MAACO ONLINE ESTIMATOR FAQs
GENERAL AUTO REPAIR AND PAINT REPAIR COSTS
WILL MY CAR LOOK LIKE NEW AFTER A MAACO PAINT JOB?
It will look like your car, but with a new paint job! Although a new paint job goes a long way towards making your vehicle look great, it was only new one time.
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SHOULD I WASH MY CAR BEFORE I BRING IT IN FOR PAINTING?
It is not necessary, but we welcome you to! The cleaner your vehicle is, the easier it is to prepare for paint. We do ask that you refrain from shining the tires if you do choose to wash it.
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IS BODY REPAIR INCLUDED IN THE PROMOTION?
No! Body repair is a labor-intensive process requiring specialized skills, tools, and materials. For this reason, we employ extremely skilled technicians who have dedicated their careers to the art of repairing damage to vehicle bodies. The only way to know exactly what this will cost is to come by the shop and let us take a look. We offer free estimates any time during business hours, with or without an appointment.
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PAINT MY CAR?
Vehicle paint jobs usually take 3-5 days, but additional services selected, prep work that is needed and current workload at the location play a part in the turnaround time. You can add a couple of days if you have a significant amount of bodywork, need replacement parts, or if your vehicle requires extra preparation to repair existing paint damage. When you are ready to schedule your repair, your Maaco shop will be able to provide more detailed timing for you.
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DO YOU OFFER RENTAL CAR ASSISTANCE?
Contact your local Maaco center about our rental car assistance program. Select centers may be able to help book your rental while your car is being repaired.
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WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT POSSIBLE TYPES OF VEHICLE DAMAGE?
Some common causes of vehicle damage include regular wear and tear, results of a collision, improper washing with damaging products, parking lot and shopping cart incidences, and vandalism.
Natural damage from the outdoor elements is also common. The sun’s UV rays, falling branches, hailstorms, ice and salt, or rocks and road debris can all be detrimental to your car’s paint and body.
Ignoring damage could lead to worse problems down the road, so be sure to repair any damage as soon as possible.
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Estimates
WHY WON'T THE SHOP GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE OVER THE PHONE OR FROM AN EMAIL WITH A PICTURE?
Every vehicle and repair will be unique. Without seeing the car in-person, it's nearly impossible to provide an accurate quote. It is very common for vehicles to require additional prep to ensure the smoothest finish possible. This could include peeling, delaminating, or cracks in your old finish, which are difficult to spot in pictures. To give the proper estimate and most accurate quote, we must see the vehicle in person. Generally, an estimate will take about 15 minutes and it is completely FREE!
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DO I HAVE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN ESTIMATE?
Appointments are not required, but highly encouraged. Maaco makes it easy and convenient for you to schedule a time that works best for you! Select your preferred center and complete our appointment scheduler online or call the shop. *Hours of operations may vary by center.
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DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR AN ESTIMATE?
Estimates are no obligation and 100% free of charge.
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WILL THE PRICE I PAY BE THE SAME AS THE ESTIMATE? NO SURPRISES?
The price you pay could vary from your initial estimate if hidden damage is discovered during the repair and/or refinishing process, or if the cost of parts increases. This is extremely uncommon, however, when it does occur, we will always call to discuss your options and offer you the opportunity to come in and see the repair area firsthand.
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AUTO REPAIR AND PAINT REPAIR PRICING
HOW DO YOU PAINT CARS SO INEXPENSIVELY?
Maaco has developed the easiest, most affordable, and reliable paint process in the world. Our more than 50 years of experience makes our approach to overall auto painting the best way to turn the car you drive back into the car you love. We also have the advantage of volume. Our more than 420 locations nationwide and long-term relationships with vendors allows us to buy materials at deeply discounted prices. In turn, we pass that savings on to you.
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WHY DOES IT COST SO MUCH TO REPAIR A SMALL DING?
We get asked this question more than almost any other question! Repairing a dent or ding is a very involved process. There is a minimum amount of time it takes to repair one dent. A body repair technician must first grind all the paint off the area to be repaired, then prepare the filler compound, apply it uniformly, and wait for it to dry. It's then sanded and either glazed or a second coat is applied, at which point there is a second round of drying. We sand it again, apply a primer, paint, and when required, we blend into adjacent panels. If you are concerned about cost, be sure to ask your center about paintless dent repair.
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WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR THE EXTRA PREP TO TAKE OUT THE SCRATCHES AND DENTS, WON'T MY CAR STILL LOOK BETTER WITH NEW PAINT?
You may choose to simply have your vehicle painted without addressing issues such as peeling, cracking, and old bodywork. Keep in mind that to receive the smoothest possible finish and highest possible gloss, these issues will need to be addressed. If the conditions are bad enough, it can and will affect the gloss and overall appearance of the newly painted surfaces. While you will receive a warranty if you choose to paint over dings and dents, that is not the case if you decline to repair conditions that your estimator has advised you to repair.
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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CHANGE THE COLOR OF MY CAR?
If you simply want to change the color of the exterior, there is a color change fee in addition to your paint package. Although it is not necessary, you can also have your door jambs, under the hood, and trunk painted for an additional charge.
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WHAT ARE MY COST OPTIONS FOR REMOVING OR REPLACING PARTS?
At Maaco, we know you are conscious of cost. Therefore, we offer three price levels when it comes to replacement parts.
OEM parts are the most expensive but provide the most accurate fit for your vehicle.
A more cost-effective option is Aftermarket. While new, these parts might not necessarily come from your vehicle's manufacturer.
Recycled parts are the most cost-efficient. They come from vehicles no longer considered 'road-ready' but still adhere to safety and function standards. If parts replacement is necessary, these three options provide flexibility to help you proceed with confidence.
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WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM?
If you're making a claim through your insurance company, you'll be happy to know that Maaco works with every major insurance carrier. We'll coordinate with the insurance companies involved, schedule an appointment for your car to be inspected, and even help find you a rental car while we make your repairs. Maaco delivers certified bodywork and painting. We use original manufacturer parts, factory specs, and precision assembly to expertly rebuild your car so it looks and drives like it did before the accident.
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DO I STILL NEED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS?
Most insurance policies have a deductible of some amount. You may have to pay this part of the cost. Make sure to speak with your insurance agent to understand what expenses you will incur.
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WHY WOULD I PAY OUT OF POCKET INSTEAD OF FILING AN INSURANCE CLAIM FOR DAMAGE AND REPAIRS?
Depending on the amount of damage your car has and the cost of your deductible, you may save by paying out-of-pocket for repairs. There can also be collateral costs, including an increase in the price of your policy, when you make a claim. Make sure to ask your agent about this before starting work.
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WHAT DOES THE SHOP TECHNICIAN NEED TO KNOW FOR MY INSURANCE CLAIM?
If you are using your insurance to pay for all or part of a repair, the shop will need to know this before an estimate is finalized. Your policy may include specifics about the repair materials or process. This can affect the price and time required to accomplish the work. You will also need to coordinate with your insurance agent and the shop before finalizing the pricing to confirm all the details.
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Rust
WHAT IS RUST?
Rust is that dirty orange-red-brown coating that corrodes metal exposed to air and water. It’s relentless, continually consuming metal in stages. First, rust forms on the exposed surface. If untreated, that surface rust flakes and proceeds out and downwards, eventually eating right through the metal. Road salt, weather, and untreated panels can create rust along with flaws in the design of the vehicle.
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HOW DOES RUST AFFECT A VEHICLE?
Rust should be repaired as soon as you notice it, as it weakens the overall integrity of your vehicle. If untreated, rust eventually leads to irreparable damage. A trained technician will be able to gauge the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action for repair.
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HOW MUCH DOES RUST REPAIR COST?
At minimum, rust will need to be removed with sandpaper, touch-up paint, and elbow grease. However, more advanced rust repair can cost thousands of dollars. So, at some point, you need to consider the diminishing returns. Decide how long you want to keep your ride roadworthy.
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WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO REPAIR RUST?
Rust is to cars what aging is to people. Meaning? It’s unavoidable, but you can minimize the harm by addressing it early. In fact, the process to fix rust on a car or truck takes four steps. First, sand the patch of rust down to the remaining metal beneath. Then, add body filler to bond that newly exposed space. Next, sand the filler down so the bonded area is flush with the surrounding surface. Lastly, paint the entire panel to match the original color of the vehicle. Now, it’s beautiful again! Keep in mind, these four steps make rust repair sound simple but even light rust is not easy to fix. It’s highly skilled work. The pros at your local Maaco do it right the first time.
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HOW TO REDUCE RUST ON A CAR OR TRUCK
Maintaining a paint job doesn’t just keep your ride looking beautiful, it protects against the natural rusting process. Your local Maaco shop helps with repair and maintenance, including rust repairs. Before that point, here are some useful tips to prevent the spread of rust:
Check your vehicle regularly for new scratches and dents, as this is where rust is likely to form.
Wash and wax your vehicle at least once a month. Be sure to wash within the wheel wells, as well as beneath the vehicle. If you’re washing it by hand, use carwash detergent and not everyday soap from around the house.
In addition to cleaning the exterior, clean your vehicle’s carpets and protective mats. Your footwear is in constant contact with these surfaces and can spread salt onto the rocker panel beneath the door.
Remember, your car is most vulnerable at the vehicle’s connection points. With this in mind, use a flashlight to closely inspect the following areas:
- Near and under the sunroof, trims and moulding
- The wheel wells and the undercarriage
- The door and rocker panel (that base piece you see when you open the door)
- The area attaching the mirrors
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Heavy Damage & Towing
WHAT IS HEAVY OR SEVERE DAMAGE TO A VEHICLE?
Severe damage is just as it sounds: very heavy damage. This includes broken axels and bent or twisted frames. In a severe damage situation, air bags have almost always deployed. Examples include if your car has rolled over, or a complete side of the car is damaged.
If your vehicle has suffered major structural damage that makes it unsafe or impossible to drive, it is defined as severe. In many cases, you might assume that a vehicle that has suffered severe damage is totaled and beyond repair.
If your vehicle has a large area of damage (3 or more panels), a large dent (11 inches or more), or a dent deeper than 2 inches, it may have heavy or severe damage. In this circ*mstance, there may be underlying damage that is difficult to see or assess. The technician at the Maaco shop can do a thorough inspection of the damaged vehicle and give accurate pricing for repairs.
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HOW DO I SAFELY TOW MY CAR TO MAACO?
If you can put your car in neutral and push it to the side of the road, do so. If you cannot, place cones, flares, flags, or other indicators around your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic of the danger. And if it’s too dangerous to even get out of the car, stay put. Either way, put the hazard blinkers on and put a sign visibly in the car window that says “Towing”.
Contact your closest Maaco to find out if they offer towing services or can make recommendations. When the truck arrives, share the Maaco location and contact information with the tow truck driver. Follow up with the shop about your vehicle once dropped off for your estimate. If using insurance, provide your claim number, or identify if you will be paying out of pocket.
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