For participants in the Fca Lease Car Program – now under Stellantis – understanding the vehicle damage repair policy is crucial. This guide outlines the official procedures to ensure company-owned vehicles are properly maintained and repaired, adhering to Stellantis’ regulations and legal requirements. This policy ensures transparency, quality repairs, and compliance, particularly important when the vehicle is part of the FCA lease car program.
Key Requirements for Vehicle Damage Repair under the FCA Lease Car Program
When it comes to repairs for your leased vehicle under the FCA lease car program, remember these essential points:
- Authorized Repairs Only: All repairs must be conducted at a Stellantis franchised dealership or a sublet facility referred by them. This guarantees quality and adherence to Stellantis standards, specifically for vehicles within the fca lease car program.
- OEM Parts Mandate: Only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are permitted for repairs. This ensures the integrity and safety of the vehicle, maintaining the standards expected within the fca lease car program.
- Damage Disclosure: Federal and state laws necessitate full disclosure of all body damage repairs when a company-owned vehicle is sold. This emphasizes the importance of following protocol for all vehicles within the fca lease car program.
- Stellantis Claims Contact: For every claim and damage appraisal, contacting Stellantis Claims (CEI) at (800) 313-7448 is mandatory. This is the first step in the official procedure for any damage under the fca lease car program.
- Claim Number is Essential: A vehicle damage claim number from Stellantis Claims (CEI) is required before initiating any repairs. This number is your key to managing the repair process within the fca lease car program.
- Authorized Appraisal Before Repair: An authorized damage appraisal must be completed before any repair work begins on your leased vehicle. This ensures proper assessment and management of costs associated with the fca lease car program.
Important Note on Responsibility: Participants in the fca lease car program may be financially responsible for up to 100% of repair costs if damage is due to negligence or unapproved modifications. Negligence examples include interior/exterior damage caused by the custodian or vehicle occupants, such as spills, tears, burns, incorrect fuel usage, ice scraper damage, pet damage, cracked screens, cargo damage, or unsecured tonneau covers. Unauthorized repairs at independent facilities are not reimbursable and are the participant’s responsibility under the fca lease car program. Personal property damage resulting from accidents is also not covered.
Accident and Damage Reporting Procedure for FCA Lease Car Program Vehicles
In case of an accident or damage to your fca lease car program vehicle, follow these steps meticulously:
- Ensure Safety First: Prioritize getting help for any injured individuals.
- File a Police Report: Always file a police report, adhering to the laws of the state where the accident occurred. This is a critical step for insurance and legal purposes, even for fca lease car program vehicles.
- Complete Accident/Damage Report Form: Fill out all sections of the Accident/Damage Report Form (link provided below in original article). Retain a copy for your records, essential for managing your involvement in the fca lease car program.
- Contact Stellantis Claims Immediately: Call Stellantis Claims (CEI) at 1-800-313-7448 as soon as possible after the accident with the completed information. Identify yourself as a Stellantis employee participating in the fca lease car program. Claims specialists are available 24/7.
- Gallagher Bassett Services Inc.: For injury-related questions 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.
- Comply with Stellantis Procedures: Ensure you adhere to all Stellantis accident and fleet procedures related to the fca lease car program.
- Authorized Dealership for Repairs and Paperwork: All vehicle repairs and required paperwork must be handled by an authorized Stellantis franchised dealership to maintain compliance within the fca lease car program.
[Link to Accident Reporting Kit and Form (from original article if available)]
Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy for FCA Lease Car Program Participants
A Stellantis Claims (CEI) representative will provide a vehicle damage claim number and coordinate with a Stellantis franchised dealership for the initial damage inspection and manage the entire claim and repair process. This streamlined process is designed for efficiency and control over repair quality for vehicles in the fca lease car program.
Repairs Not Requiring a Vehicle Damage Estimate:
Certain safety and maintenance repairs for fca lease car program vehicles do not necessitate a damage estimate, allowing for quicker resolution:
- Safety Repairs: Immediate safety-related repairs such as headlights, taillights, and mirrors do not require prior appraisal. If a Stellantis dealership isn’t accessible, a licensed repair facility can perform the repairs, with reimbursement requested afterward.
- Tires: Tire issues are covered under a separate Tire policy (refer to the Tire page under Maintenance, Modifications & Roadside tab for specifics).
- Wheel Alignments: Routine wheel alignments do not require a damage estimate.
- Windshield Replacement (No Body Damage): Windshield replacement without accompanying body damage is exempt from appraisal. However, body damage necessitates filing a claim.
- Stolen Radios/Equipment (No Body Damage): Replacement of stolen radios or equipment without body damage doesn’t require an estimate.
Understanding Other Damages and Repairs within the FCA Lease Car Program
Body Damage: Any damage exceeding the Company Vehicle Operations Wear Square standards requires an accident claim and repair estimate from a franchised dealer. The Wear Square tool, used to measure damage and tire tread, can be obtained from the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center or Company Vehicle Operations Group. For body damage under $1,000 that doesn’t compromise safety or appearance significantly, repairs should be avoided unless approved by Company Vehicle Operations. Retain the repair estimate for vehicle turn-in. Claims for $1,000 or more must be approved by Stellantis Claims (CEI) before repairs begin.
Normal Wear and Tear: Minor scratches and dings from normal wear and tear are not authorized for repair and should not be addressed under the fca lease car program.
Rims/Wheels: Damage to rims/wheels necessitates a claim for repair or replacement. If both tire and rim are damaged simultaneously (e.g., pothole), file a combined claim with CEI. Scratched rims may or may not be covered depending on severity; always file a claim for appraisal.
Vehicle Vandalism and the FCA Lease Car Program
In cases of vandalism impacting fca lease car program vehicles, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process is used only when there is body damage, suspension/underbody damage, or stolen equipment.
Body Damage from Vandalism: Body damage (sheet metal) due to vandalism requires appraisal and repair according to the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy. A courtesy estimate from a Stellantis dealer is advised; for estimates under $1,000, repairs are generally not made. For estimates of $1,000 or more, a claim and police report are mandatory before repairs.
Glass Damage from Vandalism:
- For glass damage accompanied by body, suspension, underbody damage, or stolen equipment, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies. A claim and police report are required.
- For windshield damage only (no other vehicle damage or theft), contact Safelite for replacement directly.
- For damage to other glass (sunroof, window, etc.) without windshield or other vehicle damage/theft, a claim is necessary.
- For damage to both windshield and other glass, a claim must be filed.
Stolen Equipment/Vandalism: If equipment is stolen or vandalized along with body, suspension, or underbody damage, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy must be followed. File a claim and police report. OEM replacement must be at a Stellantis franchised dealership.
Personal Property: Stellantis is not liable for theft or vandalism of personal property in fca lease car program vehicles. Participants should use their personal insurance for such losses.
Hail or Salt Water Damage and FCA Lease Car Program Vehicles
Stellantis policy generally does not cover body damage repair (excluding glass replacement) from hail or salt water. However, all hail-damaged vehicles in the fca lease car program must be inspected for damage disclosure upon vehicle turn-in. Follow the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy and keep the appraisal in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Severely damaged vehicles may be replaced; contact Company Vehicle Operations to request a replacement after appraisal.
Investigations, Legal Proceedings, and Your FCA Lease Car Program Vehicle
Participants and permittees of fca lease car program vehicles must fully cooperate with company investigations into accidents and damage. In cases of theft, vandalism, or damage (including alleged wrongdoing), cooperation with authorities and Stellantis is required, including signing complaints, acting as witnesses, and other necessary actions. Remember to keep copies of all police and accident reports, damage appraisals, and relevant information.
Loaner/Rental Policy During Repairs for FCA Lease Car Program Participants
For participants in Southeastern Michigan, contact the Loaner Department at the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center at (833) 550-5783 to arrange a loaner vehicle if repairs will exceed three days. The Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy also applies to loaner vehicles.
Outside Southeastern Michigan:
- Indiana Residents: May obtain a loaner in Indiana by emailing [email protected] (limited availability, insurance included).
- Business Travel Rental: Use Business Travel’s designated provider (669) 272-1325 for rental loaners. For drivers 18+, rentals are permissible; for younger drivers, the participant can rent and provide another household vehicle. Insurance is included at the Stellantis contracted rate. State participation in the Company Vehicle Program when calling. Email [email protected] with CID, retiree/dependent names, and rental purpose for a validation letter to present at the rental counter.
Rental reimbursement is capped at $35/day, maximum $350 per incident. Monthly lease payments continue while the vehicle is being repaired. Wait to leave drivable vehicles at dealerships until parts are in and repairs are ready to begin. Compact loaner rentals generally fit within the $35/day range. Larger vehicle requests require Company Vehicle Operations approval. For repairs exceeding 10 days or rental maximum, contact the dealership and Company Vehicle Operations for assistance, including rental extensions (requested every 10 days via email).
Totaled Vehicles and the FCA Lease Car Program
If a vehicle is declared totaled, the appraiser will notify the participant. Remove personal items, license plate, registration, insurance certificate, and lease documents (return all except insurance certificate to Lapeer Road Marshaling Center). Notify Company Vehicle Operations of totaled status via Interim Vehicle Replacement Form on the Company Vehicle Operations website (Forms tab). Allow 2-3 days processing before contacting the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center.
Within Southeastern Michigan: Return any loaner vehicle from the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center and select an interim vehicle until a new vehicle is ordered (during the second or third ordering phase).
Outside Southeastern Michigan: Contact Company Vehicle Operations for assistance replacing totaled vehicles to remain in the fca lease car program. Replacement orders are contingent on continued vehicle production.
Totaled Vehicles Not Being Replaced: Submit a Termination Form (Bulletins and Forms tab) indicating totaled status to discontinue lease payments. Note on the form if a vehicle order should be cancelled.
Dealer Billing for FCA Lease Car Program Repairs
Stellantis franchised dealerships must submit repair orders/invoices and appraisals to Fleet Operations – Vehicle Claims at [email protected] or via phone (833) 550-5783 for payment. Credits are issued to the dealer’s billing statement under Billing Code “0057”.
Third Party Contacts Regarding FCA Lease Car Program Vehicles
Refer any third-party claims or contacts (individuals, attorneys, insurers) to Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. immediately. Participants in the fca lease car program are not authorized to settle claims involving Stellantis-owned vehicles.
Lapeer Road Marshaling Center Contact:
Stellantis CIMS: 438-01-00
4300 S. Lapeer Road
Orion Twp., MI 48359
Outside Line: (833) 550-5783
