Follow Us x
FAQ
How Long Does an Estimate Take?
Most estimates take 15-20 minutes. Hail damage estimates may require leaving your vehicle for a more thorough inspection. Please call ahead to schedule your FREE estimate.
When Do I Pay My Deductible?
Your deductible and any insurance payments made payable to you are due when you pick up your completed vehicle, unless other arrangements have been made.
What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, cash, and certified checks.
How long does the auto body repair process typically take after an accident?
Every job is different. A minor dent or cosmetic bumper fix might take two to three days, while structural frame work or multi-panel collision repairs can take a week or more. The timeline depends heavily on parts availability and how fast your insurance company approves the initial appraisal. Once our I-CAR certified technicians tear down the vehicle and inspect the underlying damage, we give you a clear, realistic timeframe - and we keep you updated throughout the build.
Do I have to use the repair shop my insurance company recommends?
No, you don't. Louisiana law gives you the right to choose whichever auto body shop you trust to repair your vehicle. Insurance carriers often suggest "preferred" shops because they have rate agreements with them, but you aren't obligated to go there. We handle direct insurance claim assistance for all major carriers, ensuring your car gets restored to pre-accident condition using manufacturer-recommended repair procedures rather than insurance shortcuts.
What should I do immediately after an accident if my car isn't drivable?
First, ensure everyone is safe and call emergency services if necessary. Once you're out of harm's way, give us a call directly. We can dispatch a tow truck to bring your vehicle straight to our facility so it isn't left in an impound lot accumulating daily storage fees. Plus, we'll help you arrange a rental vehicle through our local partners right away so you aren't left stranded while repairs are underway.
Will my vehicle's paint match the original factory color?
Yes. Matching modern vehicle paint requires specialized computer software, high-grade paint systems, and experienced paint technicians. We pull your vehicle's factory color code and blend adjacent panels so the new paint transitions seamlessly into the existing finish. Whether your car has a basic solid coat or a complex multi-stage metallic finish, it will look like the damage never happened when it leaves our shop.
What are ADAS calibrations, and why does my vehicle need them after bodywork?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include the sensors, cameras, and radar units that power features like lane-departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. When a vehicle suffers impact damage - or even when a bumper or windshield is removed during repairs - these sensors can get misaligned by fractions of a millimeter. Recalibrating them ensures your safety electronics function exactly as the manufacturer intended before you get back on the road.
Can you fix structural frame damage, or is my car automatically totaled?
Frame damage sounds intimidating, but it doesn't automatically mean your vehicle is a total loss. With modern hydraulic frame-straightening equipment and computerized measuring technology, we restore bent unibodies and frames back to exact factory specifications. An insurance company only totals a vehicle if the repair costs exceed a specific percentage of the car's actual cash value - not simply because the frame was bent.
How does the insurance estimate process work if the shop finds hidden damage?
Initial insurance estimates are almost always low because adjusters can only quote what they see on the outside. Once your car arrives at our shop, we perform a complete teardown by removing damaged outer panels to inspect the internal structure. If we find hidden mechanical or frame issues - and we usually do - we submit a supplemental estimate directly to your insurance adjuster for approval. You won't have to manage the back-and-forth phone calls; we handle it all for you.
What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket replacement parts?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made directly by your vehicle's builder, matching the exact specifications and crash-test ratings of the original components. Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party companies as lower-cost alternatives. Your insurance policy typically dictates which parts they agree to pay for initially, but we advocate for high-quality components on every repair to protect your safety and resale value.
Can minor dents be repaired without repainting the vehicle?
In many cases, yes. If your paint isn't cracked, scratched, or chipped, Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) might be an option. PDR uses specialized tools to gently massage the metal back into its original shape from behind the panel. It saves time, preserves your original factory finish, and keeps costs down. However, if the impact stretched the metal too far or damaged the clear coat, conventional bodywork and painting will be necessary.
How should I care for my vehicle's new paint job after picking it up?
Fresh paint finishes need time to cure completely. You can wash your car right away, but stick to hand washing with mild soap and clean microfiber towels for the first 30 days. Avoid commercial drive-through car washes with harsh brushes, as they can scratch the soft clear coat. Also, hold off on applying paste wax or ceramic sealants for at least 60 to 90 days so the paint solvents can fully outgas.
How Do I Arrange a Rental Vehicle?
You don't have to navigate the hassle of setting up a rental car on your own. When you bring your vehicle in for repairs, the shop assists with the process directly.
Here is how you arrange a rental vehicle:
Here is how you arrange a rental vehicle:
- Call the shop directly: Reach out to John Wayne's Body & Paint Shop at (337) 235-6010 when you set up your repair or right after an accident.
- Provide your insurance details: Let the staff know if your auto insurance policy includes rental car coverage. They work directly with your insurance carrier to confirm your coverage limits and simplify the billing setup.
- Let the shop handle the coordination: The shop coordinates with local rental car providers to arrange a vehicle for you, helping make sure you aren't left stranded while your car is in the shop.
John Wayne's Body & Paint Shop
Address | 110 Gateau Road, Scott, LA 70583
Phone | (337) 235-6010
