Frequently Asked Questions

1. SAFETY FIRST
If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on its flashers. Put out warning triangles or flares if you have them. Then stand a safe distance away while you talk to other drivers or wait for help.

2. ARE YOU INJURED?
Double-check yourself and others around you to make sure no one is hurt. Even a fender bender might have caused an injury that's not noticeable right away. Summon medical help if there is any doubt.

3. CALL THE AUTHORITIES
Call the police, especially if there has been substantial damage or anyone is injured or acting confrontational. Ask for the investigating officer's name and contact information, and for the accident report number so that you can follow up.

4. EXCHANGE INFORMATION
Obtain the name, address, phone number, drivers license number, plate number, and insurance information of any other drivers involved in the accident, along with the names of anyone with injuries and any witnesses. But don't argue over who is at fault or admit blame.

5. RECORD THE SCENE
If possible, take photos of the scene (a cell-phone camera can come in handy) or draw a diagram showing the cars' positions. Contact your insurer right away.

6. CALL PRO-TECH
After recording the scene, call Pro-Tech Collision Center and we will guide you through the next steps of getting your vehicle repaired quickly and safely.

Click here to find out your legal responsibilities in the event of a collision, according to the state of Missouri.

Yes. Give us a call during business hours and we will get everything set up for you. If it's after our business hours you can tell the towing company to drop it off in our parking lot. They will ensure it is locked and we have security cameras on site so you can rest easy knowing your vehicle is safe and secure.

Alban's Towing - (636) 271-6669 - Available 24 Hours

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.

If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements.

Yes, if you have rental coverage. Also check with your agent or insurance company to see how much of the rental is covered; some policies pay the full amount, some will only pay a percentage. If the claim is a liability claim (the accident was not your fault), the full amount will be covered.

We offer all estimates free of charge and appreciate you making an appointment so we can guarantee the time it requires to make you feel comfortable in your decision to let us repair your vehicle. Use the link below to start the estimate process.

• Click Here to Start Your Mobile Estimate

If you would prefer to bring your vehicle in, please contact us at either of our locations and make an appointment.

• Ellisville Location
• Pacific Location

No, it is up to you to decide how many estimates you would like and if you want to discuss the repairs with more than one shop. If you have selected a shop, have your insurance company deal directly with them.

Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just jot it down and bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process, we will do the rest.

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.

Yes, it is your responsibility, and your right, to choose who will repair your vehicle. Also, if you cannot decide on a repair facility, your insurance company can recommend a repair shop. Many insurance companies offer Direct Repair Programs that take the hassle out of the claim process and provide for quicker repairs.

Each repair is unique and the length of time it takes to repair your vehicle depends on numerous variables. We should be able to give you an approximate out date once the initial estimate is written.

You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, but the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value.

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.

It will be your responsibility to pay Pro-Tech Collision Center when you pick up your vehicle.

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 shop 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.

The insurance company will assign an appraiser to inspect the vehicle to determine its condition prior to the accident, or in some instances allow the repairer to make the determination. They may use a vehicle evaluation service or the newspaper to determine pre-accident value. The owner should also determine the value independently.

Sometimes. If you feel the ACV offered by the insurance company is too low, then you are obligated to prove this either through documented receipts of vehicle enhancement or written statements by qualified experts to determine the proper value.

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.

You can wash the vehicle immediately. Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth, sponge, or mitt.

• Always use clean fresh water.
• Wash your vehicle in the shade.
• Do not use a commercial brush car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface.

Do not wax or polish the vehicle in the first 90 days. This will allow the finish to cure completely. After the first 90 days keep a coat of polish or wax on the vehicle. This will help keep your finish looking new.

• Do not "dry wipe" your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish.
• 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. Scrapers can act like a paint scraper on a newly painted finish.