Gerber Collision & Glass is a national auto body repair chain, not a government program
Gerber Collision & Glass is a private company that operates hundreds of auto body repair locations across the United States. It repairs collision damage, handles glass replacement, and works with insurance companies to process claims. If you have been in a car accident, Gerber may be one of the repair shops your insurance company recommends, or you can choose to take your vehicle there directly.
Gerber is not a government program and does not provide financial support for accident repairs. You pay for repairs through your own insurance claim, out of pocket, or through a payment plan the shop may offer. Understanding how Gerber operates and how it fits into the insurance claim process will help you know what to expect when you arrive at a location.
Key Takeaways
- Gerber Collision & Glass is a private repair chain with locations nationwide; you can find your nearest shop through their website or by calling their customer service line.
- You can take your vehicle to Gerber whether your insurance company recommends it or not, though some insurers have preferred shop networks that may offer benefits like waived deductibles.
- Gerber handles the insurance claim paperwork and communicates directly with your insurance company, so you do not have to manage that back-and-forth yourself.
- Repair costs depend on the damage to your vehicle and your insurance coverage; Gerber will provide a written estimate before work begins.
- If you disagree with Gerber's estimate or your insurance company's assessment, you have the right to get a second estimate from another shop.
Finding a Gerber location near you
Gerber operates repair shops in most states, though not every city has a location. The fastest way to find the nearest shop is to visit Gerber's website and use their location finder tool, which shows addresses, phone numbers, and hours. You can also call Gerber's main customer service line to ask which locations serve your area.
If no Gerber shop is within reasonable distance, you are not required to use them. You can take your vehicle to any repair shop you choose, whether or not your insurance company has a preferred relationship with that shop. Your insurance company will work with whatever shop you select, though the process may take slightly longer if the shop is not in their network.
How the repair process works at Gerber
When you arrive at a Gerber location with your damaged vehicle, a technician will inspect the damage and create a written estimate. This estimate lists all the repairs needed, the parts required, and the labor cost. You will receive a copy of this estimate before any work begins.
If you have insurance, you can authorize Gerber to send the estimate directly to your insurance company. Gerber's staff will handle the communication with your insurer about coverage and the claim amount. Your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the vehicle as well, or they may approve the repair based on Gerber's estimate alone. Once your insurance company approves the work, Gerber will begin repairs.
The time it takes to complete repairs depends on the extent of the damage and how busy the shop is. Gerber will give you an estimated completion date when you drop off your vehicle. Many locations offer loaner vehicles or can arrange transportation while your car is being repaired.
What happens if your insurance company and Gerber disagree on the repair cost
Sometimes your insurance company's estimate of repair costs differs from Gerber's estimate. This disagreement usually centers on whether certain parts need to be replaced or repaired, or on the labor hours required. When this happens, Gerber and your insurance company will negotiate to reach an agreement.
If the disagreement cannot be resolved, you have the right to obtain a second estimate from another repair shop. You can then present both estimates to your insurance company. Some insurance policies include a process called appraisal, where a neutral third party reviews both estimates and makes a binding decision. Check your insurance policy or call your insurance company to see if appraisal is available to you.
You are never required to accept Gerber's estimate or your insurance company's first offer. If you believe the repair cost should be higher, you can dispute it through your insurance company's claims process or by consulting with another shop.
Paying for repairs at Gerber
How you pay for repairs depends on your insurance coverage and your situation. If you have collision or comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will pay Gerber directly for the approved repairs, minus your deductible. You will owe Gerber only the deductible amount.
If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover the damage, you will owe Gerber the full repair cost. Some Gerber locations offer payment plans or financing options for out-of-pocket repairs. Ask the shop manager about payment arrangements when you drop off your vehicle.
If your vehicle is a total loss — meaning the repair cost exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle's value — your insurance company will declare it totaled and pay you the vehicle's cash value instead of paying for repairs. Gerber will not proceed with repairs in this case.
What to bring when you visit Gerber
Bring your driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership (your registration or title). If you are filing an insurance claim, bring your insurance card and policy number. If you have already filed a claim with your insurance company, bring the claim number and the name of your insurance adjuster if you have one.
If another driver caused the accident, bring their insurance information and a copy of the police report if one was filed. This information helps Gerber and your insurance company determine who is responsible for paying the repair costs.
You do not need to bring anything else. Gerber's staff will handle the rest of the paperwork and communication with your insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose Gerber even if my insurance company recommends a different shop?
Yes. You have the right to choose any repair shop you want, regardless of your insurance company's recommendations. However, if you choose a shop outside your insurance company's preferred network, the claims process may take longer and you may not receive benefits like waived deductibles that preferred shops offer.
Will Gerber handle all communication with my insurance company?
Yes. Once you authorize Gerber to work with your insurance company, Gerber's staff will send the estimate, answer questions from your adjuster, and negotiate the repair cost. You do not have to manage this back-and-forth yourself, though you can stay involved if you choose to.
What if my vehicle is not finished by the promised date?
Contact the Gerber location directly to ask about the delay. Delays happen when parts are on backorder, when additional damage is discovered during repairs, or when the shop is unusually busy. Ask for a new completion date and whether they can provide a loaner vehicle for the extra time.
Do I have to pay my deductible upfront?
This varies by shop and by your insurance policy. Some Gerber locations collect the deductible when you drop off the vehicle. Others wait until the repairs are complete. Call ahead to ask about the payment process at your nearest location.
What if I am not satisfied with the repair quality?
Tell the shop manager when ready. Gerber typically stands behind its work and will address quality issues at no additional cost. If you remain unsatisfied, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or contact your insurance company to request that the work be inspected by another shop.