​A: Johnson Auto Body has a lifetime warranty for collision repair.  We warranty our workmanship for as long as you own your vehicle.  Parts have their own manufacturers warranty.  For more detail see our Warranty of Workmanship for Collision Repair!

"Our reputation is what our company is built on.  We take our warranty seriously!"

​A: Wayne Johnson opened our doors in this location in July of 1985.  The business has grown ever since.  Wayne Johnson began his career in this industry in 1964.  TJ Ryan began his career in this industry and in this location in 1985.

​A: Absolutely - Our experience and estimating database gives us the information and capability to handle repairs on all makes and models.

A: Absolutely - House bill # 5152 of Connecticut State Insurance Law states that "YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE LICENSED REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE DAMAGE TO YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED".  That means, if you have a preference, you may to take your vehicle to the repair shop of your choice!

​A: Yes - We have a good working relationship with all reputable insurance companies to ensure accurate claims processing and a quick, efficient repair.

​A: Yes - We have a Direct Repair relationship with several insurance companies.  This relationship does streamline the process.  As a DRP shop we take the pictures, write the estimate, order the parts and repair your vehicle without having to wait for an insurance appraiser to inspect the vehicle.

​A: Our estimates have no cost to you. The best way to get an estimate is to call and set up an appointment during our hours of operation. We welcome walk-ins but customers with appointments take priority. Most estimates take approximately 20 minutes. If your time is limited we will take pictures and gather information. We will email the estimate to you.

​A: 8:00AM to 5:30PM - Monday thru Friday - Saturday and Evenings by appointment.

​A: We use an "Industry accepted labor formula" that allows us to calculate the number of business days it will take to repair your vehicle. Additional factors to consider are "Extent of Damage" - Back Ordered parts - Is the vehicle driveable or non-driveable? - "Down Time" which includes weekends, holidays and parts availability. Another factor is the possibility of finding hidden damage during the "Tear Down & Discovery" process. We will consider these variables and let you know what the "Target Date of Completion" is. Keep in mind that hidden damage will require approval before we proceed!

​A: Yes, we would be happy to provide this service for you within 30 miles of our location.  We want each customer's visit to be a positive experience and will work diligently towards that goal.  We also provide a pickup and delivery service.

​A: We make it easy for you.  We will be happy to assist you to make the necessary arrangements.  For your convenience, you can pick up the rental car and drop it off at Johnson Auto Body.  There are four requirements when you pick up a rental car (1) a major credit card for security (2) drivers license (3) proof of insurance (4) at least 21 years old with full coverage.

​A: Insurance companies will pay for a rental car if you have that option on your policy or if you are a claimant.  Check your policy and/or call your insurance representative.

​A: We are happy to work with you but consider these factors first. (1) Does the other party have the financial means to cover the expense of the repair? (2) Will they pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired? (3) Will they pay for possible hidden damage that may be found after teardown and discovery? If you have any doubts, an insurance company will do all of these things.

​A: We do - We are not a law firm but "You are our customer" and we take that seriously.  We will coordinate with the insurance company to repair your vehicle to pre-loss condition based on industry standards.  If we have any problems we will call you and let you know about it.  We go above and beyond because we want you to be happy with the quality and the time it takes to complete the repair.  Our motivation is that we know you will tell your friends about the positive experience you had at Johnson Auto Body.  We work harder because we know you have a choice!

​A: Your dealer may not be your best choice for collision repair.  Most car dealers do not have auto body shops and many of the highest-quality collision repairers are not affiliated with dealers.  Your dealer generally has no unique edge in terms of technology, techniques when it comes to repairing your vehicle after a collision.  Rather than automatically returning to your dealer for collision repairs, we encourage you to ask your friends, neighbors, and relatives about the experiences they have had with a collision repair facility.  After that you will know that Johnson Auto Body is the best choice for you!

​A: You can ask.  Most insurance companies will allow OEM parts for the first year or two.  However, as cars get older, most insurance companies require used parts as the first option, aftermarket parts as the second option and OEM parts as the third option.  Read your insurance policy declaration page or contact your insurance representative for more information.  If Johnson Auto Body is your repair shop choice we will inspect the parts before they are installed on your vehicle.  We will not accept sub-standard parts because our reputation is important to us.  We know that a sub standard repair is going to come back and bite you and ultimately us.  Happy customers bring us referrals. Unhappy customers will not!

A: They cannot make you go to their claims center unless you want to.  If you do go to their claims center, accept the estimate and the check that they give you.  If the car is not safe to drive or not legally drivable, you have the right to have your vehicle towed to your shop of choice.  A reputable insurance company will work with us from that point on!

​A: If there is one or more of the following factors it will be considered not drivable.  (1) If the wheels will not turn or steer (2) if the headlights, signal lights, taillights are broken (3) If fluids are leaking (4) If the trunk will not seal tightly, allowing harmful exhaust gases to enter (5) if for any other reason that you do not feel safe do not drive it.  Trust your instinct when it comes to making a decision to drive it or not.  When in doubt, call a tow truck and have it brought to Johnson Auto Body or if not possible have it towed to a temporarily location - "Better safe than sorry" - We will pick it up the next business day!

​A: No - One estimate from the shop of your choice will do.  You do have the "Right to Choose" your repair shop in the State of Connecticut.  The insurance company will work with your shop of choice during the repair process.  Johnson Auto Body will give you a final appraisal and reconciliation of actual costs when the repair is complete.

A: Insurance companies realize that there may be hidden damage or parts price differences that will not be discovered until the repair is in progress and the tear down is complete.  At that point we will notify the insurance company that there is additional damage that was not seen during the initial inspection.  They have the right to verify and approve any additional damage before we proceed with the repair!

A: No - Not unless a deductible or betterment applies.  By signing and dating a Direction of Pay form you have given Johnson Auto body permission to negotiate the claim in your behalf and the insurance company can pay us directly for this claim.

A: Betterment is applied to parts that are considered wear items such as batteries, tires, wheel bearings, convertible tops, suspension parts, etc.  Not all insurance companies charge for betterment!  Call your insurance representative or review the declaration page to get the facts.

A: No - Deductibles usually apply to collision losses and comprehensive losses.  Many policies have 100% glass replacement.  Read your insurance policy or call your representative to get the details.  If someone else hit you and 100% liability has been accepted, a deductible does not usually apply.  We have had some claims where insurance companies accept partial liability.  In those cases you will be expected to pay a portion. In those cases you have the option to use your own collision carrier to move the repair process along!

​A: Yes - If the other party is at fault and liability is accepted, it makes sense to use the other party's insurance company.  However, if there are any discrepancies or disputes that will cause delays, you should rethink your decision.  How long do you want to wait before you repair your vehicle?  If you have the option to speed up the repair process by using your collision carrier then do it.  That is why you pay insurance premiums.  In time, your insurance company will settle the liability issues with the other company.  If that happens your insurance company will be reimbursed by the other insurance company for their expenses.  In most cases your insurance company will reimburse you for the deductible and rental expenses. Talk to your insurance representative.

A: Yes - If you are filing a collision or comprehensive claim, you have an agreement with your insurance carrier.  That policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier and it says that you are responsible for the first portion of the repairs (your deductible) Note - Depreciation on mechanical wear items may apply also.  Ask your insurance representative if depreciation applies and what your deductible amount is!  Your insurance company is responsible for the balance after the deductible is paid.

There is a legitimate way to reduce your cost. 

​Example: You have a scratch on an alloy wheel and you are willing to live with it.  We can ask your insurance company if they will give you an "Appearance Allowance". If the negotiated appearance allowance amount is $100 and you have a $500 deductible you will owe $400 when the repair is complete!