FAQ

No, it is up to you to decide how many estimates you would like and if you want to discuss the repairs with more than one shop. If you have selected a shop, have your insurance company deal directly with them.

Steering is a deceptive concept of salesmanship, where someone is coerced, directed, pushed or driven to use a specific service provider because the recommender derives monetary consideration, kickbacks, special privilege, economic savings, etc., as a result of such activity. Consumers are often led to believe they do not have a choice, however steering is against the law. Don’t become a victim.

Yes, Pennsylvania state law allows for that. It is your right and responsibility to have your vehicle repaired safely and correctly and it is your choice to decide what shop will do the repairs. DRP or Direct Repair Programs can make the repair process easier, but your best interest is not necessarily the top priority of an insurance company. Black Walnut works with a small select group of insurance company DRP programs, companies that are in alignment with our operating policy and beliefs. No insurer can make you take your vehicle to a specific shop and if they do be advised that your interests are their last concern.

We work for you! The insurance company simply reimburses the cost of the repairs that are covered by your policy.

Absolutely! Aftermarket parts are inferior by design. They’re lighter, thinner, and cheaper compositions. They are sold at a substantially lower price point. Their fit, finish, function and safety during a future collision are great cause for concern. Using aftermarket parts will always diminish the value of your vehicle. There is always a premium on quality, so why be cheap when your safety is the number one priority.

Our goal is to provide the highest level of quality repairs in the shortest amount of time possible. Repair time is dependent on the extent of the damage to your vehicle. Once your car is in our shop, the process begins with disassembling your vehicle to eliminate any unknowns, then writing a supplement if any further damage is determined, and submitting to your insurance for approval. After that, additional parts are ordered and the delivery date is confirmed we will give you our expected completion dates.

If you need a rental car, contact us and we can help you make the necessary arrangements. We offer an on-site rental car service. Please be advised that it’s your choice what rental car company you’d like to use while your vehicle is being repaired. Using our on-site rental company has many benefits, such as alleviating possible delays while waiting for another car rental company to pick you up, no coordinating the return, or overbooking leaving you carless.

They will pay if you have rental coverage on your policy. Please ask your insurance agent what your rental coverage is if you’re not sure. Each insurance company will determine what they will pay based on your individual policy: some pay the full amount and others only a percentage. The full amount will be paid by the other person’s insurance if you are the claimant.

The cost of repairs plus the value of the vehicle in damaged condition (salvage value) is greater than the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident.

You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, but the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value.

You can wash the vehicle immediately. Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth, sponge, or mitt.

- Always use clean fresh water.

- Wash your vehicle in the shade.

- Do not use a commercial brush car wash.

- Do not wax or polish your vehicle during the first 90 days. This will allow the finish to cure completely. After the ninety days, you may apply a coat of polish or wax on the vehicle.

Other recommendations:

- Do not "dry wipe" your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish.

- Avoid parking under trees and utility lines, they are likely to attract birds.

- Bird droppings have a high acid content and can ruin the factory finish and also a freshly painted surface.

- Also, tree sap will damage 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 or cured paint surface

Yes, we certainly do! Our customers and their vehicles are always our top priority, and we stand by our work, so we offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on repairs.

Insurance check is preferred.

However, we will accept cash, personal checks, debit and credit cards, certified check, or money order. Please discuss specifics of accepted payment with our customer care representative.

Please note: There’s a 3% processing charge added to ALL other credit card transactions over $500.

Thank you for your understanding of the impact credit card processing fees affect small businesses.