An accident is a difficult experience; we’re here to eliminate the hassle and simplify the process. Here is our step-by-step advice for handling your accident:
1. Write down the Name, Phone Number, License Plate, Vehicle Type & VIN Number (if possible), Insurance Carrier & Insurance Agent of the person who hit you
2. File a police report, if applicable (you can do this in person at the accident with an officer, or at the local precinct)
3. Call Suburban Collision and let us know what we can do to help. We can arrange for a tow, discuss repairs options, schedule you in for an estimate, and make any other arrangements you would like
4. Call your agent (if applicable); if your insurance company will be handling repairs, your agent needs to be informed. Keep in mind, however, the choice of repair centers is yours alone.
5. If your car is not drivable, call Suburban and we will arrange for a tow to our nearest facility or the facility of your choice
6. If your car is drivable, you can bring it to us at any time, during our business hours, with our without an appointment
7. Once you receive an estimate and agree to repairs, we can begin on restoring your vehicle to pre-accident condition
o Suburban prepares repair estimates free of charge, and at any time during our business hours, with or without an appointment. We offer extended weekday hours, and Saturday hours, to accommodate your schedule. You also have the option of leaving the vehicle with Suburban, so that we may disassemble the damaged parts, and write a more thorough estimate; this speeds the repair process, and results in less hassle.
o In some cases, your insurance company may prefer to write an estimate on your vehicle. In this case, Suburban will start with that insurance estimates (we’ll require a copy from you), and then identify any additional repair needs that are hidden or missed. We make sure your vehicle gets the proper attention and care, regardless of who writes the initial estimate.
o Relax, you only need one estimate. Under
o There are several factors to consider in choosing a repair facility. Topmost are Reputation in the Community, Quality of Work, Expectation of Service, Convenience of Repairs, Warranty of Workmanship.
Suburban has been in the Cuyahoga community for over 45 years! Our #1 source of new work is by referral – chances are that your relatives, friends, or co-workers know us. Suburban is also proud to be an I-CAR Gold facility; I-CAR is the industry standard for repair centers. Our technicians and estimators undergo rigorous training to maintain innovative and proven repair strategies. Expectation of Service at Suburban is designed to exceed your standards. We are a one-stop destination for rental needs, dings & dents, pick up and delivery flat-bed service, indoor estimating, and complimentary repair monitoring and communication with you and your insurance company.
o Just call us – we can arrange everything with one of our preferred towing vendors. We use only the best, and we can expedite your repairs to our shop. If your accident is after hours, you can call our headquarters phone number (440-777-1717) for towing instructions, or tell your driver to take your car to Suburban Collision Centers.
o Be sure to write down all the pertinent information such as name, phone number, license plate and vehicle type, insurance carrier and insurance agent. If you were hit, the person responsible should be liable for repairs to your vehicle. This means that another insurance company will be paying for your repair (or the person who hit you), and you will be the claimant. The paying insurer will usually conduct a brief investigation, then issue you a claim number. This number is all we need to get started on your repairs!
o Your insurance company will issue you a claim number. This claim number is all we need to get started on your repairs! At the end of the process, you will pay your deductible directly to Suburban, and your insurance company will take care of all other repair costs, direct to Suburban.
o Suburban offers the best kind of warranty – A Lifetime Warranty. We believe in the quality of our work, and should you ever have any problems with our workmanship, for the lifetime of your vehicle ownership, we will take care of the problem quickly and easily. (The only exclusions are rust and stone-chips, which are not caused by the repair process.)
o In many cases, we can easily accommodate your schedule. We have 3 locations across the Cuyahoga county area. If need be, we can easily flat-bed your vehicle to any of our locations for repairs that fit in to your schedule. Our facilities are always busy, and in general, we schedule 3-10 business day from the current day; our locations allow us to be flexible in meeting your needs.
o Suburban has an innovative production technique that shortens the length of time necessary for repairs. Our damage analysis department is designed to write a complete and thorough estimate from the start, and our technicians often operate on teams, in order to increase throughput time and guarantee quality. Your specific vehicle repair time is personalized to your car’s repair needs. All repairs result in a number of at-work hours to complete. We use a basic formula based on repair hours to determine the repair needs for your vehicle. Of course, we will keep you updated on any additional repair needs due to hidden damage, and will adjust your completion date accordingly.
o Repair costs are based on severity of repair and price of parts. Parts prices are determined by national averages. The other components of pricing are labor hours and materials (liquid paint) needed for repairs. If your insurance company is paying for repairs, the only cost to you is your deductible; if another insurance company is paying, you not responsible for any payment.
o We can set up your rental for you and arrange for a rental representative to be on-site when you drop off your vehicle for repairs. This representative will prepare your paperwork and introduce you to your rental vehicle. If you are paying for your rental yourself, Suburban has negotiated discounted rates on your behalf.
o After we complete repairs, we perform an inner and outer detail of your vehicle to return it to you in beautiful condition. If you request a more thorough detail (shampoo, rub out, etc.), we can provide an estimated cost for that service.
o We can take care of all of these items for you quickly and efficiently. In some cases, paint-less dent removal may recommended, which is a great way to save time and money. For a personal estimate, stop in and visit us during business hours.
o We are located in several convenient locations. Click HERE for directions and phone numbers.
o Suburban works with all insurance companies, dealerships, and customers. While we recommend preferred partners, we are experienced in negotiating your repairs with all insurance companies, and will operate on your behalf. Our 45 years of experience have given us invaluable contacts in the industry that can speed your repair process and eliminate hassle.