The length of time depends on a variety of factors, including the extent of damage, availability of parts and responsiveness of the insurance company (companies) and vehicle owner. Typically, a repair with no special requirements or issues will take between three and seven days after we've received insurance company/owner approval to proceed and the parts.

We prefer to use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to help ensure a quick, quality repair. With OEM parts, we know what to expect in terms of fit and finish. Non-OEM parts tend to vary in quality and often lead to delays as they fail to meet our quality control standards. Yet, the fact is, vehicle manufacturers don't create every part for their products. Many parts are farmed out, for example, radiators and taillights. So the typical modern vehicle starts out with a combination of OEM and sub-contracted (technically non-OEM) parts. Our goal is to use only the highest quality parts—OEM or not—that allow us to return a vehicle to its pre-accident condition of safety and performance.

Cavallino provides a lifetime warranty on our workmanship and Standox paint for as long as you own your vehicle. Replacement parts typically carry a one-year warranty, however at Cavallino we extend that warranty to two full years on all factory (OEM) parts. We offer the industry's only two-year warranty on all OEM parts.

We will restore the damaged area to its pre-accident condition, repairing what was crunched and making sure the new paint and parts blend perfectly with the surrounding area.

We accept personal checks, MasterCard, Visa and, of course, cash—but not American Express. So despite the card's advertising, it's Ok to leave home without it.

An insurance friendly shop, Cavallino is a Direct Repair Program (DRP) provider for many leading insurance companies. We're proud to work in concert with any insurer who shares our focus and commitment to provide customers with exceptional service and product quality.

The advantage of a DRP to the insurance company is reduced cost—plain and simple. For you, the consumer, the only advantage is a somewhat shorter repair time and, perhaps, a less stressful repair process.

There are many good insurance companies and some not so good. There are some good repair shops and many not so good. In some cases, participation in a DRP program requires shops to work below a manufacturer's standard or use inferior parts. And many repair shops are willing to comply in exchange for a steady flow of business. The bottom line is trust: Is your insurance company looking out for your best interest or theirs? Is the shop committed to making honest, quality repairs or a quick buck? Who's to know? As a consumer under California law, you have the right to choose the shop, and you'll want to choose a shop you can trust-a shop such as Cavallino.

In a word, YES. Under California law, we can't waive the deductible. Be cautious of any shop willing to save you the deductible as that shop will probably cheat your insurance company or you and be willing to violate the law.

Before you pull out your wallet for the deductible, check your insurance policy or contact your insurance agent to see if a deductible is required. In most cases, the deductible only applies if you were at fault. Fault is determined by the insurance company based on accounts of the accident from all parties, witnesses and, if you're lucky, a police report. If there is a deductible to be paid, we must collect it when you pick up your vehicle.

Yes, we have made arrangements with both Hertz & Enterprise to offer our clients special rates. If you have an Insurance claim and rental car coverage, the responsible insurance company will be billed directly. Our staff will happily arrange for the rental company to pick you up at Cavallino and return you when your repairs are complete—all to make your repair experience as painless as possible!

Our Standox paints are 85% cured when you pick up your vehicle and are guaranteed for as long as you own your vehicle when it's used under normal conditions. Even so, while the paint is still fresh (during the first 60 days), be careful where you park. Avoid trees where bird droppings or sap could fall. If droppings, sap or bug splatters do get on your vehicle, they should be washed off with cold water as quickly as possible. Be careful when adding fluids (gas, oil, etc.) to your vehicle. The chemicals in the fluids could damage the new paint. Never use a scraper on the paint. Want to wash the vehicle? Choose a brushless commercial car wash facility or hand wash your vehicle. Waxing is not recommended for the first 30 days but should become a regular part of your vehicle maintenance after this period. We suggest waxing your vehicle at least three times a year.

Our repair shop is closed on weekends; however, if you can't pick up your vehicle during the workweek, we can, if absolutely necessary, set up an appointment for Saturday. Please consult your customer service representative.