles, quality aftermarket parts are often acceptable. Insurers typically cover aftermarket parts unless your policy specifies OEM.
Does my insurance cover a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?
Only if you have rental reimbursement coverage on your policy — it is not automatic. Check your declarations page. Typical coverage is $30–$50/day with a 30-day limit. If the accident was not your fault, the at-fault driver's liability insurance should cover your rental. Repair shops often have relationships with rental agencies and can help arrange pickup directly from the shop.
How do body shops match paint color when repairing a panel?
Shops use your vehicle's paint code (found on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb) to mix a factory-matched color. For metallic, pearlescent, and tri-coat finishes, technicians adjust the mix until it visually matches under multiple light conditions. Adjacent panels are typically blended (feathered) to hide any slight shade variation. I-CAR certified shops with computerized color mixing systems get the best results on complex finishes.
How do I know if my car has frame damage after a collision?
Frame damage is often not visible to the naked eye. Signs include doors that don't close properly, uneven panel gaps, pulling to one side while driving, or visible crumpling in structural areas. Any collision above 25 mph warrants a frame inspection. Reputable shops use computerized frame measuring systems to detect misalignment within millimeters. Ask if the shop has this equipment before authorizing repairs.
Can frame damage be safely repaired, or does it total the car?
Frame damage can often be repaired using hydraulic straightening equipment and precision measuring. Mild to moderate frame damage — where rails are bent but not crumpled — is routinely repaired at I-CAR certified shops. Severe crush damage, especially near passenger compartment zones, may compromise crash safety and is more likely to result in a total-loss determination. New York State totals a vehicle when repair cost exceeds 75% of its pre-accident value.
What does "prior damage" mean on an insurance claim?
Prior damage is pre-existing damage on your vehicle that predates the current accident. Insurers document prior damage during the estimate process and typically exclude it from the current claim. They may reduce your payout for a repair if they determine some damage was pre-existing. Photograph your vehicle thoroughly before any accident to establish a baseline.
How long does collision repair take in Rochester?
Minor collision (one panel, no structural damage): 3–7 business days. Moderate damage (2–4 panels): 7–14 business days. Major structural repair: 2–4 weeks or more. Parts availability is a common delay — newer vehicles and European models often have longer wait times for OEM parts. Ask for a written timeline estimate and check in if the shop does not communicate proactively.
What is a supplement in a collision insurance claim?
A supplement is an additional repair estimate submitted to your insurer after disassembly reveals damage not visible during the initial inspection. This is extremely common — shops estimate from visual inspection, but hidden damage (bent brackets, wiring, sensors) only surfaces once panels are removed. Reputable shops submit supplements as part of normal process; your insurer must accept reasonable supplemental charges.
Should I get multiple estimates for auto body repair?
Getting two estimates is a smart baseline. Three is reasonable for large repairs over $3,000. In New York State, your insurer may write a "preferred shop" estimate — you can negotiate or choose a different shop. Focus on: does the estimate specify OEM vs. aftermarket parts, does it include labor for structural inspection, and does the shop have I-CAR certification? Price alone is a poor guide for collision work.
Does the Roc Auto Body directory accept paid listings?
No. Rankings are determined entirely by the Roc Score algorithm, which weights public review data from Google, Yelp, and the BBB. We do not accept payment for placement, premium listings, or featuring. If a shop is ranked #1, it is because the review data across those three platforms supports it.