Navigating the intricacies of a company car lease program can be straightforward when you’re well-informed, especially concerning vehicle damage. As a participant in the Stellantis Company Car Lease Program, understanding the vehicle damage repair policy is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free experience. This guide outlines everything you need to know about maintaining your leased Stellantis vehicle, from authorized repairs to accident procedures and beyond.
Authorized Repair Facilities and OEM Parts: Ensuring Quality and Compliance
When it comes to repairs for your company-owned Stellantis vehicle, adherence to the policy is paramount. To maintain compliance and ensure the quality of repairs, all work must be conducted at a Stellantis franchised dealership or a sublet facility referred by one. This requirement guarantees that your vehicle is serviced by certified technicians who understand Stellantis vehicles intimately.
Furthermore, the policy mandates the use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for all repairs. OEM parts are specifically designed and manufactured to meet Stellantis’s rigorous standards, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and longevity for your vehicle. Using OEM parts is not just about quality; it’s also a legal requirement. Federal and state laws necessitate Stellantis to fully disclose all body damage repairs when a company-owned vehicle is sold. Compliance with this policy ensures transparency and adherence to these regulations.
Damage Claim Procedure: Step-by-Step Guidance
In the event of vehicle damage, initiating a claim promptly and correctly is essential. Follow these steps to ensure a seamless process:
- Contact Stellantis Claims (CEI): For all damage claims and appraisals, immediately contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) at (800) 313-7448. This is your first point of contact for any vehicle damage incident.
- Obtain a Vehicle Damage Claim Number: During your call with Stellantis Claims (CEI), ensure you receive a vehicle damage claim number. This number is crucial for tracking and managing your claim throughout the repair process.
- Authorized Damage Appraisal: Before commencing any repairs, an authorized damage appraisal must be completed. Stellantis Claims (CEI) will coordinate this appraisal to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary repairs.
Important Note: Starting repairs without obtaining a claim number and authorized appraisal may lead to complications and potential financial responsibility for the participant.
Participant Responsibility and Negligence: Understanding Your Financial Obligations
While the Stellantis Company Car Lease Program covers authorized vehicle repairs, participants may bear financial responsibility in certain situations. Specifically, negligence or unapproved vehicle modifications can lead to the participant being liable for up to 100% of the repair costs.
Examples of negligence include, but are not limited to:
- Interior damage: Spills, upholstery tears, burns, cracked or damaged radio screens.
- Exterior damage: Damage from ice scraping, pet damage, damage caused by loading/unloading cargo, improperly secured tonneau covers.
- Mechanical damage: Using wrong fuel in the vehicle.
It’s crucial to exercise caution and care while using the company vehicle to avoid incurring these charges.
Unauthorized Repairs: Financial Implications
Under the Stellantis Company Car Lease Program, repairs performed at independent facilities are not authorized and will not be reimbursed. Choosing an unauthorized repair shop can lead to significant financial repercussions. Any costs associated with unauthorized repairs become the sole responsibility of the participant. To avoid unexpected expenses and policy violations, always ensure repairs are carried out at a Stellantis franchised dealership.
Accident Reporting: Immediate Actions and Procedures
In the unfortunate event of an accident involving your company-owned vehicle, your immediate actions are critical. Follow these steps meticulously:
- Ensure Safety First: Prioritize safety by getting help for any injured individuals. Call emergency services if necessary.
- File a Police Report: File a police report at the accident scene, adhering to the laws of the state or province where the accident occurred. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
- Complete Accident/Damage Report Form: Before leaving the accident scene, complete all sections of the Accident/Damage Report Form. It’s essential to capture all pertinent information accurately. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
- Contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) Immediately: As soon as possible after the accident, call Stellantis Claims (CEI) at 1-800-313-7448. Provide the completed information from the Accident/Damage Report Form. Stellantis Claims specialists are available 24/7 to assist you. Clearly identify yourself as a Stellantis employee.
- Contact Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc.: For injury-related questions or concerns regarding 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.
- Authorized Dealership for Repairs and Paperwork: Remember that all vehicle repairs and related paperwork must be handled by an authorized Stellantis franchised dealership.
Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy: Determining Repair Needs
The Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy ensures a standardized process for assessing vehicle damage and initiating repairs. A Stellantis Claims (CEI) representative will assign a claim number and coordinate with a Stellantis franchised dealership to conduct the initial damage inspection and manage the subsequent claim and repair process.
Repairs Exempt from Vehicle Damage Estimates
Certain repairs are considered routine maintenance or safety-critical and do not require a vehicle damage estimate. These include:
- Safety-Related Repairs: Headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, side mirrors, and other safety items must be repaired immediately without prior appraisal. If a Stellantis dealership is unavailable, a licensed repair facility can perform these repairs, with reimbursement requested from Stellantis.
- Tires: Tire-related issues are addressed under a separate Tire policy.
- Wheel Alignments: Routine wheel alignments do not require damage appraisals.
- Windshield Glass Replacement (No Body Damage): Windshield replacement is exempt if there’s no accompanying body damage. However, if body damage is present, a claim is required.
- Stolen Radios and Equipment (No Body Damage): Replacement of stolen radios and equipment is exempt as long as there is no associated body damage.
Other Damage and Repair Considerations
Understanding how different types of damage are handled is crucial:
Body Damage
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 tool helps measure damage extent.
- Damage Under $1,000: Repairs for body damage under $1,000 should typically be avoided unless the damage significantly impacts the vehicle’s appearance, safety, or structural integrity. Approval from Company Vehicle Operations is required for repairs under this threshold. Retain the repair estimate for vehicle turn-in.
- Damage $1,000 or More: Claims for damage estimates of $1,000 or more must be approved by Stellantis Claims (CEI) before any repairs are initiated.
Normal Wear and Tear
Repairs for normal wear and tear items like minor scratches and dings are not authorized and should not be performed under the program.
Rims/Wheels
Damage to rims or wheels necessitates filing a claim for repair or replacement. If both a tire and rim are damaged simultaneously (e.g., pothole damage), a single claim should cover both. Scratched rims may or may not be covered depending on severity, requiring a claim for appraisal.
Vehicle Vandalism
In cases of vandalism, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process applies when there is:
- Body damage (sheet metal)
- Suspension damage
- Underbody damage
- Stolen equipment
For body damage from vandalism, a courtesy estimate from a Stellantis dealer is needed. Repairs under $1,000 are generally not made. Estimates of $1,000 or more require a claim and police report before repairs.
Glass Damage
- Windshield Damage Only: Contact Safelite directly for windshield replacement if there is no other damage or stolen equipment.
- Other Glass Damage (No Windshield Damage, No Other Vehicle Damage): A claim must be filed if other glass (sunroof, windows, etc.) is damaged and there is no other vehicle damage or stolen equipment.
- Windshield and Other Glass Damage: A claim is required if both the windshield and any other glass components are damaged.
- Glass Damage with Other Vehicle Damage: If glass damage is accompanied by body, suspension, underbody damage, or stolen equipment, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy must be followed, requiring a claim and police report.
Stolen Equipment/Vandalism
If equipment is stolen or vandalized in conjunction with body, suspension, or underbody damage, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies. OEM replacement must be done at a Stellantis dealership. A claim and police report are required.
Personal Property
Stellantis is not responsible for theft or vandalism of personal property within company lease vehicles. Participants should utilize their personal insurance for such losses.
Hail or Salt Water Damage
Stellantis policy generally does not cover body damage repair (excluding glass) due to hail or salt water. However, inspection and appraisal are required for hail-damaged vehicles to disclose the extent of damage at vehicle turn-in. Retain the damage appraisal in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Severely damaged vehicles from hail or salt water may be eligible for replacement, requiring a request to Company Vehicle Operations after appraisal.
Investigations and Legal Proceedings: Your Cooperation is Essential
Participants and permittees are obligated to fully cooperate with company investigations into accidents and vehicle damage. In cases of theft, vandalism, or damage arising from alleged wrongdoing, cooperation includes signing criminal complaints, acting as witnesses, and taking reasonable actions as requested by government authorities and Stellantis.
Remember: Maintaining copies of police reports, accident reports, damage appraisals, and any pertinent information related to accidents or loss incidents is the participant’s responsibility.
Loaner/Rental Policy During Repairs: Staying Mobile
To ensure your mobility while your leased vehicle is undergoing repairs, Stellantis provides loaner and rental options:
Southeastern Michigan (SE MI) Residents
Contact the Loaner Department at the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center at (833) 550-5783 to arrange a loaner vehicle if repairs will take three days or longer. Note: The Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy also applies to any damage to the loaner vehicle.
Residents Outside SE MI
- Indiana Residents: Email [email protected] to inquire about loaner availability in Indiana. Inventory may be limited. Insurance is included. If a local loaner isn’t available, use Business Travel for a rental loaner.
- Business Travel Rental: Book a rental loaner through Business Travel’s designated provider at (669) 272-1325. Loaner rentals outside SE MI are permitted for drivers 18 and older. For younger drivers, the participant can rent and provide an alternative household vehicle. Insurance is included in the Stellantis contracted rate through Business Travel. State you are a Company Vehicle Program participant when calling. To obtain a validation letter for Business Travel rentals, email Company Vehicle Operations at [email protected] with your CID, retiree and dependent names (if applicable), and indicate who the rental is for.
Rental Reimbursement
If a loaner isn’t utilized, participants may rent a vehicle when repairs exceed three days. Reimbursement is capped at $35 per day, with a maximum of $350 per occurrence. The monthly lease payment continues while the vehicle is being repaired. Compact-size rentals typically fall within the $35/day range. Larger vehicles require Company Vehicle Operations approval via email.
For repairs exceeding 10 days or the maximum rental amount, contact the dealership and Company Vehicle Operations for assistance with expediting repairs or rental extensions. Rental extensions beyond 10 days require email requests to Company Vehicle Operations every 10 days.
Totaled Vehicles: Procedures and Replacements
If a vehicle is deemed a total loss, the appraiser will notify the participant. Participants must remove personal property, license plates, registration, insurance certificate, and lease documents (except the insurance certificate) from the vehicle. Return all but the insurance certificate to the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center. Transfer the insurance certificate to the replacement vehicle.
Notify Company Vehicle Operations of the totaled vehicle status via an Interim Vehicle Replacement Form on the Company Vehicle Operations website (Forms tab). Allow 2-3 business days for processing before contacting the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center.
Within Southeastern Michigan
Return the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center loaner vehicle (if applicable) and select an interim vehicle until a new vehicle is ordered and delivered. New vehicle orders can be placed during the second or third ordering phase.
Outside Southeastern Michigan
Contact Company Vehicle Operations for assistance. Replacing totaled vehicles is mandatory to remain in the lease program, contingent on corporate vehicle production.
Totaled Vehicles Not Being Replaced
Participants opting not to replace a totaled vehicle must submit a Termination Form (Bulletins and Forms tab) to discontinue lease payments from payroll/pension, effective from the vehicle totaled date. Indicate non-delivery intent on the form if a vehicle order is already placed.
Dealer Billing: Streamlined Payment Process
Stellantis franchised dealerships must submit repair orders/invoices and appraisals to Fleet Operations – Vehicle Claims via email at [email protected] or phone at (833) 550-5783 for payment. Dealerships receive credit via Billing Code “0057” on their Dealer Billing Statement.
Third Party Contacts: Referrals to Gallagher Bassett
Any third-party claims or contacts (individuals, attorneys, insurers) received by participants must be immediately referred to Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. for handling and response. Participants are not authorized to settle claims involving Stellantis-owned vehicles.
Understanding and adhering to the Stellantis Company Car Lease Program Vehicle Damage Repair Policy ensures a smooth and compliant experience. By following these guidelines, you can navigate vehicle repairs and accident procedures efficiently, maintaining your eligibility and minimizing potential financial liabilities within the program. Always refer to official Stellantis documentation and contact the provided resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
