Gerry Lane Enterprises Collision Center

Gerry Lane Enterprises has been a cornerstone of the Baton Rouge community for over three generations. Our story begins with one man's skill in car sales that unfolds over the years into a legacy of excellence, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. At Gerry Lane Buick GMC, we're not just selling cars; we're building relationships and ensuring that every person who walks through our doors leaves happier, more informed, and with a vehicle that perfectly suits their needs.

A Journey of Growth and Excellence

Since our inception, Gerry Lane Buick GMC has evolved significantly. Opening our doors in St. Francisville in April 2022 marked the latest chapter in our storied history. In this short time, we've become a beacon of success in the area, known for our extensive inventory of new and pre-owned Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick vehicles. What sets us apart isn't just what we offer, it's how we offer it. Our people-first approach ensures that our customer's experience is unparalleled, from browsing to buying and beyond.

Getting involved in a car accident is every driver's worst nightmare. Besides the obvious risk of injury or death, collisions with other drivers or obstacles on the road can result in severe damage to the vehicle. At Gerry Lane Enterprises Collision Center, we understand the sense of despair and frustration that often accompanies car accidents. Thus, drivers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, shouldn't be alarmed if their car has suffered damage in a collision, as they can count on us to act swiftly to get their vehicle back on the road.

What Drivers Should Do if They Just Got Into an Accident

Drivers who get into an accident should ask the towing company to bring their car to our collision center at Gerry Lane Enterprises. No matter the extent of damage, our experts will assess the severity of the issue, provide a free repair cost estimate, and execute the necessary repairs using industry-standard techniques and equipment.

When To Contact Our Collision Center

We recommend contacting our collision center right away to expedite the process of repairing the vehicle. The sooner the car is brought to us, the quicker our technicians can examine the damage and estimate the collision repair costs accurately. Scheduling repairs in a timely manner also helps preserve the vehicle's safety and performance. Depending on the extent of damage, collisions can compromise the car's structural integrity if not addressed promptly. Timely interventions aid in detecting and resolving these issues before they become more severe and expensive to fix.

What Determines Whether the Car Can Be Repaired or Not?

Whether or not the car is repairable after a collision depends on the extent of damage and the cost of repairs compared to the vehicle's market value. If the repair costs exceed the car's actual cash value, the insurer may declare it a total loss.

Likewise, the nature of damage determines the car's repairability. For instance, if the vehicle's structural integrity and safety systems are severely damaged, restoring it to a roadworthy state may not be possible. When the vehicle is brought to our collision center, we'll evaluate these factors to determine whether repairs are feasible or if it's more practical to consider the car as totaled and file for compensation.

Do Drivers Get the Option To Choose a Collision Center?

Drivers have the option to choose their collision center. But unlike most collision centers, Gerry Lane Enterprises Collision Center isn't a direct repair program (DRP) shop. DRP shops have agreements with insurance companies to streamline the repair process. Insurance providers recommend or directly refer policyholders to these DRP centers for claims handling and repairs.

While DRP repair shops can simplify the collision repair process, they come with potential downsides, notably pressure from insurance companies to prioritize cost cutting over comprehensive repairs. Commissioning repairs from a non-DRP collision center, such as Gerry Lane Enterprises, ensures that customers get the best quality service.

Our collision center isn't an affiliate of any insurance company. For this reason, we can prioritize each customer's best interest over insurer demands. As a non-DRP collision center, we can guarantee unbiased assessments and custom services focusing on comprehensive vehicle restoration instead of meeting predetermined cost targets.

How Does the Process of Repair and Paint Matching Work?

Most drivers usually aren't interested in the technicalities, only caring about the end result. Even so, understanding the specifics of the process is critical when seeking collision repair services. Apart from demystifying the process, it gives drivers a rough idea of the cost, time, and labor needed to restore the vehicle to its original state before the accident.

There are several stages that occur when a collision repair service is scheduled at our collision center at Gerry Lane Enterprises.

Collision Repair Estimate

When we first receive the car after a collision, our technician will conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and compile a free estimate of the cost of repairs. This initial estimate doesn't include any hidden damage that might come up when our technicians disassemble the vehicle ahead of repairs. We'll then send the initial estimate to the insurance provider for approval.

Insurance Approval

Once the insurance provider receives the collision repair cost estimate, they'll review it to determine whether the repairs should proceed. If the estimate exceeds a certain percentage of the car's value, the insurer might deem the repairs financially unsound and declare the vehicle a total loss. However, if the insurer approves the estimates, the repair process will proceed in earnest.

Vehicle Disassembly

After giving the green flag for repairs to proceed, the insurer might request the disassembly of the vehicle. This helps identify hidden damage and provides a more accurate picture of repair costs.

Structure and Body Repair

During this phase, our technicians use an electronic measuring system to restore the car's structure according to manufacturer specifications. Structural issues addressed include wheel alignment, suspension repairs, and body panel replacement.

Paint Matching

Paint matching is a crucial step in the collision repair process. It allows for the seamless blending of repaired or repainted areas with the rest of the vehicle, ensuring a consistent finish.

Our collision center uses advanced color-matching techniques to analyze the paint color and create a custom mix. Our technicians then apply the paint to ensure it blends with the surrounding surfaces.

Vehicle Reassembly

At this stage, our experts meticulously restore every component of the vehicle. The car is nearly ready for pickup.

Quality Control

Once reassembly is complete, we'll clean the car and conduct a final inspection to ensure the restoration is successful. A test-drive confirms there are no drivability issues.

Pickup or Delivery

At this final stage, customers can pick up their fully restored vehicle after we complete the paperwork.

Contact Gerry Lane Enterprises Collision Center

If you've been involved in a car accident and need reliable collision repair service, our team at Gerry Lane Enterprises is here to help. Our collision center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has the equipment and expertise to take on all types of repairs. Contact us today to schedule a service.