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/provinces
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.
472
Center Console Storage Area...................... 138
Chains, Tire................................................. 406
Check
Engine Light............................................ 184
Checking Things Under the Hood................ 346
Chemical Paint Spotting.............................. 428
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems............................. 49
Infants and Young Children........................ 46
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..... 57
Older Children........................................... 43
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position.......................................... 64
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position........................ 66
Where to Put the Restraint........................ 54
Cigarette Lighter.......................................... 165
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels........ 426
Exterior Lamps/Lenses............................. 425
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 422
Finish Care.............................................. 425
Inside of Your Vehicle.............................. 420
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.................................... 424
Leather.................................................... 423
Tires........................................................ 427Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance........................... 428
Washing Your Vehicle .............................. 425
Weatherstrips........................................... 425
Windshield and Wiper Blades................... 426
Climate Control System............................... 166
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment........... 170
Outlet Adjustment..................................... 170
Collision Damage Repair............................. 469
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt................. 39
Compact Spare Tire.................................... 420
Compass............................................129, 131
Content Theft-Deterrent............................... 111
Control of a Vehicle..................................... 294
Convenience Net......................................... 143
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage........................ 183
Engine Temperature Warning Light........... 182
Heater, Engine......................................... 118
Cooling System........................................... 362
Cruise Control............................................. 155
Cruise Control Light.................................... 189
Cupholder(s)................................................ 137
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation........................... 465
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users......................... 460
479