Question 1

What should I do if I'm involved in an accident?

Accepted Answer

Stop your vehicle, check all passengers are safe, and call the police. If the vehicle is drivable and no one is injured, move to the side of the road and exchange insurance and contact details with the other driver.

Question 2

Do I need to exchange insurance details with the other driver?

Accepted Answer

Yes — exchange contact and insurance details with all parties involved. Take photos and note any accident details. If the other driver refuses, record their license plate number and vehicle description.

Question 3

I haven't filed a claim yet — can I get an estimate first?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and we encourage it. Come in and we'll write a free estimate so you know exactly what you're looking at before making any decisions. There's no obligation, and we welcome out-of-pocket repairs.

Question 4

Can I choose my own repair shop, or does my insurance company decide?

Accepted Answer

Florida law gives you the right to choose your own repair shop. Your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific shop. Williams Paint & Body Shop works with every major insurer.

Question 5

My insurance company gave me a photo estimate — what happens next?

Accepted Answer

Photo estimates are a starting point but often miss hidden or structural damage. Bring your vehicle in, provide us with the insurer's estimate, and we handle all adjuster negotiations and supplement estimates from there.

Question 6

Can you waive my deductible?

Accepted Answer

No. Williams Paint & Body Shop does not waive insurance deductibles. Your deductible is the portion of the claim you are responsible for under your insurance policy. If your insurance company applies a deductible to your repair, that amount is due when repairs are complete and before the vehicle is released. We know deductibles can be frustrating, but waiving or hiding a deductible can create problems with the insurance claim and repair billing process. Our goal is to handle repairs, documentation, and billing clearly and properly.

Question 7

Does Williams Paint & Body Shop offer a warranty on repairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on covered workmanship for as long as the original owner owns the vehicle. This covers body and frame repairs, paint and refinishing, and mechanical components performed at our shop.

Question 8

What is ADAS and why does it need calibration after a repair?

Accepted Answer

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems) includes safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These systems use cameras, radar, and sensors precisely aimed at the factory. After any repair involving a bumper, windshield, structural panel, or suspension component, those sensors may be displaced and require recalibration to function correctly.

Question 9

What happens if ADAS systems aren't recalibrated after a collision repair?

Accepted Answer

An uncalibrated system may fail to detect vehicles, pedestrians, or lane markings — meaning safety features like automatic emergency braking may not engage when needed. In some cases systems can also trigger false alerts. The risk is real and invisible: you may not know your safety systems are compromised until they fail in an emergency.

Question 10

Is ADAS calibration covered by my insurance?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. ADAS calibration is a required part of a proper collision repair and should be included in your insurance claim. We document all calibrations before and after and include them in supplement estimates when required. If your insurer questions it, we handle that negotiation directly.

Question 11

Is your estimate really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes — completely free, with no obligation. Walk in any time during business hours and we'll inspect your vehicle, photograph all damage, and provide a written estimate at no cost. No appointment required.

Question 12

How accurate is the estimate before repairs begin?

Accepted Answer

As accurate as possible based on visible damage. Hidden damage — particularly structural — often only reveals itself after teardown begins. If additional damage is found, we document it and submit a supplement to your insurer. You won't be responsible for damage that should be covered under your claim.

Question 13

Do you use OEM or aftermarket parts?

Accepted Answer

Our default is OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts — the same parts made by or to the specifications of your vehicle's manufacturer. Some insurance policies specify aftermarket or reconditioned parts; when that's the case, we ensure any non-OEM part meets equivalent quality and fit standards. We'll always tell you what type of part is being used.

Question 14

Does my insurance cover a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your policy. Rental reimbursement coverage is a separate add-on that not all policies include. If the other driver was at fault and you're filing a third-party claim against their liability coverage, a rental is typically covered. Check your policy or ask your insurer — we can help coordinate once coverage is confirmed.

Question 15

Can you help coordinate my rental car?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once your vehicle is checked in, we can help coordinate with your insurance company to confirm rental approval and get you into a vehicle quickly. We work alongside local and national rental agencies to make the transition as smooth as possible.

What to do — and what to know.

What to do at the scene.

Estimates, deductibles & claims.

Common questions about us.

ADAS calibration questions.

Estimate questions.

Parts questions.

Rental car questions.

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