Navigating the Chrysler Car Program: Understanding Vehicle Damage Repair Policies

For participants in the Chrysler Car Program, understanding the vehicle damage repair policy is crucial. This policy ensures that all company-owned vehicles are maintained to the highest standards, preserving their value and safety. Adhering to the guidelines set forth not only complies with program requirements but also protects participants from potential liabilities and costs associated with vehicle damage. This article will delve into the key aspects of the Chrysler car program’s vehicle damage repair policy, providing a comprehensive guide for participants to navigate this process smoothly.

Key Principles of the Chrysler Vehicle Damage Repair Policy

The Chrysler vehicle damage repair policy is built upon several core principles designed to maintain vehicle quality and manage repair processes efficiently. These principles emphasize authorized repairs, the use of genuine parts, and clear procedures for reporting and handling vehicle damage.

OEM Parts and Authorized Dealerships: Ensuring Quality and Compliance

A cornerstone of the Chrysler car program’s repair policy is the mandate that all repairs must be performed at a Stellantis franchised dealership or a sublet facility referred by one. This requirement is in place to guarantee that Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are used in all repairs. OEM parts are specifically designed and manufactured to meet the exact specifications of Chrysler vehicles, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and longevity.

Utilizing Stellantis dealerships ensures that repairs are conducted by certified technicians who are experts in Chrysler vehicles. These dealerships adhere to strict quality standards and have access to the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, and technical expertise to properly repair program vehicles. This approach not only maintains the integrity of the vehicle but also complies with warranty requirements and safety regulations.

Disclosure Requirements: Transparency and Legal Compliance

Both federal and state laws mandate full disclosure of all body damage repairs when a company-owned vehicle, like those in the Chrysler car program, is sold. This legal requirement underscores the importance of meticulous record-keeping and adherence to the prescribed repair procedures. By ensuring all repairs are properly documented and performed at authorized facilities, the Chrysler car program maintains transparency and fulfills its legal obligations regarding vehicle history disclosure. This protects both the program and future vehicle owners.

Importance of Damage Appraisal: Obtaining Authorization Before Repairs

Before initiating any repairs on a Chrysler program vehicle, obtaining an authorized damage appraisal is mandatory. This process begins with contacting Stellantis Claims (CEI) to report the damage and secure a vehicle damage claim number. An appraisal must then be completed to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary repairs.

This pre-repair appraisal serves several critical purposes:

Cost Control: It allows Stellantis Claims to evaluate the repair costs and ensure they are reasonable and justified.
Repair Authorization: It provides the necessary authorization for the repairs to proceed, ensuring compliance with the program’s policy.
Claim Management: It initiates the formal claim process, enabling efficient tracking and management of repair expenses.

Starting repairs without obtaining prior authorization and a claim number can lead to complications and potential denial of reimbursement, highlighting the importance of following this step diligently.

Participant Responsibility: Negligence and Unauthorized Modifications

Participants in the Chrysler car program should be aware that they may be held financially responsible for vehicle repairs if the damage is a result of negligence or unauthorized modifications. Negligence can encompass a range of actions, including but not limited to:

Interior damage like spills, tears, or burns.
Exterior damage from improper use or care, such as ice scraping or pet damage.
Mechanical damage due to using the wrong fuel.
Damage to in-car technology, such as cracked radio screens.
Damage caused by improper loading or securing of cargo.

Furthermore, any modifications to the vehicle that are not approved by Company Vehicle Operations can also lead to financial responsibility for related damages. It is crucial for participants to operate and maintain their Chrysler program vehicle responsibly to avoid incurring repair costs due to negligence or unauthorized alterations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting Accidents and Vehicle Damage in the Chrysler Program

In the unfortunate event of an accident or vehicle damage, Chrysler car program participants must follow a specific protocol to ensure proper reporting and claim processing. Adhering to these steps is essential for a smooth and efficient resolution.

Immediate Actions After an Accident: Safety, Police Report, and Documentation

The immediate aftermath of a vehicle accident requires prioritizing safety and gathering essential information. The first steps include:

Ensuring Safety: Check for injuries to yourself and others involved in the accident. Provide first aid and call for emergency medical assistance if needed.
Police Report: Contact the police and file an accident report. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records, as it may be required for the claim process. Follow the legal requirements for accident reporting in the specific state or region where the incident occurred.
Accident/Damage Report Form: Complete the Chrysler program’s Accident/Damage Report Form at the scene of the accident. This form captures critical details about the incident. Retain a personal copy of this completed form for your records.

Collecting detailed information at the accident scene, including photos if possible, will significantly aid in the subsequent claim process.

Contacting Chrysler Claims (CEI): Reporting Procedure

Promptly reporting the accident to Chrysler Claims (CEI) is the next crucial step. Participants should:

Call Stellantis Claims (CEI): Contact them at 1-800-313-7448 as soon as possible after the accident. Experienced claims specialists are available 24/7 to assist you.
Provide Information: When reporting, clearly identify yourself as an employee of Stellantis and provide all the information requested, including details from the Accident/Damage Report Form. Obtain a vehicle damage claim number from CEI, as this will be essential for all subsequent steps in the repair process.

For injury-related questions or concerns about damage to third-party vehicles or property, participants can also contact Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. for assistance.

Following Chrysler’s Fleet Procedures

In addition to the specific steps outlined in the vehicle damage repair policy, Chrysler car program participants are expected to comply with all general Stellantis accident and fleet procedures. This includes ensuring all vehicle repairs and associated paperwork are handled through an authorized Stellantis franchised dealership. This adherence to established procedures ensures consistency and compliance throughout the repair process.

Chrysler’s Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process Explained

The vehicle damage appraisal process within the Chrysler car program is designed to be systematic and efficient, ensuring that vehicles are properly assessed and repaired. Stellantis Claims (CEI) plays a central role in coordinating this process.

How Chrysler Coordinates Damage Inspection and Repair

Upon receiving a damage report, a Stellantis Claims (CEI) representative takes charge of the appraisal and repair process. This involves:

Claim Number Assignment: CEI assigns a unique vehicle damage claim number to track the specific incident and repair process.
Dealership Coordination: CEI coordinates with a Stellantis franchised dealership to arrange for an initial damage inspection.
Claim Management: CEI manages the entire claim and repair process, acting as a liaison between the participant, the dealership, and other relevant parties.

This centralized coordination ensures that the appraisal is conducted promptly, accurately, and in accordance with program guidelines.

Exceptions to Appraisal Requirements: Streamlined Repairs

While a damage appraisal is generally required before repairs, the Chrysler car program makes exceptions for certain types of repairs that are considered essential for safety or routine maintenance. These exceptions are designed to expedite necessary repairs without unnecessary delays. Repairs that typically do not require a vehicle damage estimate include:

Safety-Related Repairs: Immediate repairs to safety-critical components such as headlights, taillights, and rearview mirrors are prioritized and do not require prior appraisal. If a Stellantis dealership is unavailable for these urgent repairs, participants may use a licensed repair facility, pay for the repairs, and seek reimbursement.
Tires: Tire replacements and repairs are typically handled under a separate tire policy within the Chrysler car program.
Wheel Alignments: Routine wheel alignments do not necessitate a damage appraisal unless they are related to accident damage requiring a claim.
Windshield Glass Replacement: If windshield replacement is needed due to damage without any associated body damage, an appraisal is not required. However, if body damage is present along with windshield damage, a claim and appraisal are necessary.
Stolen Radios and Equipment: Replacement of stolen radios or equipment, provided there is no accompanying body damage, generally does not require a vehicle damage appraisal.

These exceptions streamline the process for common and safety-related repairs, allowing participants to address these issues quickly and efficiently.

Handling Different Types of Vehicle Damage within the Chrysler Program

The Chrysler car program policy provides specific guidelines for handling various types of vehicle damage, ranging from minor bodywork to vandalism and environmental damage. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for participants to navigate the appropriate repair procedures.

Body Damage: Wear Square, Repair Thresholds

Body damage is a common concern, and the Chrysler program utilizes a “Wear Square” tool to assess the severity of minor damage. The Wear Square is a measuring tool used to determine if scratches, dents, or other body damage exceed the program’s acceptable wear and tear standards.

Damage Exceeding Wear Square Standards: Any body damage that exceeds the Wear Square standards necessitates filing an accident claim and obtaining a repair estimate from a franchised dealer.
Damage Under $1,000: For body damage estimated to be under $1,000, repairs should generally 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, participants must retain the repair estimate for vehicle turn-in.
Damage of $1,000 or More: If the repair estimate for body damage is $1,000 or greater, claim approval from Stellantis Claims (CEI) is mandatory before any repairs commence.

Normal wear and tear, such as minor scratches and dings that fall within acceptable wear and tear standards, are not authorized for repair under the program.

Vandalism: Specific Procedures

Vehicle vandalism incidents are addressed under specific guidelines within the Chrysler car program.

Vandalism with Body, Suspension, or Stolen Equipment Damage: In cases of vandalism that result in body damage, suspension or underbody damage, or stolen equipment, the standard Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process must be followed. A courtesy repair estimate can be obtained from any Stellantis franchised dealership. If the estimate is under $1,000, repairs are typically not authorized. For estimates of $1,000 or more, a claim must be filed, and importantly, a police report must be provided to substantiate the vandalism claim.
Glass Damage due to Vandalism: If vandalism causes glass damage in conjunction with body, suspension, or stolen equipment damage, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies, requiring a claim and a police report.
Windshield Damage Only (No Other Vandalism Damage): For isolated windshield damage from vandalism without other vehicle damage or stolen equipment, participants are directed to contact Safelite for replacement, simplifying the process for this specific type of damage.
Other Glass Damage Only (No Windshield or Other Vandalism Damage): If vandalism results in damage to other vehicle glass (sunroof, windows, etc.) without windshield damage or other forms of vehicle damage/theft, a claim must still be filed.
Windshield and Other Glass Damage: When vandalism causes damage to both the windshield and other vehicle glass, a claim is required.

Hail and Salt Water Damage: Policy and Disclosure

Hail and salt water damage are explicitly addressed in the Chrysler car program policy.

No Repair Policy: The program’s policy is generally not to repair vehicle body damage resulting from hail or salt water exposure (excluding glass replacement).
Mandatory Inspection and Disclosure: Despite the no-repair policy, all vehicles sustaining hail damage must undergo inspection to document the extent of the damage. This appraisal is essential for disclosure purposes when the vehicle is turned in at the end of the program. Participants are required to follow the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy for hail damage and retain the appraisal documentation in the vehicle’s glove compartment.
Vehicle Replacement for Severe Damage: In cases of severe hail or salt water damage, participants may be eligible to request a vehicle replacement. This request must be made to Company Vehicle Operations after the damage appraisal has been completed.

Loaner Vehicle Policy for Chrysler Car Program Participants

To minimize disruption when a Chrysler program vehicle requires repairs, the program provides a loaner vehicle policy for eligible participants.

Loaner Vehicle Availability and Procedures

The availability and procedures for obtaining a loaner vehicle depend on the participant’s geographic location.

Southeastern Michigan Participants: Participants in the Southeastern Michigan area can contact the Loaner Department at the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center to arrange for a loaner vehicle if their program vehicle will be under repair for three days or longer. It’s important to note that any damage to the loaner vehicle itself is also subject to the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy.
Indiana Residents: In Indiana, loaner vehicles may be available by contacting [email protected]. Availability is limited, and this option may not always be accessible. Insurance is included with this option.
Participants Outside SE MI and Indiana: Participants residing outside Southeastern Michigan and Indiana can utilize Business Travel’s designated provider to book a rental loaner. Insurance is included in the Stellantis contracted rate when booking through Business Travel for loaner rentals. Participants should state they are part of the Company Vehicle Program when making the rental reservation. A validation letter from Company Vehicle Operations is required when renting through Business Travel; this can be obtained by emailing [email protected] with the necessary participant details.

Loaner rentals outside of SE MI are permissible for drivers aged 18 and over. For younger drivers, the participant may rent the vehicle and provide alternate transportation using another household vehicle.

Reimbursement for Rentals (Outside Loaner Areas)

In situations where a loaner vehicle from the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center is not feasible (e.g., for participants outside Southeastern Michigan), the Chrysler car program offers a reimbursement for rental vehicle expenses.

Reimbursement Rate: The reimbursement rate is $35 per day, up to a maximum of $350 per repair occurrence. This reimbursement is intended to cover the cost of a compact-size rental vehicle. Approval from Company Vehicle Operations is required if a larger vehicle is needed due to special circumstances.
Rental Timing: Participants can rent a vehicle starting from the day their program vehicle goes in for repair, provided they are aware that the repair duration will exceed three days.
Lease Payment Continuation: It is important to note that the monthly lease payment for the Chrysler program vehicle continues even while it is out of service for repairs and a loaner or rental vehicle is in use.
Extended Repairs: If repairs are expected to exceed 10 days or if the maximum rental reimbursement amount may be surpassed, participants should contact the dealership to understand the reason for the delay and contact Company Vehicle Operations for assistance in expediting repairs or obtaining a rental extension. Rental extensions beyond 10 days require approval from Company Vehicle Operations every 10 days.

What Happens When a Chrysler Program Vehicle is Totaled?

In the unfortunate event that a Chrysler program vehicle is deemed a total loss, specific procedures are in place to manage the situation.

Procedure for Totaled Vehicles

When an authorized appraiser determines that a Chrysler program vehicle is totaled, the following steps are initiated:

Participant Notification: The appraiser will notify the program participant of the totaled vehicle status.
Vehicle Preparation: The participant is responsible for removing all personal belongings, the license plate, vehicle registration, insurance certificate, and any other lease-related documents from the totaled vehicle. All removed items, except for the insurance certificate, should be returned to the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center. The insurance certificate should be transferred to the replacement vehicle if applicable.
Notification to Company Vehicle Operations: The participant must notify Company Vehicle Operations of the totaled vehicle status by submitting an Interim Vehicle Replacement Form, which can be found on the Company Vehicle Operations website. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days before contacting the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center.
Loaner Vehicle Return (If Applicable): Participants in Southeastern Michigan who have a loaner vehicle from the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center must return it at this time and select an interim vehicle.

Replacement vs. Termination of Program

The Chrysler car program provides options for participants whose vehicles are totaled, depending on their program participation status and vehicle needs.

Vehicle Replacement: Participants who wish to remain in the Chrysler car program are required to replace totaled vehicles. Within Southeastern Michigan, participants will select an interim vehicle and then order a new program vehicle during the next available ordering phase. Outside Southeastern Michigan, participants should contact Company Vehicle Operations for guidance on vehicle replacement. New vehicle orders are contingent on whether the corporation is still manufacturing vehicles.
Program Termination: Participants who choose not to replace a totaled vehicle and wish to exit the Chrysler car program must submit a completed Termination Form, indicating the totaled status of their vehicle. This form, available on the Company Vehicle Operations website, must be signed and submitted as per the instructions on the form to discontinue monthly lease payments. If a new vehicle order was already placed prior to the vehicle being totaled and the participant no longer wishes to take delivery, this should also be noted on the Termination Form.

Dealer Billing and Claim Handling for Chrysler Program Vehicles

To streamline the financial aspects of vehicle repairs, the Chrysler car program has established procedures for dealer billing and handling third-party claims.

How Dealerships Handle Billing

Stellantis franchised dealerships are required to submit repair orders/invoices and the damage appraisal directly to Company Vehicle Operations for payment processing. These documents should be submitted to:

Fleet Operations – Vehicle Claims
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (833) 550-5783

Upon receipt and approval, a credit for the repair amount is issued to the dealership’s Dealer Billing Statement under Billing Code “0057”. This direct billing process simplifies payment and ensures accurate record-keeping for Chrysler program vehicle repairs.

Third-Party Claim Procedures

In situations where a third party (another individual, attorney, or insurance company) contacts a Chrysler car program participant regarding a vehicle damage claim, participants are instructed to redirect these inquiries immediately to Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. Participants are not authorized to settle claims involving Stellantis-owned vehicles directly. All third-party communications, whether by phone or mail, should be promptly referred to Gallagher Bassett for handling and response. This centralized claim handling ensures consistent and legally sound management of liability and claims arising from vehicle incidents.

Conclusion

Navigating the Chrysler car program’s vehicle damage repair policy effectively requires understanding its key principles, procedures, and participant responsibilities. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this article, participants can ensure that their Chrysler program vehicles are properly maintained, repaired with OEM parts at authorized facilities, and that all damage incidents are reported and processed according to program requirements. This proactive approach not only protects the value and safety of the vehicles but also safeguards participants from potential financial liabilities and ensures compliance with the Chrysler car program’s stipulations. Staying informed and following these procedures is essential for a smooth and trouble-free experience within the Chrysler car program.