Understanding Auto Body Costs: Deductibles and Payments Explained

The financial side of an accident can be confusing. “Who pays?” and “When do I pay?” are the top questions we hear. Here is a simple guide to navigating the costs at Tom Kadlec Auto Body.

1. Will I have to pay anything out of pocket? If you are going through insurance, your only out-of-pocket expense is typically your deductible. If you are paying for the repair yourself (out-of-pocket), you will be responsible for the full estimate amount.

2. What is my deductible and when do I pay it? Your deductible is the amount agreed upon in your insurance policy (commonly $500 or $1,000). You pay this amount to us (the shop) when you pick up your completed vehicle.

3. What happens if insurance doesn’t cover everything? If your insurance company denies a specific part or procedure (known as a “betterment” charge), we will discuss this with you before proceeding. We fight to get you the best coverage possible.

4. Do you accept all forms of payment?
 Yes, we accept:

• Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
• Cash
• Personal Checks (with valid ID)
• Insurance Checks (ensure they are endorsed properly!)

5. Do you offer financing for deductibles or repairs? We understand unexpected costs are hard. Please speak to our advisors about payment options. We can often direct you to financing partners or credit options that can help spread out the cost of a deductible or non-insurance repair.