Frequently Asked Questions - Collision FAQ

The Answers You Need for All Your Collision Related Questions

Accidents happen, but lucky for you, the collision experts at Northtown Mazda are here to help you get back on the roads.  When the going gets tough, we understand that it's easy to get frustrated.  But here at Northtown Mazda, our collision department seeks to bridge the gap with popular answers to your most frequently asked collision-related questions.

What do I do if I am in an accident?

If you get into an accident, you must remain calm and assess the damage.  Check yourself first and then aid your passengers if you're traveling with other people.  If possible, put on your hazard lights and try to move off to the side of the road to call law enforcement.

Am I required to obtain more than one estimate?

As the owner of the vehicle, you can seek out and obtain as many estimates as you'd like.

Do I have to go to the repair facility that my insurance company suggests?

If your insurance company suggests a particular repair facility, it can potentially cost you less than if you were to bring your vehicle anywhere else.  Here at Northtown Mazda, we work with many different insurance providers to give our customers the best chance to find affordable collision repair near Buffalo, NY.

Who pays for the tow bill?

Depending on the accident and the severity of the damage, most insurance companies will take care of the towing fees.  If you have collision coverage on your warranty plan, the tow bill will most certainly be covered by the insurance company.

What are aftermarket parts?

Aftermarket parts are from a third-party vendor, as opposed to genuine OEM parts, which come directly from the vehicle manufacturer.  Aftermarket parts may appear cheaper, but don't be fooled by the numbers.  They are inferior to OEM replacement parts and won't last nearly as long.

Why did another body shop provide an estimate that is different from yours?

All body shops throughout the greater North Tonawanda, NY, area might offer a different estimate. Each shop is unique and offers a range of advanced services that not all body shops may offer.  If you're getting various offers from local body shops in the area, it's because each facility brings something different to the service table.

If my vehicle has frame damage, is it a total loss?

Frame damage is major but not necessarily a total loss.  If your vehicle's frame is only slightly damaged, our team might be able to patch it up with some welding and patchwork.  But if the frame is bent or snapped in half, we're going to recommend you start looking for a new vehicle.

Can you match the paint color?

Here at Northtown Mazda, color matching is an important step in the collision repair process. After all necessary repairs have been made, our collision team will color match your vehicle's exterior and replenish your Mazda with a fresh coat of paint.

How long will my repairs take?

Depending on the repair, some automotive jobs can take anywhere from one hour to one week. Please call our collision experts, and we'll try and give you an estimate of how long you can expect your vehicle to be in the shop.

Can I get a ride home when I drop off my car?

Northtown Mazda offers loaner vehicles so that you can drive back home after dropping your car off.  Speak with our customer service team about setting up a courtesy vehicle and ask us about our local shuttling service as well.