Acura Authorized Service

Do's

• Check to ensure that you are not injured. If you are uninjured, check others in your car to make sure they are uninjured. Then, check with any other involved parties.
• If anyone is injured, immediately call 911. Render first aid if possible.
• Exchange information with other involved parties. This would include name, address, phone number, vehicle license plate number, driver's license number and the name of the insurance company and contact. To save time, you can fill out and print the handy Reference Cards in advance. Keep these cards in your glove box with your registration and proof of insurance.
• Secure names and contact information from any witnesses.
• If you have a camera handy, photograph the scene of the accident and the condition of all vehicles or property involved.
• Make a record of the accident for yourself including time, location, weather conditions, traffic conditions and a brief description of the accident. The printable Accident Information Form will assist you in obtaining important information regarding your accident, including the other driver's information, vehicle license number and a detailed description of all vehicles involved.
• Contact your insurance company, preferably from the accident scene. They may be able to provide other valuable information and may ask for additional information from you such as a copy of the police report.

Don'ts

• Don't leave the scene of an accident without first securing information from other parties involved.
• Don't discuss any personal information regarding your physical condition or mental frame of mind as this can be used against you in post-accident legal action.

Your Insurance Company and You

Before an accident occurs
Know your insurance policy and know what is covered, and what is not. If your policy states that the vehicle will be returned to "pre-loss" or "pre-accident" condition, ask your insurance agent to define the terms used.

Some insurance companies are more prone to the use of Original Equipment (OE) parts such as Acura Genuine, and some are more prone to using alternative parts. Ask about your insurance company's polices regarding parts usage.

After an accident occurs
Your insurance company can be helpful in guiding you through the claims and repair process. Your agent should be contacted as soon as possible after the accident. Depending on the severity, many people contact their agent from the accident site.

Many insurance companies have "partnered" with body shops as part of what is commonly known as a DRP, or Direct Repair Program shop. Insurance companies may suggest but cannot mandate that your damaged vehicle be taken to such a shop.

If Your Car is not Drivable and Must be Towed
In most cases, the police attending to the accident will have a preferred tow provider. Before your vehicle is towed, please check your Owner's Manual for the correct towing procedure.

Before the tow-truck driver leaves with your car:

• Be sure to secure all valuables from the vehicle.
• Be sure to also secure your vehicle registration and insurance information if those are kept in the car.
• Be sure to get the name of the tow company, driver's name, and a phone number.
• Get the address where the car will be towed.
   
  

Choosing the Right Body Shop
Choosing the right body shop is important. A reputable body shop employing trained, competent technicians, following recommended repair procedures, and operating in an ethical manner can make a stressful time, a little less stressful.

If you are not already familiar with a local shop:

• Call your local Acura dealer. Many Acura dealers have their own body shop, or can recommend a reputable shop. The dealership Parts Manager will, in most cases, be the best source of information for this.
• Ask friends, family members or other Acura owners where they have had collision repair performed and ask about their repair experience.
• Check your local phone book yellow pages. Look for shops that advertise trained technicians and association with professional organizations.
• Consider the shops displayed on the Recognized Acura Body Shops site. These shops participate in performance enhancement programs provided by paint companies including DuPont Performance Coatings, Sherwin-Williams, PPG, BASF and AkzoNobel, and use parts-ordering technology provided by OEConnection's CollisionLink.

Assuming that your car is drivable, and you will be going to a shop to secure a written insurance estimate, upon arrival at the shop:

• Look at the shop's work area. A relatively clean, organized shop is a sign of professionalism. Because body work can sometimes be messy and dirty, doesn't mean that the shop should look that way.
• Look for plaques or certificates stating the shop is a member of the local Better Business Bureau or are members of local, regional, or national trade organizations such as a state auto body association.
• Look for or ask about the shop's use of frame straightening racks or alignment machines. Do they have their own, or sublet the work to another shop? Depending on the severity of your collision, you may need a full-service body shop.
• Look for plaques or certificates that attest to the shop's or technician's certification for training. Training certification could be issued from such organizations as I-CAR, an international, non-profit organization of professionals providing industry-recognized technical training in the collision field.
• Look for certificates of completed training from paint companies, refinish products suppliers or industry training centers.

Be sure you are comfortable with the body shop and are reasonably sure that they will provide a safe and proper repair for your vehicle. You will have to live with the results of their work for a long time.

Part-Type Definitions
Equally as important as choosing the right body shop is choosing the right parts. Today's vehicles are complex, sophisticated and technologically advanced. A multitude of systems must work together to provide an enjoyable and safe driving experience. This includes your car's sheet metal, bumpers, and safety related items, such as air bags and seat belt tensioners. But sometimes, to repair a collision damaged car, insurance companies specify alternative parts - parts that may not measure up!

The terms and definitions below are the generally accepted norm used by the collision repair industry:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OE)
Original Equipment Manufacturer or Original Equipment or more simply, "OE" parts are replacement parts produced by the vehicle manufacturer; in a word, Acura Genuine Parts. These are made to the same exacting specifications as the parts used to build the car.

Aftermarket
Parts produced and supplied by other than the original equipment (OE) supplier; in a word, non-Genuine parts. Aftermarket collision parts including but not limited to sheet metal, bumper components, and lamps, may offer a price-based alternative, but may not provide the same fit, finish, or return the car to its full, pre-loss condition. Moreover, use of inferior materials, or the production process used to manufacture aftermarket sheet metal or bumpers may cause paint adhesion problems leading to premature paint peeling or chipping. Because these parts are "reverse-engineered", mounting holes may not correctly align leading to an improper or compromised fit.

Remanufactured
Remanufactured generally means parts removed from an existing vehicle that are repaired and / or refinished. These generally fall into two categories; those items ordinarily associated with collision repair such as bumper covers or wheels, and those items which may be replaced due to a collision loss, but are more mechanical in nature such as steering racks, steering pumps, starters and alternators. As with aftermarket parts, remanufactured parts may offer a price-based alternative. However, some remanufactured parts may compromise the structural integrity, safety or performance of the vehicle. Only Acura Precision Crafted Remanufactured parts provide uncompromising quality and are backed by a warranty honored by Acura dealers nationwide.*
*See dealer for warranty details

Like Kind and Quality (LKQ)
In the collision repair vernacular, this term has come to mean parts salvaged or "harvested" from a vehicle that was deemed a total wreck. This category commonly includes large body assemblies such as complete bumper assemblies or complete front ends, severed from the original vehicle from the windshield forward. While LKQ parts may offer a price-based alternative, the parts used from the salvage vehicle may have already been replaced with non-OE parts, or may be structurally compromised as a result of the collision. Other factors affecting the quality of these parts include unsuitable storage, hidden damage, or removal technique.

Your Rights as a Consumer
As a consumer, you have specific rights regarding collision repair. Generally speaking, and as a matter of law, you have a right to have your car repaired at the shop of your choice. And you have the right to have Original Equipment, commonly referred to as OE parts or, more specifically, Acura Genuine Parts, used in the repair.

Many states have specific laws regarding collision repair and the use of OE or aftermarket (non-OE) parts. For example:

• Some states have disclosure laws instructing body shops to reveal to the consumer when something other than OE parts will be used.
• Some states have disclosure laws which state that the consumer be notified only if rebuilt or remanufactured parts (as opposed to OE parts) will be used in the repair of the vehicle.
• Some states have disclosure laws which state that the consumer be notified prior to the start of repairs, that their vehicle will be repaired with insurer-specified non-OE parts. Other states require that this information be disclosed to the consumer only after repairs have been made.
• Some states require that any use of non-OE parts be equal to or better quality than the OE part. (The equality of an aftermarket part compared to an Acura Genuine part may be difficult if not impossible to determine as American Honda does not make public the engineering specs of its parts.)
• Some states require that consumers be notified that their vehicle will be repaired with insurer-specified parts only during the vehicle's warranty period. Other states use a mileage limitation. Still others use a model-year designation. In any case, once the restriction has expired, the shop is no longer legally bound to the consumer in that manner.
• Some states require that OE parts must be used for the first 30 months of the vehicle's life.
• And some states have no disclosure or consent laws with regard to collision repair.

Protect your vehicle investment. Don't discover, after the fact, that your vehicle's value may have been diminished, or your safety may have been compromised by using something other than Acura Genuine Parts. To access collision repair laws for your state, contact your state representative, state insurance commissioner, or visit your state's official web site.

Prior to Approving the Repairs
Read your estimate carefully. Make sure you fully understand the work to be performed, and the parts that will be used. Ask what parts will be replaced, and which will be repaired - and why. If you do not fully understand all aspects of the repair, ask questions. Reputable shops will welcome the opportunity help you understand, and make you feel at ease.

Ask how long your car will be in the shop. Most shops are interested not only in a good repair, but a timely repair. Most shops will keep you apprised of their progress and let you know if there will be any delay. Rarely will repairs of an Acura vehicle be delayed due the availability of Acura Genuine replacement parts. American Honda is proud of its parts availability, with daily parts delivery to all Acura dealers in the US.

Why Insist on Acura Genuine Parts
Your future safety, the safety of other vehicle occupants, and the future value of your car, (probably your second most sizeable investment next to your home) are at stake when collision repairs are made. Acura Genuine Parts are the best choice for your peace of mind for the following reasons:

Fit
Before assembly, all body parts, including fenders and bumper fascias look similar. However, upon installation there may be a noticeable difference in the way they fit. Non-Acura Genuine parts may leave unsightly gaps between body panels, a sure sign of a collision repair which can detract from your car's value. Conversely, a gap that is too small may allow body panels to rub together under certain conditions compromising paint adhesion and promoting unsightly and damaging rust spots. Acura Genuine body parts are designed to fit properly, providing consistent and uniform space between body panels.

Finish
In general, "finish" refers to what the paint job looks like. Acura Genuine body parts are treated with a special primer process which helps resist corrosion, and promote paint adhesion for the best possible finish that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Design
Acura Genuine Parts, both those that came on the car originally, and replacement parts are designed with safety in mind. Many parts, including hoods, fenders and rear quarter panels are designed with crush zones, allowing the part to bend and crumple like an accordion thereby absorbing the energy of an impact, rather than transmit it to the cabin - and the occupants.

Quality
What makes an Acura an Acura is the quality design and sophisticated engineering that goes into each and every part and each and every system on the vehicle - all working in harmony to provide a vehicle that provides exceptional performance, safety, durability, and value contained in a body that is both functional and beautiful. It is truly a package where "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." Maintain the quality with Acura Genuine Parts.

Safety

Nobody wants to think about being in one accident - let alone two. A vehicle repaired with Acura Genuine Parts is more likely to provide the level of safety and occupant security that Acura built into your vehicle in the event of a subsequent collision. When Acura Genuine Parts are used, air bags and seat belt tensioners will be Acura-designed and factory built for your specific vehicle and crush zones will be able to absorb the impact.

Structural Integrity
If a symphony orchestra is to produce melodic music, all instruments must play their part correctly, in tune, and in time. Like a symphony orchestra, all body components contribute to the structural integrity of the vehicle. Even items like windshields and doors help a vehicle to maintain its structural integrity in a collision or roll-over situation. Each Acura Genuine Part is designed to perform its function to deliver the structural performance characteristics necessary to provide a vehicle that is safe, efficient, and provides the performance you expect from an Acura.

Resale Value
Acura vehicles are noted for their high resale value. Use of Acura Genuine collision-repair parts will help keep your car looking new while you own it, and help maintain its value at time of trade-in or re-sale.

A Word About Acura Precision Crafted Fluids
A vital part of collision repair that is rarely considered, is the replacement of lost fluids; the most common being antifreeze/coolant. Acura Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant isn't just Acura-branded. Like all Acura Genuine fluids, it is Acura-formulated. In cold weather, Acura Genuine antifreeze/coolant protects your engine and radiator against freezing, expanding, and costly repairs. In summer, it protects against boil-over, which can kill your engine, and stop you cold.

Whether it is brake fluid, power steering fluid, automatic or manual transmission fluid, or motor oil, all Acura Genuine fluids are formulated to keep your Acura operating at peak performance, and provide optimum protection against excessive wear. To maintain your car's quality, performance, and reliability - insist on Acura Genuine replacement fluids.

A Word About Acura Genuine Tires
Rarely will an accident cause all four of a vehicle's tires to be destroyed requiring full replacement. Usually, one or two are required. When tire replacement is necessary, especially if replacing anything other than a full set, be sure that you are getting an exact replacement to ensure proper vehicle handling. This includes not only the same manufacturer, same size, and same model, but most importantly, the same vehicle manufacturer's part number. Using any tire, other than the designated OE tire, could cause a mis-match resulting in less then optimum performance.

Acura has worked closely with several tire manufacturers to produce an original equipment tire that optimizes a specific vehicle's handling characteristics. To do this, the OE tire is engineered differently with a stiffer casing, reinforced sidewall and tread design tuned for better dry weather handling. Original equipment Acura tires are specifically designed for noise reduction, optimal handling and fuel economy, weather adaptability and tire life.

Acura dealers are equipped to provide you or your body shop with the proper replacement tire, or provide the proper information to your body shop so they can secure the correct tire from their sources.

A Word About Acura Genuine Batteries
Your car's battery is the heart of all the electrical system's functions. If it becomes collision-damaged and must be replaced, consider a Acura OE battery replacement, backed by one of the industry's best limited warranties ? 100 months. Acura replacement batteries have enough cold-cranking amps, and enough reserve power for sure-starts, even under the most adverse climatic conditions.

Take an Active Role
When your insurance company pays the bill
If your insurance company is paying the bill, depending on your policy limits, your insurance company may initially value the repair with something other than Acura Genuine parts. Discuss this with your repair professional and if necessary, with your insurance company. Insist on Acura Genuine parts for optimal safety and value retention.

When another insurance company pays the bill
If another party's insurance company is paying the bill, you have no contractual limits with that company. Thus, you do not have to accept a repair valuation based on that company's policy regarding repair limits. In such cases, you have control over the choice of parts used as long as costs are contained within reasonable limits.

If you have a lease car
If yours is a lease car, your lease company may insist on the exclusive use of Original Equipment (OE) / Acura Genuine Parts.

If yours is an Acura Lease vehicle, your contract calls for the exclusive use of Acura Genuine Parts.

Make no assumptions
According to a survey* of Acura owners, 60% stated that they were unaware of the existence of body repair parts made by someone other than Acura, and 57% assumed that Acura Genuine parts would be used to repair their car.

Unless you ask for and insist on Acura Genuine Parts, depending on the collision repair laws in your state, and the parts-usage polices of your insurance company, something other than Acura Genuine replacement parts may be used without your knowledge or consent.

It is in your best interest to check with the body shop manager or owner prior to authorizing repairs to ask what parts will be used.

*2004 survey of Honda and Acura owners conducted by Leventhal / Malkasian and Associates of Los Angeles

If non-Acura Genuine parts are used on your car.

As a vehicle owner or lessee, you should always insist on Acura Genuine collision repair parts for optimum safety, reliability and value. However, for those occasions when a salvage, aftermarket, or refurbished part is used, vehicle owners should insist on written documentation stating the source and nature of the part. Such documentation may be necessary to establish liability in the event of the part's failure.

While Your Car is in the Shop
While your car is in the shop, it will go through several processes including:

• Disassembly
• Repair / replacement of sheet metal and component body parts
• Repair / replacement of all damaged mechanical parts
• Paint surface preparation
• Refinishing (painting)
• Cleaning and final inspection

More than likely, your body shop will be contacting you with updates throughout the repair process.

In some cases, (depending on the insurance company and its procedures) your insurance carrier will maintain daily contact with the body shop and provide you with periodic updates.

The main point is, stay involved with the repair of your vehicle. It is in your best interest to know what portions of the car will be repaired, which parts will be replaced, and the source and type of the parts.

Time Required for Repairs
Repair time, also known in the industry as "cycle time", or how long your car will be in the body shop, is determined by a number of factors, not the least of which is the severity, and/or nature of the damage.

Insisting that Acura Genuine Parts be used to repair your vehicle can have a positive effect in reducing this time because:

• American Honda provides a high degree of parts availability to its dealers. In most cases, dealer orders to American Honda are filled, almost in entirety, the following day. Some aftermarket companies may not have equal parts availability.
• When a part fits properly, like an Acura Genuine Part, the technician can install the part, and move on to the next operation. When a part does not fit correctly, the technician must either take more time to attempt to make the part fit properly, possibly compromising the quality of the repair and the final appearance of the vehicle; or try another part. Ordering another part can cause a delay of a day or more.

Acura Genuine Parts fit properly eliminating the time a technician may take trying to make aftermarket parts fit correctly. Mounting holes that do not align, or parts otherwise improperly manufactured can cause excessive time to install, and still may not produce a satisfactory repair.

Retrieving Your Car Upon Completion of Repairs
Eventually, repairs will be completed, and your car will be ready for retrieval from the body shop. Here are a few tips, and things to look for upon taking delivery of your collision-repaired Acura:

• Take delivery of the vehicle during the day. This will allow enough light to thoroughly inspect the car.
• Look for consistent gaps between body panels. For example, the distance between the rear edge of the front fender and the leading edge of the front door, should be the same on both sides of the vehicle.
• Make sure all doors, hood, and trunk open satisfactorily.
• Make sure the repaired area is smooth, not rippled. Make sure the body contours match exactly, side to side and back to front.
• See how the paint color matches in the repaired area compared to adjacent body panels. Look at the repair from various angles to assure a consistent color match.
• Ensure that the paint not only matches in color, but is also smooth and shiny without imperfections or distortion.
• Ensure that there is no "overspray" in areas that should not be colored such as windows, lamps, and chrome or black trim.
• If a tire was destroyed in the accident, ensure that the replacement tire is of a size, brand, model and OE part number that matches the others on the vehicle. Mis-matched tires can compromise vehicle handling characteristics and safety.
• If a wheel or wheel cover was destroyed in the accident, ensure that the replacement unit matches the others on the vehicle. Also note that American Honda does not approve of any repair of steel or aluminum wheels that involves welding, bending hammering, straightening, re-machining, reforming, or adding new material. Any repair of steel or aluminum wheels must be strictly limited to minor cosmetic sanding or polishing that removes just the finish. American Honda will not warrant any wheel other than an undamaged original or a new replacement part.
• Ensure that the interior is clean, all broken glass has been removed, and the cabin and exterior is dust-free.
• In the likely event that the battery was damaged and replaced or simply disconnected for safety purposes to effect repairs, the radio will likely need to be reset. See your Owner's Manual for details on resetting the radio, and accessing the radio re-set code.
• Test drive the vehicle, just as you would a new car. Make sure it drives to your satisfaction. Make sure everything works on the car including all electrical devices such as power seats, windows, and door locks.

If, upon retrieving your vehicle, it is not repaired to your complete satisfaction, do not leave the body shop premises. Immediately inform the shop and point out the object of dissatisfaction.

If you are still unsure about the safety of your vehicle, or that the repairs were properly made, you can contact a Post Repair Inspector or Independent Vehicle Examiner for an independent examination of your post-repaired vehicle.

Post-Collision Repair Warranty Issues
One major concern about owning a collision-repaired vehicle, especially a newer model that may still be under the factory warranty, is how the collision and subsequent repair will affect the warranty.

What is covered:
New, Acura Genuine replacement parts installed by an Acura dealer are covered for one year or 12,000 miles. New, Acura Genuine Parts installed by a repair facility other than an authorized Acura dealer are covered for one year with no mileage limit.

See your vehicle's warranty booklet or contact your local Acura dealer for full details.

What is not covered:
Parts that are not covered under the Acura Warranty include:

• Imitation parts, commonly referred to as aftermarket parts
• Salvage parts, commonly referred to as LKQ parts
• Remanufactured parts unless remanufactured by American Honda

In addition, use of other than Acura Genuine parts may nullify the warranty of associated parts and systems.

Dealing with a Total Loss
Depending on the severity, or nature of the loss (collision, water or fire damage, or a combination of these) a vehicle may be deemed a total loss. In this case, repairs would exceed the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle making repairs economically unfeasible. Moreover, the vehicle may be so damaged that an effective and safe repair cannot be made. Attempting to do so could severely compromise your safety and vehicle performance.

If a total loss occurs, your local Acura dealer can assist you with the selection of a new, or Certified Pre-Owned Acura.