Question 1

Can my insurance make me use their shop in Texas?

Accepted Answer

No. Texas law protects your right to choose a repair shop. An insurer may recommend a shop, but cannot require you to use it or choose from its list. Choosing a shop does not remove your deductible, policy limits, or the need to document repairs. Ask your adjuster what inspection and estimate information is required, and give the insurer your chosen shop’s details. Keep any coverage concerns in writing so you can review them alongside the repair estimate.

Question 2

What if my adjuster pushes their shop?

Accepted Answer

Tell the adjuster which shop you chose and ask for any coverage concerns in writing. If pressure continues, contact the Texas Department of Insurance. Keep notes of the conversation and separate a recommendation from a statement about coverage. Ask the insurer to identify the policy provision behind any refusal or added cost. The repair shop can help explain its estimate, but an unresolved coverage dispute may need assistance beyond the shop’s repair role.

Question 3

Will choosing my own shop delay my claim?

Accepted Answer

Choosing your own shop does not automatically delay a claim. Timing depends on inspections, insurer approvals, parts availability, and the repair schedule. Ask both the shop and insurer what steps remain before work can proceed. Initial estimates may change when hidden damage is found, and parts delivery can affect the schedule regardless of the shop you select. Confirm rental limits separately rather than assuming they will cover every delay in the repair process.

Question 4

Do I pay more if I don't use their shop?

Accepted Answer

Shop choice alone does not determine your bill. Your deductible, coverage, and any disputed repair costs still matter. Insurers are not required to pay more than a reasonable amount for repairs and parts.

Compare the proposed repair work with the insurer’s estimate and ask which differences are unresolved. Manufacturer procedures, parts choices, and hidden damage can affect the final amount. Before authorizing work, discuss any potential customer responsibility with the shop and insurer. Do not assume a preferred shop or independent shop guarantees a particular payment outcome.

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Question 5

Do you work with my insurance company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hub City works with every insurance company and helps coordinate the repair estimate and claim paperwork. Coverage and payment remain subject to your claim. Bring your claim number, adjuster contact information, and any existing estimate so the team can review the repair needs. We can document damage and communicate about the repair plan. You remain responsible for understanding your coverage, deductible, and any authorization or payment requirements established by your policy and the claim process.

Question 6

Who picks the shop if the accident wasn't my fault?

Accepted Answer

You choose the repair shop, including when you claim against the other driver’s insurer. The Texas Department of Insurance bulletin addresses both first-party and third-party claimants. A third-party claim still requires the other insurer to investigate liability and coverage. Rental arrangements and payment timing may differ from a claim under your own policy. Tell the adjuster which shop you selected and ask how inspections and estimates will be coordinated. Keep written records of any disputed repair or payment issue.

Question 7

What's the difference between a first-party and a third-party claim?

Accepted Answer

A first-party claim uses your own policy; a third-party claim is made against someone else’s insurer. Your own claim depends on the coverage you purchased, deductible, and policy conditions. A claim against another driver depends on liability being established and the available coverage. Those paths can involve different inspections, rental arrangements, and payment timing. Ask the insurer to explain which claim is being handled and what documents it needs.

Question 8

What is a supplement, and why does my estimate change after repairs start?

Accepted Answer

A supplement documents additional repair work or costs identified after the initial estimate. Photos and an outside inspection cannot show every damaged component. Once panels are removed, the shop may find hidden damage or identify required procedures, parts, or calibrations. We document those findings and submit an updated estimate for review. Added work can change the cost and completion date; insurer approval and coverage are not automatic.

Question 9

Who pays for my rental if the accident wasn't my fault?

Accepted Answer

The other driver’s insurer may pay reasonable rental costs if it accepts liability and coverage applies. Payment is not guaranteed before the insurer investigates. Ask about authorization, daily limits, vehicle class, and the approved rental period before booking. Your own rental reimbursement coverage may provide another option, subject to its limits and deductible arrangements. Keep receipts and discuss extensions early if repairs or parts delays affect the return date.

Question 10

Can I make a diminished value claim in Texas?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to request diminished value, but eligibility and payment depend on the claim. Diminished value concerns a possible reduction in market value after a vehicle has been repaired. The claim path, policy language, vehicle history, and evidence of loss matter. Do not assume a repair automatically creates a payable claim. Ask the insurer about its process and consider qualified appraisal or legal advice for a disputed valuation.

Question 11

My car might be a total loss. What happens now?

Accepted Answer

The insurer evaluates the vehicle’s value and repair costs to decide how to handle a possible total loss. Ask for the valuation report and review the listed mileage, options, condition, and comparable vehicles. Discuss any outstanding loan, deductible, rental cutoff, and title requirements before accepting a settlement. If you want to keep the vehicle, ask how salvage retention changes payment and registration requirements. The shop cannot guarantee the insurer’s decision.

Question 12

Does insurance cover body shop repairs in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Collision or comprehensive coverage may pay for covered damage, subject to your policy and deductible. Collision coverage generally addresses crash damage, while comprehensive coverage commonly addresses hail, theft, and animal impacts. Liability coverage alone does not pay to fix your own vehicle. Coverage exclusions, limits, and the circumstances of the loss still apply. Hub City can help with repair documentation, but your insurer determines coverage and claim payment.

Question 13

Do I need to get multiple estimates for insurance?

Accepted Answer

Multiple estimates are not what gives an insurer the right to choose your shop. Ask your adjuster what inspection or estimate information is needed to process your specific claim. You can choose the repair facility and have the shop provide its estimate and supporting documentation. Estimates may differ because they include different visible damage or repair procedures. Resolve any payment questions before authorizing work rather than assuming every quoted amount is covered.

Question 14

Will my insurance rates go up after a claim?

Accepted Answer

A claim may affect your premium, depending on your insurer, policy, and claim history. There is no reliable promise that a particular type of claim will leave your rate unchanged. Insurers can consider fault, prior losses, discounts, and other underwriting factors. Ask your agent how a potential claim might affect your policy and compare that information with the damage estimate and deductible. The repair shop does not set insurance premiums.

Question 15

What should I do right after a car accident in Lubbock?

Accepted Answer

Check for injuries and safety hazards before dealing with the vehicle or insurance paperwork. Call 911 when someone is hurt or the scene presents immediate danger. Move out of traffic only if it is safe, exchange information, and document damage without putting yourself at risk. Ask about towing if the vehicle cannot be safely driven. Keep photos and claim information together so the shop and insurer can review the same facts.

Question 16

Do I need a police report?

Accepted Answer

A police report may be required or helpful depending on the accident and your insurer’s requirements. Contact local law enforcement for instructions, especially when there are injuries, a hit-and-run, disputed facts, or significant damage. Do not assume a small-looking dent makes reporting unnecessary. Keep the report or incident number and the date you contacted authorities. Your insurer can explain the documentation it requires; the shop cannot determine every legal reporting obligation.

Question 17

Is my car safe to drive after a fender bender?

Accepted Answer

Appearance alone cannot confirm that a damaged car is safe to drive. Avoid driving if airbags deployed, fluids are leaking, wheels rub, steering feels different, warning lights appear, or lights and latches are damaged. Small impacts can affect sensors or components behind the bumper. When in doubt, arrange a tow and an inspection rather than testing the vehicle on the road. A photo estimate is not a safety clearance.

Question 18

Someone hit my car in a parking lot and drove off. Now what?

Accepted Answer

Document the damage, report the hit-and-run, and ask your insurer which coverage may apply. Photograph the vehicle and location, look for witnesses, and ask nearby businesses whether footage is available. Preserve any notes or identifying details without confronting a suspected driver. Get an incident number and a repair assessment. Collision or uninsured motorist coverage may be relevant depending on your policy and facts; a parking-lot hit-and-run is not automatically a comprehensive claim.

Question 19

I hit a deer. Is that covered, and what should I do?

Accepted Answer

A direct animal impact is generally handled under comprehensive coverage if you carry it. Pull over safely, use hazard lights, and keep away from an injured animal. Photograph damage when safe and contact authorities if the roadway is hazardous. Do not drive with leaking fluids, damaged lights, or unsafe steering. Swerving and hitting another object can be a different claim type. Ask your insurer about your deductible and arrange a repair inspection.

Question 20

Should I file a claim or pay out of pocket?

Accepted Answer

Compare a repair assessment with your deductible, coverage, and potential insurance consequences before deciding. Hidden damage can make a seemingly minor repair more involved than expected. Ask your insurer about reporting requirements and possible premium effects rather than assuming a claim is always worthwhile or always harmful. Consider safety repairs, rental needs, and liability issues too. Get the facts in writing and do not delay required reporting while comparing your options.

Question 21

Are estimates free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hub City provides free damage estimates. An estimate identifies the repairs that can be assessed at that stage, not a guarantee that all damage is visible. Bring your claim information and any photos or insurer paperwork you already have. If disassembly reveals additional damage, the repair plan may need a supplement. Ask what is included before authorizing repairs or additional diagnostic work.

Question 22

How does a photo estimate work?

Accepted Answer

Submit photos through Carwise so the team can review visible damage and discuss next steps. Include clear views of the damaged area, wider vehicle views, and the information requested by the photo estimate tool. Photos cannot reveal every broken component or confirm that the vehicle is safe to drive. An in-person inspection or disassembly may change the estimate. Keep your contact details current so the team can follow up with questions.

Question 23

Why do estimates from different shops vary?

Accepted Answer

Estimates vary because shops may identify different damage, parts, labor operations, and required repair procedures. One estimate may omit work that cannot yet be seen, while another includes inspections or manufacturer-required procedures. Compare the actual line items rather than only the total. Ask about parts type, refinishing, scans, and calibration needs. Your insurer may review differences, and additional hidden damage can still require a supplement after the repair begins.

Question 24

Do I need an appointment for an estimate?

Accepted Answer

Contact us to confirm weekday estimate availability; Saturdays are by appointment only. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Calling ahead helps the team plan an inspection and discuss whether photos, towing, or claim documents are needed. Do not assume an estimate can be completed immediately at closing time. For a Saturday visit, arrange an appointment before bringing the vehicle to the shop.

Question 25

What affects the cost of collision repair?

Accepted Answer

Damage severity, parts, labor, refinishing, and required safety procedures all affect repair cost. Vehicle design and technology matter as much as the size of a dent. Structural damage, unavailable parts, sensors, and calibration requirements can add work that is not obvious from the outside. A complete assessment is more useful than a general price range. Ask the team to explain the repair plan and any changes discovered during disassembly.

Question 26

How long will my repair take?

Accepted Answer

We can estimate a timeline after assessing your vehicle and repair requirements. Completion depends on approved work, parts delivery, shop scheduling, refinishing, and any required scans or calibrations. Hidden damage may require another review before work continues. Tell the team about transportation deadlines so expectations can be discussed early. Do not base travel or rental plans on a promised universal repair duration; each vehicle and claim is different.

Question 27

How will I get updates on my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

The team will discuss repair updates and the best way to reach you when your repair is arranged. Provide current contact details and ask whom to contact with questions. Updates can cover disassembly findings, estimate changes, parts status, and the anticipated completion date. Tell us if an out-of-town parent or another authorized person should be included. Coverage or payment questions may also require a separate conversation with your insurer or adjuster.

Question 28

What is ADAS calibration, and does my car need it after a collision?

Accepted Answer

ADAS calibration checks the setup of driver-assistance sensors when the manufacturer’s procedures require it. Cameras, radar, and related systems support features such as lane assistance or automatic emergency braking. A collision, windshield replacement, sensor removal, or alignment work may trigger calibration requirements depending on the vehicle. A clear dashboard is not proof that calibration is unnecessary. The repair plan should follow the manufacturer’s applicable inspection, scan, and calibration instructions.

Question 29

Do I need an alignment after a collision?

Accepted Answer

An alignment may be needed when an impact affects wheels, suspension, steering, or structural mounting points. Pulling, an off-center steering wheel, or uneven tire wear can indicate a problem, but damage is not always obvious. The team should inspect affected components before treating alignment as the only repair. Manufacturer procedures may also connect alignment with sensor calibration. Hub City lists vehicle alignment after collision among its services and can assess the work your vehicle needs.

Question 30

How much does hail damage repair cost in Lubbock?

Accepted Answer

Hail repair cost depends on the number, depth, and location of dents and the repair method required. Paint condition, panel material, access to the dents, and any glass or trim damage also affect the assessment. Paintless dent repair may be suitable for some panels, while others need conventional repair or replacement. A free estimate is more useful than a broad price range. Insurance coverage and your deductible determine what portion you may pay.

Question 31

What's the best time to repair hail damage in West Texas?

Accepted Answer

Have hail damage assessed promptly and report a potential claim within your policy’s requirements. Broken glass or damaged paint can need attention before other cosmetic dents. Photograph the damage and protect exposed areas without making unsafe temporary repairs. Shop demand often rises after a storm, so discuss scheduling early. Waiting does not automatically worsen every dent, but it can complicate documentation or leave vulnerable areas exposed to weather.

Question 32

Can paintless dent repair fix all hail damage?

Accepted Answer

No, paintless dent repair is not suitable for every dent or damaged panel. The method works best when the paint remains intact and the metal can be reshaped with appropriate access. Sharp creases, stretched metal, damaged finishes, and some panel designs may need other repair methods. A technician must assess the vehicle rather than promise results from a general description. Some hail repairs combine paintless work with conventional refinishing or replacement.

Question 33

Is there a deadline to file a hail claim?

Accepted Answer

Claim reporting deadlines depend on your policy and the circumstances of the loss. Do not assume every insurer allows the same amount of time. Review your policy, record the storm date, photograph the damage, and ask the insurer how to report promptly. Keep any written instructions and claim number. A shop estimate does not extend a policy deadline or establish coverage, so handle the reporting question directly with your insurer.

Question 34

Will you match my factory paint?

Accepted Answer

Our refinishing process uses color matching to work toward a consistent finish with your existing paint. The paint code is a starting point, not the only factor. Age, fading, prior repairs, and factory variations can affect the shade. The repair plan may include blending adjacent areas where appropriate. Ask about the refinishing process and inspect the finished work with the team; no shop should promise that every aged finish is identical from a code alone.

Question 35

Do you use OEM or aftermarket parts?

Accepted Answer

Parts selection depends on the vehicle, repair requirements, availability, and your claim or payment arrangement. OEM parts come from the vehicle manufacturer; aftermarket and recycled parts have different sources and considerations. Ask which parts are listed and whether manufacturer repair instructions limit acceptable choices. Discuss fit, safety, and any disputed costs before authorizing work. Shop choice does not guarantee an insurer will pay for every requested part or procedure.

Question 36

Are you an I-CAR certified repair shop in Lubbock?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hub City Body Shop is I-CAR Gold Class. Gold Class recognizes a shop’s commitment to role-based collision repair training. Modern repairs can involve structural materials, electronics, scans, and calibrations, so training supports informed repair planning. Certification does not make every repair identical or replace vehicle-specific manufacturer instructions. Ask the team how the required procedures will be addressed for your particular vehicle and damage.

Question 37

What warranty do you provide on repairs?

Accepted Answer

Ask the team for the written warranty terms that apply to your specific repair. Coverage can differ between workmanship, refinishing, and individual replacement parts. Review the duration, exclusions, ownership conditions, and process for raising a concern before relying on a general warranty description. Keep your repair invoice and warranty paperwork together. The team can explain which terms apply without assuming every component carries the same protection or manufacturer warranty.

Question 38

How do I pay my deductible?

Accepted Answer

Your deductible is generally your share of a covered repair under your own policy. Confirm the amount with your insurer and ask the shop how and when your payment should be made. A deductible is separate from any noncovered work or disputed repair charges. Do not assume choosing a particular shop removes it. If payment is a concern, discuss available options before authorizing work and review any financing terms carefully.

Question 39

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hub City offers access to Snap Finance. Financing can help with eligible repair expenses, but approval, payment schedules, and terms are determined through the financing process. Review the agreement, total cost, and available repayment options before accepting. Financing is not an insurance payment or a promise of approval. Visit our financing page for the application path and discuss the repair amount with the team.

Question 40

I'm a parent out of town. Can you handle my Texas Tech student's repair?

Accepted Answer

Yes, contact the team to coordinate the repair and communication with your student. We can discuss photos, estimate steps, and the contact information needed for updates. Make sure the vehicle owner and any person authorizing repairs are identified, and ask the insurer about its own authorization requirements. Tell us who should receive updates and who will handle payment. Transportation, towing, and timing should be discussed for the student’s actual situation.

Question 41

Do you repair work trucks and fleet vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Contact Hub City to discuss collision repairs for your work truck or fleet vehicle. The team needs the vehicle details, damage information, and any fleet authorization or billing requirements to confirm the repair scope. Tell us about job-related equipment and scheduling needs early. Some specialty or heavy-duty work may require additional arrangements. An assessment is needed before confirming parts, procedures, and a completion plan for a particular truck.

Question 42

Do you work on trucks with lifts, toolboxes or aftermarket parts?

Accepted Answer

The team can assess modified trucks and explain which repairs can be handled. Tell us about lifts, toolboxes, suspension changes, and aftermarket equipment before the estimate. Modifications can affect access, alignment, parts availability, and manufacturer procedures. Insurance treatment of added equipment depends on your policy and documentation, not just its presence on the truck. Bring relevant receipts or specifications and discuss any specialty work before authorizing repairs.

Question 43

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Hub City Body Shop is at 5828 Texas 327 Spur in South Lubbock, TX 79424. Use the directions link on our contact page when planning your visit. If your vehicle may be unsafe to drive, discuss towing rather than bringing it in under its own power. Contact the team about estimate availability, paperwork, or a Saturday appointment before arriving. Sharing your claim number and vehicle details ahead of time can help with the visit.

Question 44

What towns do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Lubbock and surrounding West Texas and Eastern New Mexico communities. Our services page lists Levelland, Plainview, Brownfield, Seminole, Lamesa, Littlefield, Morton, Muleshoe, Hereford, Dimmitt, Clovis, Portales, Texico, and Wolfforth, plus Roosevelt County and the Lubbock metro area. Customers travel to our South Lubbock shop for repairs. Discuss transportation and scheduling with the team rather than assuming mobile repair or pickup service is available in every listed town.

Question 45

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open weekdays from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturdays by appointment only, and closed Sundays. Arrange a Saturday appointment before visiting and contact the team about estimate availability or vehicle pickup. Holiday closures or special circumstances can affect a planned visit, so confirm when timing matters. An open shop does not mean an inspection or repair can begin immediately. If the vehicle is unsafe, discuss towing and arrival arrangements first.

Question 46

Do you provide rental cars during repairs?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide rental cars directly, but can help coordinate rental arrangements. Ask your insurer whether you have rental reimbursement coverage or whether another driver’s insurer has authorized a rental. Daily limits, approved duration, and liability decisions can affect payment. Confirm those details with the rental provider and insurer before booking or extending a rental. Repair delays do not automatically extend insurance benefits or guarantee reimbursement.

Questions? We've Got Straight Answers.

Your Right to Choose

After an Accident

Estimates & Cost

Repair Process & Timeline

Hail Damage

Parts, Quality & Warranty

Payment & Financing

Students, Parents & Work Trucks

Visiting Hub City

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