Frequently Asked Questions

Douglas Auto Body Inc. is grateful that many of our customers don’t frequent the collision repair industry; here are some answers to many frequently asked questions. In addition, Chicago Magazine published a helpful article in their November 2008 Issue that may fill any of our blanks. To read that article, click here.

Does Douglas Auto Body have loaner cars?

Douglas Auto Body does not have any loaner cars, but we have a close relationship with both local branches of Hertz and Enterprise. We would be glad to set up a rental for you!

Do you need an appointment for an estimate?

No, but we recommend it!  We like to set aside enough time for each of our customers to stop in, get a thorough estimate, and answers to all their questions.

How long does an estimate take? Is it free?

Generally, estimates take about 15-30 minutes depending on the degree of damage to your car. Estimates at Douglas Auto Body Inc. are free!

I just got into an accident, how do I get my car to Douglas Auto Body Inc.?

Douglas Auto Body is located on the corner of East Avenue and Ogden Avenue in Brookfield, IL. That is one stoplight east of the LaGrange Road and Ogden Avenue intersection on Ogden Ave. Click here for a map and to calculate driving directions.

If you need a tow, you can call Towing Express at (630) 662-2654.  Tell them you would like to bring your car to Douglas Auto Body Inc. Or give us a call and we will get your location and send the tow truck to get you.

Should I drive my car after the accident?

If you’re asking that question, you probably need to have the car checked out. If any warning lights are lit on the dash, or any parts are rubbing against each other, or the car just doesn’t seem to be running as normal, give us a call.  You can also choose to have the vehicle towed to us immediately after the accident.

Will the parts for my car be ordered before I bring my car in?

Yes. We order parts as soon as your car is scheduled in and we have insurance company’s approval. Most parts arrive within 48 hours.

How do I set up a claim with my insurance company?

Call your insurance agent and report the accident.  Tell them that you have chosen Douglas Auto Body to repair your vehicle. Give us a call and we can direct you through the rest of the process. It’s our goal to make this process seamless and quick and have your car back to you as soon as possible.

Do you have weekend hours?

Douglas Auto Body is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. If you have special needs outside of those hours, give us a call and we will try to meet those needs.

Can you match the factory paint color?

Yes we can! We individually mix the paint for each vehicle based on the factory formula.   From there we tint it to a perfect match based on the shade of your car.  In addition, our paint staff will perform a few spray outs prior to painting your car to ensure that it is an exact match!

Can Douglas Auto Body check my tires, change my oil, or wax my car?

Douglas Auto Body can perform maintenance or other services to your car once it is at the shop. These include:

• Wheel Alignment
• Exterior detailing (add stripes, waxing and buffing complete exterior)
• Interior detailing
• Paintless Dent Removal
• Glass replacement
• Oil Change
• Tire Check
• Wheel Locks
• Something else on your mind? Just ask!

Does Douglas Auto Body warranty its work?

Yes, Douglas Auto Body guarantees our repairs with a written lifetime warranty. We’ll give you a copy when you pick up your car.

Can I get a ride home after I drop off my car?

If you live within a 3 to 4 mile radius, we would be glad to help get you home and, if necessary, pick you up when your car is ready.  However, you should check with your insurance agent to see if your Insurance policy allows a rental, or if the other party’s insurance is covering you for one.  If you’re not sure, give us a call with your claim number or policy number and we would be glad to check for you!

Do you take Discover Card?

Yes we do! Douglas Auto Body accepts MasterCard, Visa, and Discover cards. We also accept payment in form of cash and check.

Is there anything special I need to do once my car’s repairs are completed?

You should allow 60 days for the paint to cure completely before waxing you car. Other than that, you can wash your car as normal.  Always be wary of any sort of animal, plant, or road matter that could chip or damage the paint finish.

What does “remanufactured” or “reconditioned” mean?

A “remanufactured” or “reconditioned” bumper or part is one that has been broken, repaired, and then sold for a fraction of the price of a new part. These parts are usually salvaged from the dumpsters of body shops who have deemed them unrepairable. Douglas Auto Body prefers to use new Original Equipment Manufacturer parts (OEM), we find they fit better and last longer.  In the case that the insurance company processing a claim insists on using a remanufactured part, we will only do so with your permission after the part has been thoroughly inspected.

I got swiped in a parking lot…how much will that cost to fix?

Come on in! It is nearly impossible to write an accurate estimate on damage without seeing it. While we can give you a ballpark over the phone, a detailed, written estimate and time with our estimators can answer all your questions and in turn, we can learn about your needs.

Do you work with my Insurance Company?

YOU have the final decision on where to bring your car for repairs. Douglas Auto Body has worked with and established relationships with nearly every insurance company out there. We will be glad to work with your insurance company and explain any additional work to them.