In Case of an Accident
If you experience the misfortune of a vehicle accident, here are some
suggestions that may help to ensure your car or truck gets properly repaired:
1. Use the Right Place.
Many Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealerships offer collision repair services. By
going to the dealership for a collision repair, you can be certain that the
Quality Care service team will return your vehicle to "pre-accident" condition
and use only Genuine Ford replacement crash parts.
If your dealership does not perform collision repairs, the Quality Care
Service Advisor will be able to give you a list of local collision repair
shops.
2. Use the Right Parts.
Ford Motor Company recommends the use of Genuine Ford replacement crash parts
to restore your vehicle to "pre-accident" condition. These parts are sold by
your authorized Ford Dealer. Genuine Ford replacement crash parts are the same
as those used on your new vehicle, which meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS).
If you leased your vehicle through Ford Motor Credit, be sure to check your
Red Carpet Lease agreement before consenting to the use of parts other than
Genuine Ford replacement crash parts.
Three Types of Parts
Knowing where your replacement parts originated is key to your repair peace of
mind. There are three different types of "crash parts" you need to know about:
Genuine replacement parts:
These are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts made by, or for, the
manufacturer of your vehicle, with equivalent fit, finish, structural
integrity, corrosion protection and dent resistance - the basic quality
requirements - as well as limited warranty coverage. (See your dealer for
details.)
New aftermarket crash parts:
These are unauthorized copies of genuine crash parts. While less expensive,
there are questions about the quality of these parts. You should also be aware
that use of these parts may reduce resale value of your vehicle and may affect
your vehicle's warranty.
Salvaged crash parts:
These parts are recovered from "totaled" vehicles. Since the parts' origin is
unknown (nature of original damage, removal techniques, storage), quality
concerns may exist. You should be aware of the sources of salvaged parts, if
used on your vehicle.
3. Contact your Insurance Agent.
Your Insurance Agent will help you better understand the terms, conditions and
limitations of your policy. When speaking with your Agent, it is important to
communicate that you want only genuine replacement parts (also known as
original equipment crash parts) used on your vehicle.
4. Carefully Review the Repair Estimate.
When you receive an estimate for the collision repair, make sure you have your
Quality Care Service Advisor, Insurance Agent or collision repair professional
review the estimate with you. Most importantly, confirm that genuine
replacement parts have been specified for your vehicle.
Be aware that some insurance companies may require you to pay the difference
between the amount authorized and the cost of the repair when genuine
replacement parts are used.
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