Frequently Asked Questions

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How long will my repair take?
With any collision repair, there are many variables that can affect the estimated completion date, such as additional damages or parts issues. We will make every effort to meet the estimated completion date that your service writer gives you. Your service writer will call you with updates if any delays happen to arise. As a general "rule-of-thumb," for every one thousand dollars in repair costs, plan for approximately one work week. Still, there is no guarantee for an exact time.

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Can I get a ride home?
We will gladly pick you up, or drop you off, if the distance is within 35 miles of Victorville, California.

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What if I need a rental car?
We have partnered with Hertz Local Edition. They have an office at our facility to better accommodate our customer's needs. Check your policy for rental coverage and limits, or, if you're a claimant, the insurance company maybe able to set up direct billing.

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Will my vehicle be the same?
Sonshine Collision Services have made extensive investments in structural and frame repair equipment, along with computerized sonar measuring systems that allow our technicians to restore your vehicle to pre-loss condition. In many cases, our technicians have even found and eliminated factory defects, unrelated to the collision damage.

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Will the paint match the rest of the vehicle?
Sonshine Collision uses the Dupont computerized color matching system (VINdicator), which uses your vehicle's unique identification number to access the OEM manufacturer's color code. Our painters then combine the various components of your vehicle's polyurethane paint, directly from our paint mixing bank. We offer a lifetime guarantee on color match; however, keep in mind that if your vehicle already has an issue with fading color, the new paint will look much better than the old. In short, nobody can duplicate the aging process of nature.

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Do you guarantee your repairs?
Sonshine Collision guarantees the repairs performed by Sonshine Auto Body and Sonshine Auto Body-NORTH for as long as you own your car. Dupont guarantees their paint products against de-lamination (peeling), color fading and excessive chipping for as long as you own your car. Parts are subject to the manufacturer's warranty. Maintenance items such as alignments and tire balance are not guaranteed, due to variations in both road conditions and driving styles. If there are any questions or concerns we will gladly assist you.

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Do I have a deductible, and to whom do I pay it?
Your insurance company's policy determines the deductible amount and it is paid to the repair facility when you pick up your vehicle. However, if it is determined that you are not at fault, you will most likely not have a deductible to pay. From time to time, though, an insurance claim may not be settled by the time the vehicle is ready and, unfortunately, it is still the insured's responsibility to pay their deductible. The insurance company would then reimburse the deductible amount to the insured, upon settling the claim.

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What types of payments do you accept?
We accept cash, approved checks, money order, traveler's cheque, MasterCard, and Visa.

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Will I be able to wash my vehicle after the repairs?
You can wash your car with mild soap and water. Do not wax or polish for 90 days while the paint is still curing, and do not use automatic car washes with brushes.

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What is the Automotive Repair Act of 1971 and how does it affect me?

In accordance with the Automotive Repair Act of 1971, a customer shall receive:

A written estimate for repair work.
A detailed invoice of work done and parts supplied.
Return of replaced parts if requested at the time a work order is placed.

Questions concerning the above information should be directed to the manager of the repair facility.

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Do I have the right to take my vehicle to the shop of my choice?
Yes - You may select the repair facility of your choice. To learn more about your rights, please click here.

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Should my insurance company be notified before repairs?
Yes - Most insurance policies generally state that, if requested, you must file a sworn proof of loss, exhibit the damaged property, and submit to examination under oath.

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Do I need to contact more than one shop for an estimate?
No - Generally one estimate from the shop of your choice is required. California State Law requires you be given a written estimate before starting repairs, no matter which repair facility you choose. This is true even if your insurance company has a contract with the repair facility (Direct Repair Program). In cases when there is no direct repair program, the paying insurance company will usually send an adjuster to write the estimate. Any negotiations regarding the estimate will take place between the repair facility and the paying insurance company. If there is no insurance claim, and you are a cash-paying customer, shopping around is always the prudent thing to do.

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Am I responsible for the cost of repairs?
Yes - You are usually responsible to the repair facility for payment of repairs unless your insurance policy specifies otherwise. Ordinarily, if you are insured, your insurance policy states that the insurance company will pay you for the loss, less any applicable deductibles or *depreciation. Any arrangements for payments by your insurance company are your responsibility.

*Depreciation is an added cost to you, due to the devaluing of certain parts or wear-and-tear items, such as tires, convertible tops, mechanical parts and in some cases even paint. The insured's amount to pay usually varies depending on the insurance company involved, commonly referred to as "betterment".

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Is the repair facility responsible for the repairs performed on my vehicle?
Yes - The Automobile Repair Act of 1971 requires all repair dealers to be registered with the State of California and to post a sign. This Act [Section 988a.7(1Xg)] states that the Department of Consumer Affairs may invalidate the registration of the repair dealer for a number of causes, including:

Making any statement, written or oral, which is untrue or misleading
Causing a customer to sign any work order which is untrue or misleading
Failing or refusing to give to a customer a copy of any document requiring his or her signature, as soon as the customer signs such document
Any other conduct which constitutes fraud
Any willful departure from or disregard of, accepted trade standards for good and workman-like repair.

To read more information related to this section, please click here.

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If I am having difficulties with my insurance company, do I have recourse?
Yes - First consult with your insurance agent or broker. Then, if your problems still have not been resolved, contact the State of California Department of Insurance at their office in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego; or telephone their toll free line: 1-800-927-4357.

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If my insurance company does not agree with the amount of loss, do I have recourse other than the State of California Department of Insurance?
Yes - Your insurance policy may provide that, when the insured and insurer fail to agree on the amount of loss, both parties are entitled to arbitration.

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Can an insurer direct, suggest or recommend that my automobile be repaired at a specific shop?
No - Unless the referral is expressly requested by you; or you have been informed in writing of the right to select the repair facility; and the insurer that elects to repair a vehicle directs, suggests or recommends that a specific repair shop be used, shall cause the damaged vehicle to be restored to its condition prior to the loss at no additional cost to you other than as stated in the policy or as otherwise allowed by law.

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Can my insurer require me to use non-original equipment manufacturer (non-OEM) replacement crash parts for the repair of my vehicle?

No - No insurer shall require the use of non-OEM replacement crash parts in the repair of an automobile unless:

Insurers specifying the use of non-OEM replacement crash parts shall pay the cost of any modifications to the parts which may become necessary to effect the repair

Insurers specifying the use of non-OEM replacement crash parts warrant that all such parts are of like kind, quality, safety, fit and performance as OEM replacement crash parts