For retirees participating in the Chrysler (now Stellantis) company car program, understanding the vehicle damage repair policy is crucial. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to ensure you’re compliant and protected. This program, a significant perk for Chrysler retirees, comes with responsibilities, particularly concerning vehicle maintenance and damage. This article will delve into the specifics of the vehicle damage repair policy, ensuring participants are well-informed and prepared.
Navigating Vehicle Damage and Repairs Under the Chrysler Retiree Program
The core principle of the Chrysler Retiree Company Car Program’s vehicle damage policy is clear: all repairs on company-owned vehicles must be conducted at Stellantis franchised dealerships or their referred sublet facilities, utilizing OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. This mandate ensures quality and maintains vehicle standards, aligning with Stellantis’s commitment to vehicle integrity and safety.
This policy is not just a procedural guideline; it’s rooted in legal requirements. Federal and state laws necessitate full disclosure of all body damage repairs when a company-owned vehicle is sold. Adhering to the outlined procedure is essential for compliance across the United States, District of Columbia, and Canada.
Step-by-Step Damage Repair Procedure
When damage occurs, the protocol is straightforward but must be followed diligently:
- Initial Contact: Stellantis Claims (CEI). The first action is to contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) at (800) 313-7448. This is your central point of contact for all damage-related issues and appraisals.
- Claim Number Acquisition. Upon contacting CEI, you must obtain a vehicle damage claim number. This number is crucial for tracking and managing the repair process.
- Authorized Damage Appraisal. Before any repairs commence, an authorized damage appraisal is mandatory. This appraisal, facilitated by Stellantis Claims, determines the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.
It’s vital to understand that participants may bear financial responsibility for repairs. Negligence or unapproved modifications can lead to the participant being liable for up to 100% of the repair costs. Negligence is broadly defined and includes various forms of damage caused by the custodian, driver, or vehicle occupant. Examples include interior damage like spills, tears, or burns, exterior damage, using incorrect fuel, ice scraper damage, pet-related damage, cracked screens, and damage from cargo loading/unloading or unsecured tonneau covers.
Furthermore, repairs from independent facilities are strictly unauthorized and non-reimbursable. Participants who opt for independent repairs will be fully responsible for all resulting costs. The policy also explicitly states that personal property damaged in an accident is not covered or reimbursable.
Accident and Damage Reporting: A Must-Follow Guide
In the unfortunate event of an accident or vehicle damage, immediate and correct reporting is paramount. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accident/damage reporting under the Chrysler Retiree Company Car Program:
- Immediate Safety First. Prioritize safety by providing assistance to any injured individuals.
- Police Report Filing. File a police report immediately. Comply with the specific state laws where the accident occurred when reporting to the police.
- Accident/Damage Report Form. Complete the Accident/Damage Report Form meticulously at the accident scene. Ensure all requested information is filled out before leaving. Crucially, retain a copy of this form for your personal records.
- Contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) Immediately. As soon as possible after the accident, call Stellantis Claims (CEI) at 1-800-313-7448. Provide them with the completed information from the Accident/Damage Report Form. Remember to identify yourself as a Stellantis employee/retiree. Experienced claim specialists are available around the clock, 24/7.
- Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. For injury-related queries or concerns about damage to third-party vehicles or property, contact Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. at 1-866-850-1933 or 1-248-452-6050.
- Stellantis Procedures Compliance. Ensure full compliance with all Stellantis accident and fleet procedures.
- Authorized Stellantis Dealership Repairs. All vehicle repairs and associated paperwork must be handled exclusively by an authorized Stellantis franchised dealership.
[alt text: Chrysler retiree company car program accident report form link, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation for vehicle damage claims]
Click here for the complete Accident Reporting Kit and Accident/Damage Report Form. This kit provides detailed guidance and the necessary forms for proper accident reporting.
Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy and Procedure: Ensuring Fair Assessment
The vehicle damage appraisal process is designed to be efficient and managed directly by Stellantis Claims (CEI). Upon reporting damage, a CEI representative will issue a vehicle damage claim number and coordinate with a Stellantis franchised dealership. This dealership will conduct the initial damage inspection and manage the subsequent claim and repair process end-to-end.
However, certain repairs are exempt from requiring a vehicle damage estimate, streamlining the process for minor yet critical issues:
- Safety-Related Repairs: Repairs critical for safety, such as headlights, taillights, and rearview/side mirrors, must be addressed immediately and do not require prior appraisal. If a Stellantis dealership isn’t accessible, a licensed repair facility can perform these repairs. In such cases, the participant pays upfront and seeks reimbursement.
- Tires: Tire-related issues are covered under a separate Tire policy, detailed under the Maintenance, Modifications & Roadside tab of the program guidelines.
- Wheel Alignments: Standard wheel alignments do not necessitate a damage estimate.
- Windshield Glass Replacement (No Body Damage): Windshield replacement is exempt from appraisal if there’s no accompanying body damage. However, if body damage is present, a claim filing becomes mandatory. Further details are available on the Glass policy page under the Maintenance, Modification & Roadside tab.
- Stolen Radios/Equipment (No Body Damage): Replacement of stolen radios or equipment without associated body damage does not require a damage estimate. Refer to the ‘Stolen Equipment’ section for specific guidelines.
Understanding Other Types of Vehicle Damages and Repairs
Beyond accident-related damages, the policy addresses various other scenarios:
Body Damage: Any damage exceeding the standards defined by the Company Vehicle Operations Wear Square necessitates a claim. The Wear Square, a tool provided to measure damage severity and tire tread depth, helps determine repair or tire replacement needs. Wear Squares are provided at vehicle delivery and can be requested from Company Vehicle Operations.
[alt text: Chrysler Wear Square tool diagram, illustrating how to measure vehicle damage and tire tread depth for company car program policy compliance]
If body damage is under $1,000, repairs are generally discouraged unless the damage significantly impacts the vehicle’s appearance, safety, or structural integrity. Prior approval from Company Vehicle Operations is required for repairs under $1,000. It’s crucial to retain the repair estimate for unrepaired damage under $1,000, as it will be required during vehicle turn-in. For estimates of $1,000 or more, Stellantis Claims (CEI) approval is mandatory before initiating any repairs.
Normal Wear and Tear: The policy explicitly excludes repairs for normal wear and tear such as minor scratches and dings. These are considered part of the vehicle’s usage and are not authorized for repair under the program.
Rims/Wheels: Damage to rims or wheels necessitates a claim for repair or replacement. If both a tire and rim are damaged simultaneously (e.g., due to pothole impact), a single claim should be filed with CEI covering both. Scratched rims may or may not be covered depending on the damage extent, requiring a claim for appraisal to determine coverage.
Policy on Vehicle Vandalism, Glass Damage, and Stolen Equipment
The policy provides specific guidelines for vandalism, glass damage, and stolen equipment scenarios:
Vehicle Vandalism: In cases of vandalism, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process is only applicable when there’s body damage, suspension, underbody damage, or stolen equipment.
- Body Damage from Vandalism: Any sheet metal damage from vandalism requires appraisal and repair as per the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy. A courtesy estimate from a Stellantis dealership is advisable. For estimates under $1,000, repairs are typically not made. For estimates exceeding $1,000, a claim and police report are mandatory before repairs.
- Glass Damage from Vandalism: If glass damage is accompanied by body damage, suspension, underbody damage, or stolen equipment, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies. A claim and police report are required.
- Windshield Damage Only: For windshield damage alone (without other vehicle damage or stolen equipment), contact Safelite directly for replacement.
- Other Glass Damage Only: If glass damage involves other glass (sunroof, windows, etc.) but no windshield damage, body damage, or stolen equipment, a claim must be filed.
- Windshield and Other Glass Damage: If both the windshield and other glass components are damaged, a claim is mandatory.
Stolen Equipment/Vandalism: When equipment is stolen or vandalized alongside body damage, suspension, or underbody damage, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy is activated. A claim and police report are necessary. Replacements must use OEM parts and be performed at a Stellantis franchised dealership.
Personal Property Theft/Vandalism: Stellantis is not liable for personal property theft or vandalism in company vehicles. Participants should address such losses through their personal insurance.
Hail or Salt Water Damage Policy: Disclosure and Potential Replacement
Stellantis’s policy is not to repair body damage (excluding glass replacement) caused by hail or salt water. However, all hail-damaged vehicles must undergo inspection to document the damage extent for disclosure upon vehicle turn-in. Participants must adhere to the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy for this inspection, and the appraisal document should be kept in the vehicle’s glove compartment.
In cases of severe hail or salt water damage, vehicle replacement may be considered. Participants need to request this replacement through Company Vehicle Operations after the damage appraisal is completed.
Investigations, Legal Proceedings, and Participant Responsibilities
Full cooperation is expected from all participants and permittees in company investigations related to accidents and vehicle damage. In cases of theft, vandalism, or damage due to alleged criminal or civil wrongdoing, participants must cooperate with authorities and Stellantis. This includes signing complaints, acting as witnesses, and taking other necessary actions as requested.
Participants are responsible for retaining copies of all police reports, accident reports, damage appraisals, and any pertinent information related to accidents or loss incidents.
Loaner/Rental Vehicle Policy During Repairs: Ensuring Mobility
For participants in Southeastern Michigan, loaner vehicles can be arranged through the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center at (833) 550-5783 if the leased vehicle repair duration exceeds three days. Note: Damage to loaner vehicles also falls under the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy, and the Loaner Department at the same number should be contacted.
Participants outside Southeastern Michigan have two loaner options:
- Indiana Residents: Loaners may be available in Indiana by emailing [email protected]. Availability is limited, and this option is currently exclusive to Indiana. Insurance is included. If unavailable, Business Travel rental is the alternative.
- Business Travel Rental: Rentals can be booked through Business Travel’s designated provider at (669) 272-1325. Loaner rentals outside SE MI are permissible for drivers 18 and older. For younger, ineligible drivers, the participant can rent and provide an alternate household vehicle. Insurance is included in Stellantis’s contracted rate when booking through Business Travel. Crucially, mention participation in the Company Vehicle Program when calling.
To rent via Business Travel, email Company Vehicle Operations at [email protected] with CID, retiree name, dependent name (if applicable), and indicate who the rental is for. Upon verification, a validation letter will be emailed, required at the rental counter.
Rental reimbursement is capped at $35 per day, up to $350 per incident. The monthly lease payment continues while the vehicle is under repair. If possible, participants should only leave vehicles at dealerships once parts are ordered and the dealership is ready for repairs. Compact vehicle rentals generally align with the $35/day price range. Approval from Company Vehicle Operations via email is needed for larger vehicles due to special needs.
For repairs exceeding 10 days or reaching the maximum rental reimbursement, contact the dealership for updates and Company Vehicle Operations for assistance in expediting repairs or extending rentals. Rental extensions must be requested via email to Company Vehicle Operations every 10 days if repairs are ongoing.
Totaled Vehicles: Procedures for Replacement and Termination
If a vehicle is declared a total loss by an authorized appraiser, the participant will be notified. Personal property, license plates, registration, insurance certificate (except insurance certificate), and lease documents should be removed. Return everything except the insurance certificate to the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center:
Lapeer Road Marshaling Center Stellantis CIMS: 438-01-00 4300 S. Lapeer Road Orion Twp., MI 48359 Outside Line: (833) 550-5783
Notify Company Vehicle Operations of the totaled status using the Interim Vehicle Replacement Form from their website (Forms tab). Allow 2-3 business days for processing before contacting the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center.
- Within Southeastern Michigan: Return the loaner vehicle to the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center and select an interim vehicle, used until a new vehicle order is placed and delivered (new orders possible in the second or third ordering phase).
- Outside Southeastern Michigan: Contact Company Vehicle Operations for assistance. Participants are expected to replace totaled vehicles to remain in the program, contingent on continued vehicle production by Stellantis.
Totaled Vehicles Not Being Replaced:
Participants opting not to replace a totaled vehicle must submit a Termination Form (Bulletins and Forms tab) indicating the vehicle’s totaled status. This form, when completed and submitted, will stop monthly lease payments from the date of totaling. Note on the form if a vehicle has been ordered but will not be accepted.
Dealer Billing and Third-Party Contacts
Stellantis franchised dealerships must submit repair orders/invoices and appraisals to Company Vehicle Operations for payment at [email protected] or via phone at (833) 550-5783.
Dealer billing will be credited under Billing Code “0057”.
Any third-party communications (individuals, attorneys, insurers) should be immediately referred to Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. Participants are not authorized to settle claims involving Stellantis-owned vehicles.
This comprehensive guide ensures participants in the Chrysler Retiree Company Car Program are fully aware of the vehicle damage repair policies, procedures, and responsibilities, facilitating a smooth and compliant experience within the program.
