FAQs

We know firsthand how stressful being in a car accident is, and how overwhelming the insurance piece of the process can be. That’s why we not only assist with post-collision insurance paperwork, we also help with rental car paperwork.

We sure do. It’s just one more way we do all that we can to make your auto body experience as streamlined and positive as we can.

Insurance companies have the right to oversee the repair costs on an insured vehicle. At times, insurance companies will mandate the implementation of used, re-manufactured or after-market parts. This can be an effective way to keep auto repair costs down. At Blue Ribbon Auto, we will always go over the estimate with you and let you know what type of parts are being used in your repairs.

Insurance companies may try to choose which auto body repair shop you take your vehicle to. 

We can write an estimate from photos, but prefer to see the vehicle in person. This is due to the fact that damage can be difficult to see in photos, and insurance companies require a specific series of photos. For the most comprehensive preliminary estimate, seeing the car is best.

We offer a lifetime guarantee on all paint and workmanship. Parts usage will very depending on the policy you have
purchased from your insurance company. Oftentimes the approved estimate will have aftermarket, LKQ (recycled) parts approved by the insurance company. We do our best to price match these parts with our OEM vendors.
Parts warranties can very depending on the type of part and manufacturer. Generally parts will carry a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty.

Blue Ribbon is an I-CAR Gold class repair facility. I-CAR Gold class recognition is achieved when a shop completes all training requirements. A shop maintains Gold Class recognition each year by continuing to complete annual training requirements. We have carried Gold Class recognition since 2001.
I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) has been the industry standard for repair practices since 1979. By selecting an I-CAR certified shop, you guarantee quality repairs performed to the standards of the vehicle manufacturer.

Specify whether you specialize in certain makes and models or if you service all types of vehicles.

Due to the recent increase in the need for our services, we have started to schedule appointments for an estimate. Estimates generally take 20 to 40 minutes. Estimates for heavy collision, or hail can take longer due to the size of the repair, or research that may be required on repair procedures. We try to accommodate walk-in estimates, but encourage you to call in advance, or reach out to us via the text option on our website to schedule an appointment.

We accept payment in the form of cash, check, and all major credit cards.

Rental cars are arranged through 3rd party rental agencies. We can assist you in contacting the rental agency to coordinate a vehicle. If insurance is paying for the rental, you may have to contact the claim handler to send payment information to the rental agency.

If you are involved in an accident, it is important to stay calm. Make sure everyone involved is uninjured.

Do not admit fault. Contact emergency services and allow them to determine fault. 

Reach out to both insurance companies that are involved and give your statement as soon as possible. The insurance
company may require a police report to determine liability.

We do not offer towing services. We work with Iron Horse Towing here in Missoula. They can be reached at 406-721-7538.

Service appointments are generally scheduled after the completion of the estimate.

If the insurance company involved in the loss has written an estimate, you can email us a copy and schedule via phone or the text option on our website. Due to the many variables of job size, and parts availability, we do require
an estimate to schedule repairs.

Regular washing by hand or a touch free car wash is a great way to keep your car looking great, and minimize corrosion build up. Regular waxing with a quality wax 2 to 3 times a year offers great protection from Montana’s brutal seasons.