Navigating Vehicle Damage Repairs Under the Chrysler Retiree Lease Car Program

For retirees participating in the Chrysler (now Stellantis) lease car program, understanding the vehicle damage repair policy is crucial. This guide breaks down the essential procedures to ensure compliance and avoid potential financial responsibility for vehicle repairs. Adhering to the outlined protocols guarantees that any necessary repairs to your leased vehicle are handled correctly, maintaining the integrity and value of the vehicle while protecting your interests as a program participant.

Understanding Your Responsibilities: Damage Repair Policy for Retiree Leased Vehicles

As a participant in the Chrysler Retiree Lease Car Program, you are entrusted with a company-owned vehicle. It’s important to recognize that while you enjoy the benefits of this program, certain responsibilities come with it, especially concerning vehicle damage and repairs. Stellantis mandates specific procedures for all repairs to company-owned vehicles to ensure quality, compliance, and vehicle resale value. This section outlines the core aspects of the vehicle damage repair policy relevant to your Chrysler retiree lease car.

Authorized Repair Facilities: Stick to Stellantis Dealerships

A key aspect of the policy is where you can have your leased vehicle repaired. All repairs on your Chrysler retiree lease car must be performed at a Stellantis franchised dealership or a sublet facility referred by a Stellantis dealership. This requirement is not just a preference; it’s a strict policy. Using authorized facilities ensures that repairs are carried out by certified technicians using genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. This maintains the vehicle’s quality and adheres to Stellantis standards. Repairs from independent, non-Stellantis facilities are not authorized and will not be reimbursed by Stellantis, potentially making you financially liable for those costs.

OEM Parts Mandate: Ensuring Quality and Compliance

The policy explicitly states that OEM parts must be used for all repairs. OEM parts are manufactured to the exact specifications of your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle, guaranteeing fit, performance, and safety. Using non-OEM or aftermarket parts is prohibited under the Chrysler retiree lease car program vehicle damage repair policy. This is in place to uphold the vehicle’s original standards and comply with federal and state regulations regarding vehicle disclosure upon resale.

Disclosure Requirements: Why Compliance Matters

Federal and state laws necessitate complete transparency regarding any body damage repairs when a company-owned vehicle is sold. This disclosure requirement is a primary driver behind Stellantis’ stringent repair policy. By adhering to the mandated procedures – using authorized dealerships and OEM parts – Stellantis ensures accurate record-keeping and full disclosure of all repairs. This protects both Stellantis and future buyers of these vehicles. Non-compliance can lead to legal issues and negatively impact the program.

Step-by-Step Guide: Navigating Vehicle Damage and Repairs

Knowing the policy is one thing; understanding the practical steps to take when your Chrysler retiree lease car is damaged is another. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the vehicle damage repair process under the Chrysler retiree lease car program:

Contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) Immediately: For any damage, no matter how minor it may seem, your first step is to contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) at (800) 313-7448. This is a crucial first step to initiate the claim process.
Obtain a Vehicle Damage Claim Number: During your call to Stellantis Claims (CEI), you will need to provide details about the damage. They will then issue you a vehicle damage claim number. Keep this number handy as it will be required for all subsequent steps and communications regarding the repair process.
Authorized Damage Appraisal is Mandatory: Before any repairs begin, an authorized damage appraisal must be completed. Stellantis Claims (CEI) will coordinate this appraisal, typically through a Stellantis franchised dealership. This appraisal is essential to assess the extent of the damage and determine the repair costs. Do not proceed with any repairs before this appraisal is completed and authorized.

Important Note on Negligence and Unauthorized Modifications: Be aware that as a participant in the Chrysler retiree lease car program, you can be held financially responsible for repairs if the damage is due to negligence or unauthorized modifications. Negligence can include a wide range of actions, such as interior or exterior damage caused by spills, tears, burns, using the wrong fuel, damage from improper loading or securing cargo, pet damage, and more. Similarly, any modifications to the vehicle not approved by Company Vehicle Operations can also lead to you being responsible for related damages. Furthermore, remember that repairs performed at independent facilities are not authorized or reimbursable, and you will be liable for these costs.

Accident Reporting: Procedures to Follow in Case of an Accident

Accidents can happen. If your Chrysler retiree lease car is involved in an accident, following the correct reporting procedures is paramount. Here’s what you need to do:

Ensure Safety First: Prioritize safety. Check for injuries and provide assistance to anyone injured in the accident.
File a Police Report: Contact the police and file a police report. This is a standard procedure for any vehicle accident. Follow the laws of the state or province where the accident occurred when reporting to the police.
Complete the Accident/Damage Report Form: Before leaving the accident scene, complete all sections of the Accident/Damage Report Form. This form captures critical details about the accident. Crucially, keep a copy of this completed form for your records.
Contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) Immediately After an Accident: As soon as possible after the accident, call Stellantis Claims (CEI) at 1-800-313-7448. Provide them with the information from your completed Accident/Damage Report Form. Stellantis Claims specialists are available 24/7 to assist you. Remember to identify yourself as an employee of Stellantis (or retiree program participant).
Contact Gallagher Bassett Services for Injury or Third-Party Damage Questions: For questions related to injuries or damage to third-party vehicles or property, contact Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. at 1-866-850-1933 or 1-248-452-6050.
Comply with Stellantis Procedures: Ensure you fully comply with all Stellantis accident and fleet procedures. This includes cooperating with any investigations and providing all necessary documentation.
Authorized Dealership for Repairs and Paperwork: All vehicle repairs and associated paperwork must be handled by an authorized Stellantis franchised dealership.

For your convenience, you can access the complete Accident Reporting Kit and Accident/Damage Report Form here. (Note: please replace “here” with the actual link if available).

Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy: When is an Appraisal Needed?

A vehicle damage appraisal is a central part of the repair process for your Chrysler retiree lease car. Stellantis Claims (CEI) will assign a claim number and coordinate with a Stellantis dealership for the initial inspection and manage the subsequent claim and repair process. However, not all damage requires an appraisal.

Repairs That Do Not Require an Appraisal:

Certain safety-related repairs are considered urgent and do not require a prior appraisal. These include:

Safety Related Repairs: Headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, side view mirrors, and other safety-critical items must be repaired immediately and do not require an appraisal beforehand. If a Stellantis dealership isn’t readily available, a licensed repair facility can perform these repairs. In such cases, you would pay for the repairs and seek reimbursement from Stellantis.
Tires: Tire issues are addressed under a separate policy. Refer to the “Tire page under Maintenance, Modifications & Roadside tab” for detailed procedures.
Wheel Alignments: Wheel alignments are generally considered maintenance and do not require a damage appraisal.
Windshield Glass Replacement (No Body Damage): If only the windshield is damaged and there is no associated body damage, a claim appraisal is not needed. However, if there is body damage along with windshield damage, a claim must be filed. Refer to the “Glass page under Maintenance, Modification & Roadside tab” for glass-specific details.
Stolen Radios and Equipment (No Body Damage): If radios or equipment are stolen without causing body damage, an appraisal isn’t required. However, stolen equipment with body damage falls under the appraisal process.

When an Appraisal IS Required:

Body Damage: Any body damage exceeding the “Company Vehicle Operations Wear Square” standards necessitates filing an accident claim and obtaining a repair estimate from a franchised dealer. The Wear Square ( click here to view) is a tool used to measure damage and tire tread depth.
Body Damage Over $1,000: If body damage is estimated to be $1,000 or more, claim approval from Stellantis Claims (CEI) is mandatory before starting any repairs.
Rim/Wheel Damage: Damage to rims or wheels, even scratches depending on severity, requires filing a claim for appraisal, repair, or replacement. If a tire and rim are damaged simultaneously (e.g., pothole damage), file a combined claim.

Body Damage Under $1,000: For body damage under $1,000, repairs should ideally not be made unless the damage significantly detracts from the vehicle’s appearance or impacts safety or structural integrity. Prior approval from Company Vehicle Operations is required for repairs under $1,000. If such minor damage is not repaired, retain the repair estimate for vehicle turn-in.

Normal Wear and Tear: Keep in mind that repairs for normal wear and tear items like minor scratches and dings are not authorized and should not be undertaken.

Vandalism, Hail, and Totaled Vehicles: Specific Scenarios

The Chrysler retiree lease car program policy also addresses specific damage scenarios like vandalism, hail damage, and totaled vehicles.

Vehicle Vandalism:

If vandalism results in body damage, suspension or underbody damage, or stolen equipment, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process must be followed.
For body damage from vandalism, a courtesy estimate from a Stellantis dealership is recommended. If under $1,000, repairs are generally not made. If $1,000 or more, a claim and police report are required before repairs.
Glass damage due to vandalism, when accompanied by other vehicle damage or stolen equipment, also requires following the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy, filing a claim, and providing a police report.
For windshield damage only (no other damage from vandalism), contact Safelite directly for replacement.
For other glass damage (sunroof, windows, etc.) without other vehicle damage, a claim must be filed.
If both windshield and other glass are damaged, a claim is required.
For stolen or vandalized equipment accompanied by body, suspension, or underbody damage, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies, and a claim and police report are needed. OEM replacement must be at a Stellantis dealership.
Personal property theft or vandalism within the vehicle is not covered by Stellantis. Retirees should use their personal insurance for such losses.

Hail or Salt Water Damage:

Stellantis policy is not to repair body damage from hail or salt water (except glass replacement).
However, all hail-damaged vehicles must be inspected, and the damage appraised for disclosure purposes at vehicle turn-in. Follow the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy, and keep the appraisal in the glove compartment.
Severely hail or salt water damaged vehicles may be eligible for replacement. Contact Company Vehicle Operations after appraisal to request a replacement.

Totaled Vehicles:

If a vehicle is declared a total loss, Stellantis Claims (CEI) will notify you.
Remove all personal items, license plates, registration, insurance certificate, and lease documents. Return everything except the insurance certificate to the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center. Transfer the insurance certificate to your new vehicle.
Notify Company Vehicle Operations of the totaled status using the Interim Vehicle Replacement Form on their website. Allow 2-3 business days for processing before contacting the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center.
Participants are required to replace totaled vehicles to remain in the Chrysler retiree lease car program. New vehicle orders can be placed when the corporation is building vehicles.
If not replacing a totaled vehicle, submit a Termination Form (from the Bulletins and Forms tab on the Company Vehicle Operations website) to discontinue lease payments. Note the totaled status on the form.

Loaner Vehicle Policy During Repairs

Understanding the loaner vehicle policy is important if your Chrysler retiree lease car requires extended repairs.

Southeastern Michigan Residents: Contact the Loaner Department at the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center at (833) 550-5783 to arrange a loaner if repairs will take three or more days. The same Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies to any damage to the loaner vehicle.
Residents Outside Southeastern Michigan:
- Indiana Residents: May obtain a loaner in Indiana by emailing [email protected] (limited availability).
- Business Travel Rental: Book a rental loaner through Business Travel’s designated provider at (669) 272-1325. Insurance is included in Stellantis’ contracted rate. Mention you are a Company Vehicle Program participant. Email [email protected] with your CID, retiree name, dependent name (if applicable), and rental purpose to receive a validation letter for the rental counter. Loaner rentals outside SE MI are permitted for drivers 18+.
Reimbursement for Loaner Rentals: If you arrange a rental yourself (with approval), reimbursement is at $35/day, maximum $350 per occurrence. Compact size rentals typically fit within this price range. Approval is required from Company Vehicle Operations for larger vehicles.
Rental Duration and Extensions: Rentals can start the day your vehicle goes in for repairs if it will be out of service for 3+ days. If repairs exceed 10 days or the maximum rental amount, contact the dealership and Company Vehicle Operations for assistance. For rental extensions beyond 10 days, email Company Vehicle Operations for approval every 10 days.

Dealer Billing and Third-Party Contacts

Dealer Billing: Stellantis franchised dealerships submit repair invoices and appraisals to Fleet Operations – Vehicle Claims at [email protected] or (833) 550-5783 for payment. Dealers receive credit under Billing Code “0057”.
Third-Party Contacts: Refer any third-party claims or contacts (individuals, attorneys, insurance companies) to Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. immediately. Participants are not authorized to settle claims involving Stellantis-owned vehicles.

Conclusion: Staying Compliant and Informed

Navigating vehicle damage repairs under the Chrysler retiree lease car program requires adherence to specific policies and procedures. By understanding your responsibilities, following the step-by-step guides for damage reporting and appraisal, and using authorized Stellantis dealerships for repairs with OEM parts, you ensure compliance and protect yourself from potential financial liabilities. Always remember to contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) first in case of any vehicle damage and keep thorough records of all reports, claim numbers, and appraisals. Staying informed and proactive is key to a smooth experience within the Chrysler retiree lease car program.