Question 1

“I JUST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT, WHAT DO I DO NOW?”

Accepted Answer

If you have been involved in an accident, follow these simple steps:
1. Make sure everyone is safe. Call emergency services if needed.
2. Exchange information with the other driver (insurance provider, driver’s license, license plate, and contact information).
3. Call Gisborne Collision Centre at 06-867 7816 and explain what happened.
4. Assess whether or not the car is drivable.
5. Contact a tow truck if you have not already coordinated one with DJ Mac.
6. Specify where to take your car and ensure the towing company does NOT transport it back to their lot.
7. Complete a claim form to report the accident to your insurance company while the tow truck driver transports your vehicle to DJ Mac.

Question 2

“DO I HAVE TO GO TO THE REPAIR SHOP MY INSURANCE COMPANY TELLS ME TO USE?”

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to use the repair shop suggested by your insurance provider. New Zealand law dictates every resident is entitled to use whatever repair shop they choose. No matter what is advised by the insurance company, Gisborne Collision Centre works with all insurance providers to return the vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

Question 3

WHAT ARE PRIVATE SETTLEMENTS AND HOW DOES THE PAYMENT PROCESS WORK IF A THIRD PARTY IS PAYING FOR MY COLLISION?

Accepted Answer

If a third party who is at fault wants to pay for the damages done to your car without going through insurance, you can settle the matter privately. If a third party is paying for your repairs, they will need to come into DJ Mac and pay in person with either cash, credit, debit, or by bank transfer. If the repairs are being paid for by a company, they are able to pay on account if they are a Gisborne Collision Centre account holder as well as cash, credit, debit.

Question 4

“HOW CAN I KEEP MY INSURANCE RATES LOW?”

Accepted Answer

There are a number of ways to ensure your insurance rates stay low; the most effective method is to maintain a clean driving record without any claims. It is also ideal to fully understand your insurance policies so you know exactly what you are covered for. Furthermore, if you have suffered an accident and the damages will cost less than $2000, it is best to settle it privately so your rates are not affected.

Question 5

“DO I NEED MULTIPLE ESTIMATES?”

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need multiple estimates, if you are satisfied with your first estimate, then you can use that repair shop. If you are not satisfied however, you are welcome to get multiple estimates so you can find the option that best fits your needs.

Question 6

“WHAT IS MY EXCESS, AND WHO DO I PAY IT TO?”

Accepted Answer

Your excess is the initial amount of a repair fee that you are required to pay directly to the repair shop. Anything above the excess amount is then paid by the insurance provider through your claim. It is best to fully understand your policy’s excess amounts so you know whether or not to put in a claim, since any repair that is under the excess will not be covered by the insurance provider.

Question 7

“WILL THE PAINT MATCH?”

Accepted Answer

Yes, it will. With our state-of-the-art scanning technology and painting booth, we will accurately match the new paint to your car’s colour at the time of the repair. Over time, the original colour of a car changes as weather causes it to slowly fade. This is why we scan the colour of your car when it arrives, so we can create your specific shade and match it perfectly.

Question 8

“WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENUINE, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (OEM), AND AFTERMARKET PARTS?”

Accepted Answer

Genuine parts are the parts that were originally used during factory production to create your vehicle and are branded by the manufacturer. OEM parts are ones created by the factory supplier as replacements for the original parts used in production. These are the same as genuine, except they do not carry the manufacturer’s branding. Aftermarket parts are offered by a third-party company as a replacement for the originals. These parts can vary in characteristics, but are certified to serve the same purpose as genuine and OEM. All of these parts range in cost, functionality, and durability, which is why DJ Mac will recommend the choice that best fits your needs.

Question 9

“WHAT WILL I DRIVE WHILE MY VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED?”

Accepted Answer

DJ Mac has courtesy cars that you are welcome to use if your vehicle requires multiple days to be repaired and a courtesy car is available. We can also give you a ride to the car rental office, or have the rental company deliver your rental vehicle directly to Gisborne Collision Centre.

Question 10

“WHEN DOES THE DAMAGE BECOME A TOTAL LOSS?”

Accepted Answer

A vehicle is considered a total loss when the total value of repairs equals or exceeds the current market value of the vehicle. Anything else can be fixed below this threshold, including frame damage and deployed air bags.

Question 11

“WILL YOU INFORM ME OF THE REPAIRS BEING DONE ON MY VEHICLE BEFORE YOU START THEM?”

Accepted Answer

Yes, before performing any repairs on your vehicle, we will contact you to explain the repairs that need to be done as well as the specific cost associated with each one. We will then discuss which repairs you would like done and if there are any you do not want us to perform.

Question 12

“DO I NEED TO BRING MY CAR TO GISBORNE COLLISION CENTRE FOR AN ESTIMATE?”

Accepted Answer

Yes we do ask you to bring your vehicle to us for an estimate. If your car is not drivable you can arrange for it to towed to Gisborne Collision Centre.