Collision Repair FAQs
Accidents and vehicle repairs come with a lot of questions. Georgia Luxury Automotive created this resource to help Metro Atlanta drivers understand the collision repair process, insurance claims, replacement parts, rental vehicles, repair timelines, warranties, and more.
As a family-owned collision repair company with five locations serving Smyrna, Norcross, Alpharetta, and the greater Atlanta area, our goal is to make the repair process easier to understand and less stressful from the moment you contact us until your vehicle is returned.
As a family-owned collision repair company with five locations serving Smyrna, Norcross, Alpharetta, and the greater Atlanta area, our goal is to make the repair process easier to understand and less stressful from the moment you contact us until your vehicle is returned.
After an Accident
What should I do after an accident?
First, make sure everyone is safe and contact emergency services if necessary. If possible, move the vehicles to a safe location, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and take photographs of the vehicles, license plates, accident scene, and visible damage.
If you plan to file an insurance claim, contact your insurance company to report the loss and obtain a claim number. You can then contact Georgia Luxury Automotive to discuss the damage and schedule an estimate or vehicle drop-off.
Our team can help guide you through the collision repair and insurance claim process, including communicating with the insurance company, documenting additional damage discovered during repairs, and submitting supplements when necessary.
If you plan to file an insurance claim, contact your insurance company to report the loss and obtain a claim number. You can then contact Georgia Luxury Automotive to discuss the damage and schedule an estimate or vehicle drop-off.
Our team can help guide you through the collision repair and insurance claim process, including communicating with the insurance company, documenting additional damage discovered during repairs, and submitting supplements when necessary.
Can I choose my own body shop?
Yes. You are generally free to choose the collision repair facility you want to repair your vehicle. Your insurance company may recommend one of its preferred or network repair facilities, but you do not have to choose a shop simply because it was recommended by the insurer.
Georgia Luxury Automotive works with most major insurance companies, including many direct-repair and insurance networks, while keeping the vehicle owner at the center of the repair.
If you choose GLA, we can communicate directly with your insurance company, review the estimate, document necessary repairs, and handle supplements when additional damage is discovered.
Your vehicle is your investment, and choosing a repair facility you trust is an important part of the process.
Does my insurance adjuster need to inspect the vehicle first?
Not necessarily. The process depends on the insurance company and the type of claim.
Many insurance companies now use photographs, mobile estimating, virtual inspections, or estimates prepared by the repair facility rather than requiring an adjuster to physically inspect the vehicle before repairs begin.
If an insurance inspection is required, Georgia Luxury Automotive can help coordinate the process and provide the insurer with the documentation needed to evaluate the damage.
You do not normally need to wait to contact a body shop. We recommend contacting GLA as soon as possible so we can review the damage, explain the next steps, and help prevent unnecessary delays in the repair process.
Many insurance companies now use photographs, mobile estimating, virtual inspections, or estimates prepared by the repair facility rather than requiring an adjuster to physically inspect the vehicle before repairs begin.
If an insurance inspection is required, Georgia Luxury Automotive can help coordinate the process and provide the insurer with the documentation needed to evaluate the damage.
You do not normally need to wait to contact a body shop. We recommend contacting GLA as soon as possible so we can review the damage, explain the next steps, and help prevent unnecessary delays in the repair process.
Do I need multiple estimates?
In most cases, you do not need to visit several collision repair shops simply to collect estimates for your insurance company.
Insurance companies may prepare their own preliminary estimate or request documentation from the repair facility you choose. Once repairs begin and the vehicle is disassembled, additional hidden damage may also be discovered. When that happens, the body shop typically documents the additional damage and submits a supplement to the insurance company.
Georgia Luxury Automotive can help manage this process directly with the insurer so you do not have to coordinate multiple estimates and repair facilities yourself.
The most important decision is choosing a collision repair shop you trust to properly repair your vehicle.
Insurance companies may prepare their own preliminary estimate or request documentation from the repair facility you choose. Once repairs begin and the vehicle is disassembled, additional hidden damage may also be discovered. When that happens, the body shop typically documents the additional damage and submits a supplement to the insurance company.
Georgia Luxury Automotive can help manage this process directly with the insurer so you do not have to coordinate multiple estimates and repair facilities yourself.
The most important decision is choosing a collision repair shop you trust to properly repair your vehicle.
Insurance and Payment
Which insurance companies do you work with?
Georgia Luxury Automotive works with most major insurance companies and regularly assists customers with collision claims throughout Metro Atlanta.
Our team communicates with insurance carriers regarding estimates, supplements, repair documentation, parts, and approvals throughout the repair process. We also participate in insurance repair programs with certain carriers.
Even if your insurance company recommends another collision center, you can still contact GLA to discuss having your vehicle repaired with us.
Our goal is to make the insurance process as easy as possible for the customer while making sure the repair requirements are properly documented and communicated to the carrier.
Our team communicates with insurance carriers regarding estimates, supplements, repair documentation, parts, and approvals throughout the repair process. We also participate in insurance repair programs with certain carriers.
Even if your insurance company recommends another collision center, you can still contact GLA to discuss having your vehicle repaired with us.
Our goal is to make the insurance process as easy as possible for the customer while making sure the repair requirements are properly documented and communicated to the carrier.
Will I have any out-of-pocket costs?
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance policy, deductible, coverage, claim circumstances, and any repair or part choices that are not covered by the insurer.
For a covered collision claim, customers are typically responsible for their deductible unless another arrangement applies. There may also be costs if you request repairs, upgrades, or parts beyond what the insurance company has agreed to cover.
Before making customer-pay changes whenever possible, Georgia Luxury Automotive will explain the situation so you understand what is being repaired and what you may be responsible for.
If you have questions about your deductible or insurance estimate, our team can help you review the repair information.
For a covered collision claim, customers are typically responsible for their deductible unless another arrangement applies. There may also be costs if you request repairs, upgrades, or parts beyond what the insurance company has agreed to cover.
Before making customer-pay changes whenever possible, Georgia Luxury Automotive will explain the situation so you understand what is being repaired and what you may be responsible for.
If you have questions about your deductible or insurance estimate, our team can help you review the repair information.
Can I pay for repairs myself?
Absolutely. You do not need an insurance claim to have your vehicle repaired at Georgia Luxury Automotive.
We perform customer-pay collision repair, dent repair, bumper repair, paint repair, scratch repair, and other auto body services for customers who prefer to pay directly.
This may make sense for smaller repairs, cosmetic damage, or situations where a customer does not want to file an insurance claim.
We can prepare an estimate based on the visible damage and discuss repair options with you. Keep in mind that additional damage can sometimes be discovered once a vehicle is disassembled, particularly after a collision.
We perform customer-pay collision repair, dent repair, bumper repair, paint repair, scratch repair, and other auto body services for customers who prefer to pay directly.
This may make sense for smaller repairs, cosmetic damage, or situations where a customer does not want to file an insurance claim.
We can prepare an estimate based on the visible damage and discuss repair options with you. Keep in mind that additional damage can sometimes be discovered once a vehicle is disassembled, particularly after a collision.
What happens if additional damage is found?
Hidden damage is very common in collision repair. A bumper, fender, door, or exterior panel may hide damaged brackets, reinforcements, sensors, wiring, structural components, or other parts that cannot be fully evaluated until the vehicle is disassembled.
If additional damage is discovered during an insurance repair, Georgia Luxury Automotive documents the damage and prepares a supplement for the insurance company. The insurer can then review the additional repairs and associated costs.
For customer-pay repairs, we will contact you if significant additional damage is discovered before proceeding with additional work.
This process helps ensure that the repair addresses more than just the damage visible from the outside.
If additional damage is discovered during an insurance repair, Georgia Luxury Automotive documents the damage and prepares a supplement for the insurance company. The insurer can then review the additional repairs and associated costs.
For customer-pay repairs, we will contact you if significant additional damage is discovered before proceeding with additional work.
This process helps ensure that the repair addresses more than just the damage visible from the outside.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Georgia Luxury Automotive offers access to Synchrony Car Care financing for qualifying purchases of $199 or more, subject to credit approval and the terms offered by Synchrony Bank.
Financing may be helpful when an unexpected collision repair, deductible, or customer-pay repair creates an expense that you would prefer to spread over time.
Our team can provide information on how to apply for Synchrony Car Care financing. Approval, available credit, promotional financing terms, and payment requirements are determined by Synchrony.
Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply.
Financing may be helpful when an unexpected collision repair, deductible, or customer-pay repair creates an expense that you would prefer to spread over time.
Our team can provide information on how to apply for Synchrony Car Care financing. Approval, available credit, promotional financing terms, and payment requirements are determined by Synchrony.
Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply.
Parts and Repairs
What are OEM, aftermarket, and recycled parts?
OEM parts are produced by the vehicle manufacturer or its authorized suppliers and are designed for the specific vehicle.
Aftermarket parts are manufactured by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer and can vary in brand, quality, fit, and price.
Recycled parts are original vehicle components removed from another vehicle and reused when appropriate.
The type of part used in an insurance repair can depend on the insurance policy, vehicle age, availability, repair requirements, and the insurer’s estimate.
Georgia Luxury Automotive reviews parts choices carefully and, when appropriate, will communicate with the insurance company regarding parts and repair requirements. Our priority is a safe, quality repair with proper fit and finish.
Aftermarket parts are manufactured by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer and can vary in brand, quality, fit, and price.
Recycled parts are original vehicle components removed from another vehicle and reused when appropriate.
The type of part used in an insurance repair can depend on the insurance policy, vehicle age, availability, repair requirements, and the insurer’s estimate.
Georgia Luxury Automotive reviews parts choices carefully and, when appropriate, will communicate with the insurance company regarding parts and repair requirements. Our priority is a safe, quality repair with proper fit and finish.
Do you offer a lifetime warranty?
Yes. Georgia Luxury Automotive provides a Lifetime Warranty on qualifying repairs for as long as the customer owns the vehicle, subject to the terms and exclusions of the warranty.
We stand behind the workmanship we perform. If you ever have a concern related to a covered repair, contact us and give our team the opportunity to inspect it.
Our commitment to quality includes trained repair professionals, proper repair procedures, premium refinishing materials, computerized color matching, and quality-control inspections before delivery.
A warranty only matters if the company behind it is willing to stand behind its work, and that is an important part of the GLA customer experience.
We stand behind the workmanship we perform. If you ever have a concern related to a covered repair, contact us and give our team the opportunity to inspect it.
Our commitment to quality includes trained repair professionals, proper repair procedures, premium refinishing materials, computerized color matching, and quality-control inspections before delivery.
A warranty only matters if the company behind it is willing to stand behind its work, and that is an important part of the GLA customer experience.
Is my vehicle safe after repairs?
Safety is one of the most important considerations in collision repair.
Modern vehicles use high-strength steels, aluminum, advanced restraint systems, cameras, radar sensors, driver-assistance technology, and precisely engineered structural components. A proper repair therefore involves much more than simply making the exterior look good.
Georgia Luxury Automotive uses trained repair professionals and follows applicable manufacturer repair information and procedures when repairing vehicles. Depending on the damage, repairs may also require structural measurements, diagnostic scanning, sensor replacement, programming, or ADAS calibration.
Before delivery, repaired areas are inspected for proper fit, function, and finish.
Modern vehicles use high-strength steels, aluminum, advanced restraint systems, cameras, radar sensors, driver-assistance technology, and precisely engineered structural components. A proper repair therefore involves much more than simply making the exterior look good.
Georgia Luxury Automotive uses trained repair professionals and follows applicable manufacturer repair information and procedures when repairing vehicles. Depending on the damage, repairs may also require structural measurements, diagnostic scanning, sensor replacement, programming, or ADAS calibration.
Before delivery, repaired areas are inspected for proper fit, function, and finish.
Do you repair all makes and models?
Yes. Despite the name Georgia Luxury Automotive, we are not limited to luxury vehicles. GLA repairs a wide range of domestic, Asian, European, luxury, family, commuter, SUV, truck, and fleet vehicles. Our collision repair facilities regularly work on vehicles from manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Lexus, Volkswagen, and many others. What matters to us is performing a quality repair using the appropriate procedures, materials, equipment, and repair information for the vehicle. If you are unsure whether we can repair your specific vehicle or type of damage, contact the nearest GLA location and our team will be happy to review it.
Do you repair electric vehicles?
Georgia Luxury Automotive repairs many electric and hybrid vehicles, depending on the type of vehicle, damage, and repair requirements.
Electric vehicles can require specialized procedures because of their high-voltage systems, battery location, lightweight materials, electronics, sensors, cameras, and advanced driver-assistance systems.
Before beginning a repair, we evaluate the damage and determine what procedures, equipment, calibrations, or outside manufacturer/dealer services may be required.
Some EV repairs may require specialized operations beyond traditional auto body work, so each vehicle is evaluated individually.
Contact GLA with your vehicle information and photos of the damage, and our team can help determine the appropriate repair process.
Electric vehicles can require specialized procedures because of their high-voltage systems, battery location, lightweight materials, electronics, sensors, cameras, and advanced driver-assistance systems.
Before beginning a repair, we evaluate the damage and determine what procedures, equipment, calibrations, or outside manufacturer/dealer services may be required.
Some EV repairs may require specialized operations beyond traditional auto body work, so each vehicle is evaluated individually.
Contact GLA with your vehicle information and photos of the damage, and our team can help determine the appropriate repair process.
Rental and Timing
How do I arrange a rental car?
Georgia Luxury Automotive works with Enterprise and Hertz to help make rental-car arrangements easier while your vehicle is being repaired. If your insurance policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, the insurance company may authorize a rental for a certain number of days or up to a specific dollar limit. Our team can help coordinate the rental process and, depending on availability and location, the rental company may be able to pick you up at the shop. In many situations, customers can also leave the rental vehicle with us when picking up their repaired vehicle. Rental coverage and limits are determined by your insurance policy, so we recommend confirming your coverage with your carrier.
How long will my repair take?
Repair time depends on the severity of the damage, parts availability, insurance approvals, vehicle technology, and the operations required to repair the vehicle properly. A smaller bumper or cosmetic repair may take only a few days, while a more involved collision repair involving structural work, replacement panels, electronics, or ADAS calibrations can take considerably longer. After the vehicle is disassembled, we can usually provide a more accurate timeline because hidden damage and required parts become easier to identify. Georgia Luxury Automotive works to keep customers informed throughout the repair process and coordinates parts, insurance supplements, repairs, refinishing, calibrations, and quality-control operations as efficiently as possible.
Where are your locations?
Georgia Luxury Automotive operates five collision repair locations throughout Metro Atlanta:
Ask Kay Drive – Smyrna
2972 Ask Kay Dr, Smyrna, GA 30082
Concord – Smyrna
802 Smyrna Hill Dr, Smyrna, GA 30082
Buford Highway – Norcross
5924 Buford Hwy, Norcross, GA 30071
Lively – Norcross
455 Lively Ave, Norcross, GA 30071
Alpharetta
1675 Alpharetta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Our locations serve customers throughout Atlanta, Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta, Norcross, Duluth, Alpharetta, Roswell and surrounding Metro Atlanta communities.
Why GLA?
Why should I choose Georgia Luxury Automotive instead of a large collision repair chain?
Georgia Luxury Automotive combines the resources and technology of a multi-location collision repair company with the personal attention of a family-owned and locally operated business.
At a large national collision chain, customers can sometimes feel like another repair order moving through a high-volume system. At GLA, we believe customers deserve direct communication, clear explanations, quality workmanship, and a team that is willing to advocate for a proper repair.
GLA offers:
We are large enough to handle the repair, but small enough to know your name.
That family-owned/personal-service positioning is consistent with the established GLA brand direction and the dedicated Why GLA strategy.
At a large national collision chain, customers can sometimes feel like another repair order moving through a high-volume system. At GLA, we believe customers deserve direct communication, clear explanations, quality workmanship, and a team that is willing to advocate for a proper repair.
GLA offers:
- Five convenient Metro Atlanta locations
- I-CAR Gold Class recognition
- Lifetime Warranty on qualifying repairs
- Premium Axalta refinishing products
- Computerized color matching
- Assistance with most major insurance companies
- Repairs for all makes and models
- Rental assistance through Enterprise and Hertz
- Experienced collision repair professionals focused on fit, finish, safety, and customer service
We are large enough to handle the repair, but small enough to know your name.
That family-owned/personal-service positioning is consistent with the established GLA brand direction and the dedicated Why GLA strategy.
Still Have Questions About Your Repair?
Our team is here to help. Contact the Georgia Luxury Automotive location nearest you to discuss your vehicle, insurance claim, estimate, or repair options.
