Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identi cation Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for a
police report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy
of the report for a nominal fee. In some states with
“no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be
necessary. This is especially true if there are no
injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or a private
collision repair facility to x the damage, make sure
you are comfortable with them. Remember, you will
have to feel comfortable with their work for a
long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,
GM recommends that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of
choice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any required replacement
collision parts be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts.
Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by
your GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must
live with the repair. Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may initially value the repair
using aftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repair
professional, and insist on Genuine GM parts. Remember
if your vehicle is leased you may be obligated to have
the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts, even if
your insurance coverage does not pay the full cost.
If another party’s insurance company is paying for
the repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair
valuation based on that insurance company’s collision
policy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits with
that company. In such cases, you can have control of
the repair and parts choices as long as cost stays
within reasonable limits.
7-13
Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-106
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-103
Weatherstrips............................................5-102
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades......5-104
Climate Control System...................................3-21
Dual ..........................................................3-22
Dual Automatic............................................3-25
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-30
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System......3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System,
Electronic................................................3-32
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-45
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-16
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-58
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-42
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-28
Cooling System..............................................5-30
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-49Cupholder(s)..................................................2-56
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-14
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-15
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking.............................................2-10
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp Override......................................3-19
Dome Lamps .................................................3-18
4
