Have questions about auto body repair, insurance claims, or our services in Canoga Park? Find answers to the most common questions below. You can also call us at (818) 788-8017 or stop by 7300 Deering Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303.
General Questions
Do I need an appointment for an estimate?
No appointment is needed for self-pay (out-of-pocket) estimates — walk in anytime during business hours. For insurance claims, we prefer a scheduled appointment so we can give you dedicated time with our estimator and coordinate with your adjuster efficiently.
How long does a collision repair take?
Repair time depends on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs (small dents, bumper scuffs) may take 1–3 days. Moderate collision repairs typically take 5–10 business days. Major structural repairs can take 2–4 weeks. We provide an estimated completion date when we write your estimate, and we notify you immediately if additional damage is found that extends the timeline.
Do you offer a warranty on your repairs?
Yes. Accent Collision offers a limited lifetime warranty on all body repairs and paint work for as long as you own the vehicle. If you sell or return the vehicle on a lease, the warranty no longer applies.
Do you offer rental car assistance?
Yes. We work with Enterprise on Canoga Ave and can coordinate a rental vehicle pickup directly from our shop when you drop off your car. If you have rental coverage through your insurance, we work with your insurer to activate it. If you do not have rental coverage, discounted rates are available through our Enterprise partnership.
Insurance Questions
Can I choose my own body shop, or does my insurance company decide?
You choose your own shop. California Insurance Code Section 758.5 gives you the right to select any licensed auto body repair facility to repair your vehicle. Your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific shop, and they cannot reduce your claim payout simply because you chose an independent shop.
What is a deductible and when do I pay it?
Your deductible is the portion of the repair cost that you pay out of pocket — the insurance company covers the remainder. The deductible amount is set when you purchase your policy. At Accent Collision, your deductible is due when you pick up your completed vehicle. Deductibles must be paid in full before we can release your car.
What if my insurance company wants to use a different estimate?
Insurance companies often use their own estimators who may write lower estimates. Accent Collision negotiates directly with your adjuster to ensure the estimate covers all necessary repairs. If additional damage is discovered during the repair process, we submit a supplemental claim to your insurer for approval.
What does it mean if my car is “totaled”?
A vehicle is declared a total loss when the cost to repair it equals or exceeds its actual cash value (typically 75–80% of value depending on the insurer). If your insurer deems your vehicle a total loss, they will offer a settlement based on the car’s market value. Ask your estimator for guidance — every claim is different.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Questions
What types of dents can be repaired with PDR?
PDR works best on dents where the paint is still intact — door dings from parking lots, minor hail damage, small hood or fender dents, and similar impacts. PDR is not suitable for dents with cracked or chipped paint, sharp creases, or metal that has been stretched.
How long does PDR take?
Most PDR repairs take 1–3 hours for small to moderate dents. Larger hail damage jobs may take a full day. We can often complete simple PDR repairs while you wait.
EV and Electric Vehicle Questions
Can you repair my Tesla or electric vehicle?
Yes. Accent Collision is EV-certified and equipped to handle collision repairs on all major electric and hybrid vehicles, including Tesla, Rivian, Ford Lightning, Chevy Bolt, Hyundai IONIQ, Kia EV6, and all hybrid models. Our technicians are trained in high-voltage battery safety protocols and ADAS recalibration.
Is EV repair more expensive than regular collision repair?
It depends on the damage. EV-specific components (battery inspection, high-voltage system isolation, aluminum repair) can add cost in some cases. However, many EV collision repairs are similar in cost to equivalent ICE vehicle repairs. We provide a detailed estimate before any work begins.
Paint and Finish Questions
How do you match my car’s paint color?
We use spectrophotometer technology to scan your vehicle’s existing paint and generate an exact formula that accounts for any fading or sun exposure since the factory. Paint is applied in a climate-controlled downdraft spray booth and finished with multiple clear coat layers baked to factory specifications.
When can I wash my car after painting?
You can hand-wash your vehicle immediately after pickup — we wash and detail it before delivery. Avoid commercial car washes with brushes and do not buff or polish the freshly painted areas for approximately 90 days. This allows the paint to fully cure and harden.
Insurance and Claims Questions
Do I have to use the shop my insurance company recommends?
No. California law gives you the right to choose your own repair shop. Your insurer cannot legally require you to use a specific shop, though they may recommend preferred shops. At Accent Collision, we work directly with all major carriers.
What is a “supplement” in a collision claim?
A supplement is an additional claim request submitted when hidden damage is discovered during teardown that wasn’t visible in the initial estimate. We handle all supplements directly with your insurer at no additional work for you.
Will filing a claim raise my insurance rates?
That’s a question best answered by your insurance agent — it depends on your policy, fault determination, and claims history. We can’t advise on that, but we can give you a repair cost estimate so you can make an informed decision about whether to file.
Repair Process Questions
How do I get a repair estimate?
Call us at (818) 788-8017 or stop by 7300 Deering Ave in Canoga Park. Estimates are free and typically take 20–30 minutes. We can also provide a preliminary estimate from photos for minor damage.
Do you offer a warranty on repairs?
Yes. All collision repair and paint work performed by Accent Collision is backed by a written limited lifetime warranty on workmanship. Parts warranties vary by manufacturer.
Can you work on my leased vehicle?
Yes. We repair leased vehicles and are familiar with lease return standards. We use OEM-quality materials and repair procedures that satisfy manufacturer and lease company requirements.
Have More Questions?
Our team is happy to answer any questions about your specific repair situation. Call us at (818) 788-8017, email accentcollision@gmail.com, or stop by our shop at 7300 Deering Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303 — Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.