Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at sterlingautoservice@hotmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Where do I get a claim number?

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.

What are your hours of operation?

Our hours are Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm

Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my car for repairs?

Yes, as long as the repairs have been approved prior to repairs starting.

If my vehicle's frame is damaged, is the car a total loss?

No. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company's determined value of your vehicle. Nowadays, most cars are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our state-of the-art computer measuring system , can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair, that section can simply be replaced.

Can you match my car's paint color?

Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. We have made a major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrades its technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle's paint matches. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final step in the restoration process.

Can I get other work done on my car while it's in the body shop?

Yes. Just let your advisor know what other work you would like done so that he or she can make the necessary arrangements.

How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?

The repair time is determined by the severity of the damages to your vehicle. Your service advisor can only give you an estimated time of completion, pending parts availability for repairs needed.

Can you give me a ride home or to the Metro when I leave my vehicle?

We can provide a ride to and from home within a five mile radius, we also can take you to and from Forest Glenn and Downtown Silver Spring Metro Stations.

How can I get a rental car?

Insurance companies will only pay for a rental car if you have that option on your policy or if you are the claimant. Check your policy and/or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what your specific limitations are. Once you have confirmed coverage on rental fee with the insurance company, we will call the rental car company to pick you up at our facility on the day of your repair appointment.

How will I know when my car is ready to be picked up?

Your service advisor will give you a courtesy call or send an email to you, and notify you that the repairs have been completed.

What type of warranty do you provide?

We provide a lifetime warranty for our paint. (Voided if repaired area is damaged in another incident).

We also provide a mechanical warranty for twelve months or twelve thousand miles. whichever comes first.

Do I have to pay a deductible?

The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you carry broad collision, and you were not at fault, your insurance company most likely will waive your deductible. Insurance companies determine fault by your account of the accident when you make the claim, and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.

Who do I pay the deductible to?

You pay your deductible and any other fees to Sterling Auto Service at the time you pick up your vehicle. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.

What forms of payment do you accept?

The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your portion of the repairs to your vehicle is with a major credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, & Discover. Certified checks, cash but no personal or business checks.

What are Betterment Charges?

Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e., tires, batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly subject to betterment charges when they are replaced during the repair process. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are pro-rated based on actual miles on your vehicle.

Can I wash my car?

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS

DO · Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge. Always use clean, fresh water. Wash your vehicle in the shade.
DON'T · Do not use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface. Do not "dry wipe" your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish. Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days. 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.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS

DON'T · Do not wax or polish the vehicle. Allow the finish to dry and harden completely.

Expert auto service and body shop near you

About Sterling Body Shop,LLC

Our Commitment to Quality

Customer service is our #1 priority

Get in Touch

Directions

Sterling Body Shop,LLC

Additional Services

Body and collision repairs

Frame work on all models

Decal replacements

Full paint jobs

Insurance claims and Self-pay repairs

Following services only when related to a Collision Repair

Auto glass replacement

Mechanical repairs

Suspension work

Alignments

A/C and heating

Battery replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS

Expert auto service and body shop near you

About Sterling Body Shop,LLC

Our Commitment to Quality

Customer service is our #1 priority

Get in Touch

Directions

Sterling Body Shop,LLC

Additional Services

Body and collision repairs

Frame work on all models

Decal replacements

Full paint jobs

Insurance claims and Self-pay repairs

Following services only when related to a Collision Repair

Auto glass replacement

Mechanical repairs

Suspension work

Alignments

A/C and heating

Battery replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS

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