Frequently Asked Questions
Towing
My car isn't drivable, can I get it towed to your shop?
Yes, we can make the arrangements to have your car towed! Call us at 847.566.4300 and let us know you’re in need of a tow to the shop.
Who do I pay for the vehicle being towed?
If you are going through insurance, the tow bill will be billed directly to them. If you decide to pay out of pocket, the tow bill will be added to the final bill and due at the time the repair is complete.
Rental Cars
How can I get a rental car?
If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements. Insurance companies will only pay for a rental car if you have that option on your policy or if you are the claimant. Check your policy and/or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what your specific limitations are.
Do you offer loaner cars?
We have a small fleet of loaner cars and offer rentals depending on availability.
Estimates
Do I need to make an appointment for a free estimate?
Appointments for estimates are appreciated but not necessary. During business hours, we always have a qualified staff member at our Mundelein auto shop ready to provide an estimate free of charge with no obligation.
Do I need more than one estimate?
No, it is up to you to decide how many estimates you would like and if you want to compare with more than one shop. If you decided on a shop, have your insurance company deal with them directly.
If your insurance adjuster already came to look at your vehicle you are able to call and schedule the repairs, you can fax or email us a copy, drop it off, or give us your insurance information and we can attain our own copy of the estimate. We must start the repair process from the original estimate.
What make of cars do you service?
Our collision center has serviced all makes and models of cars since 1958.
What should I do after a car accident in Mundelein, IL?
Get the name of the person(s) driving the other vehicle(s) involved along with their phone number, driver’s license, vehicle license and insurance information. Try to obtain any witnesses name and phone number(s). Note the location, time and date. If you have a camera, take pictures. Also, file a police report.
What are your hours?
Monday-Thursday: 7:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 7:00am-3:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Where are you located?
We are in Mundelein, IL on Route 176 just off of Route 45 at 23 W. Maple (also Route 176).
My new vehicle has ADAS systems. What does that mean and are you qualified to work on it?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, they help the driver be a safer driver. We are at the forefront of the latest technology and repair procedures for ADAS systems. We are certified for a number of manufacturers including Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Infinity, Jeep, Kia, Nissan, and Ram.
I heard new cars today are made from a variety of metal to increase MPG. Are you qualified to work on these cars?
That’s a great question. Newer cars are made of a variety of metals to make them lighter. This requires specialized shop equipment and training. We are trained at the highest industry certification, I-Car Gold, to meet the manufacturer’s repair requirements.
Will you use factory parts in the repair?
We prefer to use factory parts and if you are going through your insurance company, we will work with them to insure they cover your OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. If your insurance policy states that you are not covered for OEM parts, then we use our OEM certifications for promotional pricing to get OEM parts for the same price as used or aftermarket parts.
Repair Process
Who chooses my auto body repair shop, me or my insurance company?
The right to choose a specific shop for auto repair in Mundelein, IL is yours. Rely on referrals from your family, friends and coworkers as your first referral source. A high-quality collision repair shop will be honest, maintain up-to-date training and certifications, perform quality repairs and offer you a lifetime written warranty. Gustafson Body Shop provides all this and a staff with 17 years average tenure in the business.
How long will the repair take?
There are many factors to consider when estimating length of time for the repairs like part availability, paint and material dry times and availability of specific equipment within our facility. We understand that you depend on your transportation and we work very hard to complete the repair in a timely manner.
Will my vehicle drive the same?
Vehicles with frame or suspension damage will require a two or four-wheel alignment. We have specifications on every vehicle to ensure that the frame or unibody is returned to its pre-accident condition.
Will my color match?
With our highly skilled professionals and paint matching technology, we are able to reproduce the finish on your vehicle. We only use the highest of quality paint.
What if I want to keep my vehicle after it is totaled?
You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, however the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. We have a limited lifetime warranty on all of our work for as long as you own the vehicle. It is important to know that your collision center is the only party responsible for a warranty on your repair, NOT your insurance company.
I picked up my vehicle but noticed something wrong after I got home, what should I do?
We do everything in our power to ensure your vehicle is back to pre-accident condition as your vehicle leaves our Mundelein auto shop. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right or experience any problems, please do not hesitate to give us a call or stop back in.
Insurance
Where do I get a claim number?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Make sure to write it down and bring it with you when you come in to begin the repair process; we’ll do the rest.
What is a deductible and how do I know if I have to pay one?
If you were not at fault and the repair is going through the other party’s insurance, then you will not have a deductible. A deductible is determined at the purchase of your insurance premium and can range anywhere between $50 and $3,000. If the repair is going through your insurance policy, then the cause of the accident will determine the deductible amount. Ask your insurance company or go through your policy to find out.
What are OEM Parts?
Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) is a term for parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
What are Aftermarket Parts?
These are parts not made by your vehicle manufacturer. They are also known as Quality Replacement Parts (QRP). Aftermarket parts are much cheaper than OEM parts and might not have the same fit and function as OEM parts.
What are LKQ Parts?
LKQ – (Like Kind & Quality). These parts are more commonly referred to as used parts. These parts generally come from automotive salvage yards. Salvage yards purchase damaged or totaled vehicles, remove the good parts and sell them as LKQ parts. All LKQ parts are inspected for prior damage, rust, and to make sure they are OEM and not Aftermarket.
How is the Actual Cash Value (AVC) determined?
The insurance company will assign an appraiser to inspect the vehicle to determine its condition prior to the accident.
What is subrogation?
Subrogation is the process by which your insurance company pays for the repairs to your vehicle, and is obligated to collect from another insurer or party. Your collision coverage will require you to pay your deductible, which may be refunded once the other party pays.
Payments
When do I pay my deductible?
When the repairs are complete and you are satisfied with the repairs. The insurance check issued will be minus your deductible amount, if you have one. At the time you pick up your vehicle you will pay the deductible amount to the Gustafson Body Shop.
When is my deductible due?
Your deductible is due when you pick up your vehicle. If you are expecting your deductible to be reduced or waived, we suggest you contact your insurance carrier and confirm prior to picking up your vehicle.
When is my final payment due?
Payment is due at the time the auto body repair is complete. Please bring any insurance checks with you and your deductible – if you are going through insurance. If you want, you are able to simply sign the check over to us and do not need to deposit it into your account.
Can you help bury my deductible?
No. When you purchased your insurance policy, you signed a contract saying you will pay the first amount of the claim up to your deductible. Repairers should not be asked to hide the deductible. That practice would constitute fraud by both the collision center and consumer. The penalties for insurance fraud are severe. If a shop offers to save your deductible, they are absorbing that at your cost. They are not doing the said repairs in order to make up for your deductible. This could lead to unsafe and unsatisfactory repairs which will ultimately cost you at some point.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, all major credit cards except American Express.
Post-Repair Care
When can I wash or wax the exterior of my vehicle?
You are able to wash your vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge as soon as you get it back.
For the first 30 days we suggest that you:
- Do NOT use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes/sponges can mar the finish and damage the surface.
- Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days.
- Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. Also, tree sap can mar or spot a freshly painted surface.
- Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish.
- Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.
For the first 90 days we suggest that you:
- Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.