Navigating the FCA Company Car Program: Your Guide to Vehicle Damage Repair

Understanding the vehicle damage repair policy is crucial for participants in the Fca Company Car Program. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the procedures and regulations you need to follow in case your company-owned vehicle sustains damage. Adhering to this policy ensures compliance with both company guidelines and legal requirements, especially concerning vehicle damage disclosure upon sale.

Essential Aspects of the FCA Company Car Vehicle Damage Repair Policy

The FCA Company Car program mandates specific protocols for all vehicle repairs. These are designed to maintain vehicle quality, ensure safety, and comply with legal obligations. Key aspects of the policy include:

Authorized Repair Facilities and OEM Parts

All repairs on company-owned vehicles must be conducted at Stellantis franchised dealerships or their referred sublet facilities. This requirement ensures that repairs are performed by certified technicians using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Using OEM parts is critical for maintaining the vehicle’s integrity, safety standards, and resale value. Repairs carried out at independent facilities are not authorized and will not be reimbursed by the program. Participants will be held fully responsible for any costs associated with unauthorized repairs.

Damage Disclosure Requirements

It is important to note that both federal and numerous state laws necessitate Stellantis to provide complete transparency regarding all body damage repairs when a company-owned vehicle is sold. This legal obligation underscores the importance of adhering to the outlined repair procedures and accurately documenting all vehicle damage incidents.

Step-by-Step Guide to Accident and Damage Reporting

In the unfortunate event of vehicle damage or an accident involving your company-owned vehicle, immediate action and proper reporting are essential. Follow these steps meticulously to ensure you are in compliance with the FCA Company Car Program policy:

Prioritize Safety and Aid: First and foremost, ensure the safety of yourself and others. Provide assistance to anyone injured in the accident.
Contact Law Enforcement: File a police report at the accident scene. Comply with the specific state laws regarding accident reporting.
Complete the Accident/Damage Report Form: Before leaving the scene, thoroughly fill out the Accident/Damage Report Form. Remember to retain a copy of this form for your personal records.
Immediate Notification to Stellantis Claims (CEI): As soon as possible after the accident, contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) at 1-800-313-7448. Provide them with the completed information from the Accident/Damage Report Form. It’s crucial to identify yourself as a Stellantis employee to ensure proper handling of your claim. Stellantis Claims specialists are available around the clock, 24/7, to assist you.
Contact Gallagher Bassett for Injury or Third-Party Damage: For any inquiries related to injuries or damages to third-party vehicles or property, contact Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. at 1-866-850-1933, or 1-248-452-6050.
Adhere to Stellantis Procedures: Ensure full compliance with all established Stellantis accident and fleet procedures.
Authorized Stellantis Dealership for Repairs: All vehicle repairs and the necessary paperwork must be managed exclusively through an authorized Stellantis franchised dealership.

Understanding Participant Responsibility and Negligence

Participants in the FCA Company Car Program may bear financial responsibility for vehicle repairs, up to 100% of the cost, if the damage is a result of negligence or unauthorized vehicle modifications. Negligence encompasses a range of actions and failures to act responsibly, including but not limited to:

Interior and Exterior Damage: Damage caused by the custodian, driver, or vehicle occupant, such as spills, upholstery tears or burns, pet damage, and cracked or damaged radio screens.
Fuel-Related Issues: Using the incorrect fuel type in the vehicle.
Cargo and Loading Damage: Damage resulting from loading, unloading, or transporting cargo, including improperly secured tonneau covers.
Ice Scraper Damage: Damage caused by improper ice scraping techniques.

It is critical to understand that repairs performed at independent, non-authorized facilities are not reimbursable. Participants are fully liable for all expenses arising from such unauthorized repairs. Furthermore, the FCA Company Car Program does not cover or reimburse personal property damaged in a vehicle accident.

Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy and Procedure

To streamline the repair process and ensure proper authorization, Stellantis Claims (CEI) manages vehicle damage appraisals. Here’s how the process works:

Claim Number Assignment: Upon contacting Stellantis Claims (CEI), a representative will assign a vehicle damage claim number.
Dealership Coordination: CEI will coordinate with a Stellantis franchised dealership to conduct an initial damage inspection.
Claim Management: CEI manages the entire claim and repair process, ensuring adherence to policy guidelines.

Situations Exempt from Vehicle Damage Estimates

Certain types of repairs are considered essential for safety and vehicle maintenance and do not require a pre-repair damage estimate:

Safety-Related Repairs: Immediate repairs for safety-critical components like headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, and side mirrors are mandatory and do not require prior appraisal. If a Stellantis dealership is unavailable, repairs can be done at a licensed facility, with reimbursement requested subsequently.
Tires: Tire-related issues are addressed under a separate Tire policy within the Maintenance, Modifications & Roadside section of the program guidelines.
Wheel Alignments: Routine wheel alignments are typically considered maintenance and do not require a damage estimate.
Windshield Glass Replacement (No Body Damage): Windshield replacement is exempt from appraisal only if there is no accompanying body damage. If body damage is present, a claim must be filed. Refer to the Glass policy under Maintenance, Modification & Roadside for further details.
Stolen Radios and Equipment (No Body Damage): Replacement of stolen radios or equipment does not require an appraisal if there is no associated body damage. See the dedicated section on ‘Stolen Equipment’ for detailed procedures.

Addressing Various Types of Vehicle Damage

The FCA Company Car Program policy provides specific guidelines for different types of vehicle damage:

Body Damage

Any body damage exceeding the limits defined by the Company Vehicle Operations Wear Square necessitates filing an accident claim and obtaining a repair estimate from a franchised dealer. The Wear Square, a tool provided by the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center, helps measure damage extent and tire tread depth to determine repair or tire replacement needs.

Damage Under $1,000: For body damage estimated below $1,000, repairs should only be pursued if the damage significantly detracts from the vehicle’s appearance or compromises safety or structural integrity. Repairs under this threshold require prior approval from Company Vehicle Operations. If repairs are not made, retain the repair estimate for vehicle turn-in.
Damage $1,000 or More: If the repair estimate is $1,000 or exceeds this amount, claim approval from Stellantis Claims (CEI) is mandatory before commencing any repairs.

Normal Wear and Tear

Repairs for normal wear and tear, including minor scratches and dings, are not authorized under the FCA Company Car Program and should not be undertaken.

Rims and 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., due to pothole impact), a single claim should be filed with CEI covering both. While scratched rims may or may not be covered depending on the severity, filing a claim for appraisal is advisable.

Vehicle Vandalism

The Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process is applicable in vandalism cases involving body damage, suspension or underbody damage, or stolen equipment.

Body Damage from Vandalism: Body damage (sheet metal) resulting from vandalism must be appraised and repaired according to the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy. For estimates under $1,000, repairs are generally not made. For estimates of $1,000 or more, a claim and police report are required before repairs.
Glass Damage from Vandalism: If vandalism causes glass damage alongside body, suspension, underbody damage, or stolen equipment, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies. A claim and police report are necessary.
- 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 (sunroof, window, etc.) occurs without other vehicle damage or stolen equipment, a claim must be filed.
- Windshield and Other Glass Damage: In cases of damage to both the windshield and other glass components, a claim must be filed.

Stolen Equipment/Vandalism

If equipment theft or vandalism is accompanied by body damage, suspension, or underbody damage, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy must be followed. A claim and police report are required. Replacement of Original Equipment by Manufacturer (OEM) parts must be performed at a Stellantis franchised dealership.

Personal Property

Stellantis assumes no responsibility for theft or vandalism of personal property within company vehicles. Participants should seek coverage for such losses through their personal insurance policies.

Hail or Salt Water Damage

Stellantis policy generally prohibits repairing vehicle body damage (excluding glass replacement) caused by hail or salt water. However, all hail-damaged vehicles must undergo inspection for damage disclosure purposes at vehicle turn-in, following the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy. This damage appraisal should be kept in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Vehicles with severe hail or salt water damage may be eligible for replacement with a new vehicle order, upon request to Company Vehicle Operations after appraisal completion.

Investigations and Legal Proceedings

Participants and permittees of company vehicles are required to fully cooperate with company investigations into accidents and vehicle damage. In cases of theft, vandalism, or damage, including situations involving alleged criminal or civil wrongdoing, cooperation with government authorities and Stellantis is mandatory. This includes signing complaints, acting as witnesses, and taking other necessary actions as requested.

Participants are reminded to retain copies of all police and accident reports, damage appraisals, and any relevant documentation pertaining to accidents or loss incidents.

Loaner and Rental Vehicle Policy During Repairs

To minimize inconvenience during vehicle repairs, the FCA Company Car Program offers loaner and rental vehicle options:

Loaner Vehicles (Southeastern Michigan)

Participants in Southeastern Michigan can arrange for a loaner vehicle from the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center Loaner Department at (833) 550-5783 if their company vehicle will be under repair for three or more days. Note: The Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy also applies to any damage to the loaner vehicle itself.

Rental Vehicles (Outside Southeastern Michigan)

For participants residing outside Southeastern Michigan, two options are available:

Indiana Residents: Loaner vehicles may be available in Indiana by emailing [email protected]. Availability is currently limited to Indiana and vehicle inventory may be restricted. Insurance is included. If a local loaner is unavailable, utilize the Business Travel rental option.
Business Travel Rentals: Book rental loaner vehicles through Business Travel’s designated provider at (669) 272-1325. Loaner rentals outside SE MI are permitted for drivers 18 and older. For drivers under 18, the participant can rent a vehicle and provide an alternate household vehicle for the younger driver. Insurance is included in the Stellantis contracted rate for Business Travel rentals. State that you are a Company Vehicle Program participant when booking.

To obtain a validation letter for Business Travel rentals, email Company Vehicle Operations at [email protected] with:

* CID
* Retiree First and Last Name
* Dependent First and Last Name (if applicable)
* Indicate who the rental is for

Upon verification, a validation letter will be emailed to you. Present this letter at the rental counter.

Rental vehicle reimbursement is capped at $35 per day, with a maximum of $350 per incident. The monthly lease payment for the company vehicle continues while it is under repair. Participants should only take their vehicle to the dealership for repair once parts are ordered and the dealership is ready to proceed. Compact size rental vehicles generally comply with the $35/day price range. Approval from Company Vehicle Operations is needed for larger vehicles if required.

For repairs exceeding 10 days or if the rental maximum is reached, contact the dealership to ascertain the reason for the delay and contact Company Vehicle Operations for assistance in expediting repairs or extending the rental period. Note: Email Company Vehicle Operations every 10 days to request rental extensions if repairs are prolonged.

Totaled Vehicles: Procedures and Policies

In the event a company vehicle is declared a total loss by an authorized appraiser, the participant will be notified. The participant is responsible for removing all personal items, license plates, registration, insurance certificate, and lease documents from the vehicle. All items except the insurance certificate should be returned to the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center. The insurance certificate should be transferred to the replacement vehicle.

Lapeer Road Marshaling Center Address:

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 vehicle status by submitting an Interim Vehicle Replacement Form (available on the Company Vehicle Operations website under the Forms tab). Allow 2-3 business days for processing before contacting the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center.

Totaled Vehicle Replacement

Within Southeastern Michigan: Return any loaner vehicle to the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center and select an interim vehicle. Use the 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. Participants are required to replace totaled vehicles to remain in the lease car program. New orders are contingent on continued vehicle production by the corporation.

Totaled Vehicles Not Being Replaced

Participants choosing not to replace a totaled vehicle must submit a completed Termination Form (found under the Bulletins and Forms tab) indicating the vehicle’s totaled status. Submit the signed form to the address or fax number provided on the form. The Termination Form will halt monthly lease payments from payroll/pension deductions as of the vehicle totaled date. If a new vehicle order is already placed and the participant declines delivery, this should also be noted on the Termination Form.

Dealer Billing Information

Stellantis franchised dealerships should submit repair orders/invoices and appraisals for company vehicle repairs to Company Vehicle Operations for payment via:

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

Dealerships will receive a credit for repair amounts on their Dealer Billing Statement under Billing Code “0057”.

Third-Party Claim Handling

Any claims or communications from third parties (individuals, attorneys, or insurance companies) regarding company vehicle incidents must be immediately referred to Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. for handling and response.

Participants or custodians are not authorized to settle claims involving Stellantis-owned vehicles.

By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, participants in the FCA Company Car Program can ensure a smooth and compliant process for vehicle damage repair, maintaining both vehicle integrity and program compliance.