Understanding the vehicle damage repair policy is crucial for all participants in the Stellantis Company Car Program. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the procedures and guidelines you need to follow in the event of vehicle damage, ensuring compliance and a smooth repair process under the Stellantis company car program.
Key Principles of the Stellantis Vehicle Damage Repair Policy
The Stellantis vehicle damage repair policy is designed to maintain vehicle quality and comply with legal disclosure requirements. Here are the fundamental principles:
- Authorized Repairs Only: All repairs on company-owned vehicles within the Stellantis company car program must be carried out at Stellantis franchised dealerships or their referred sublet facilities.
- Use of OEM Parts: To ensure vehicle integrity and performance, only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are authorized for repairs under the Stellantis company car program.
- Mandatory Damage Disclosure: Federal and state laws mandate full disclosure of all body damage repairs when a company-owned vehicle is sold. Adhering to this policy ensures Stellantis meets these legal obligations.
- Stellantis Claims (CEI) is Your First Point of Contact: For all damage claims and appraisals, participants in the Stellantis company car program must contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) immediately at (800) 313-7448. A vehicle damage claim number is essential before initiating any repairs.
- Authorized Damage Appraisal Required: Before any repair work begins on a company vehicle under the Stellantis company car program, an authorized damage appraisal is mandatory.
Important Note: Participants in the Stellantis company car program may bear financial responsibility for vehicle repairs, up to 100%, if damage results from negligence or unapproved modifications. Negligence examples include interior or exterior damage caused by the vehicle custodian or any occupant, such as spills, tears, burns, incorrect fuel usage, ice scraper damage, pet damage, cracked screens, cargo-related damage, or unsecured tonneau covers. Unauthorized repairs at independent facilities are not reimbursable and will be the participant’s financial responsibility. Stellantis is not liable for damage to personal property in case of an accident.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting Vehicle Damage within the Stellantis Company Car Program
If your company-owned vehicle, part of the Stellantis company car program, is damaged or involved in an accident, follow these steps meticulously:
- Ensure Safety First: Prioritize getting help for any injured individuals.
- File a Police Report: Report the incident to the police immediately, following the legal requirements of the state where the accident occurred.
- Complete the Accident/Damage Report Form: Fill out all sections of the Accident/Damage Report Form (accessible via the provided link) at the accident scene. Retain a copy for your records.
- Contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) Immediately: Call Stellantis Claims (CEI) at 1-800-313-7448 as soon as possible after the accident with the completed information. Specialists are available 24/7 for the Stellantis company car program participants. Clearly identify yourself as a Stellantis employee.
- Gallagher Bassett Services for Specific Inquiries: 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.
- Adhere to Stellantis Procedures: Ensure full compliance with all Stellantis accident and fleet procedures related to the Stellantis company car program.
- Dealership Handling of Repairs and Paperwork: All vehicle repairs and necessary documentation must be managed exclusively by an authorized Stellantis franchised dealership.
Click here for the complete Accident Reporting Kit and Accident/Damage Report Form.
Understanding the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process for Stellantis Company Car Program Vehicles
For vehicles within the Stellantis company car program, the damage appraisal process is initiated and managed by Stellantis Claims (CEI).
- Claim Number Assignment and Dealership Coordination: A Stellantis Claims (CEI) representative will assign a vehicle damage claim number and coordinate with a Stellantis franchised dealership to conduct the initial damage inspection. CEI will then oversee the subsequent claim and repair process for the Stellantis company car program.
However, certain types of repairs for Stellantis company car program vehicles do not require a vehicle damage estimate:
- Safety-Critical Repairs: Immediate repairs for safety-related components like headlights, taillights, and mirrors (rear and side view) are mandatory and do not necessitate a prior appraisal. If a Stellantis dealership isn’t accessible, a licensed repair facility can perform the repairs. In such cases, the participant should pay upfront and seek reimbursement.
- Tires: Tire-related issues are addressed under the Tire policy within the Maintenance, Modifications & Roadside assistance guidelines for the Stellantis company car program.
- Wheel Alignments: Routine wheel alignments do not require damage appraisals.
- Windshield Glass Replacement (No Body Damage): Replacing a windshield due to damage, without any accompanying body damage, does not require a claim. However, if body damage is present, a claim is necessary. Refer to the Glass policy for detailed information under Maintenance, Modification & Roadside guidelines for the Stellantis company car program.
- Stolen Radios and Equipment (No Body Damage): Replacement of stolen radios or equipment is permitted without a damage appraisal, provided there is no associated body damage. Consult the section on ‘Stolen Equipment’ for further details within the Stellantis company car program policy.
Types of Vehicle Damage and Repair Guidelines under the Stellantis Company Car Program
The Stellantis company car program has specific guidelines for different types of vehicle damage:
Body Damage: Any 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, used to measure damage extent and tire tread depth, is provided at vehicle delivery or upon request from Company Vehicle Operations.
Click here to view the Wear Square guidelines.
For body damage estimated under $1,000, repairs should typically be avoided unless the damage significantly impacts the vehicle’s appearance, safety, or structural integrity. Prior approval from Company Vehicle Operations is needed for repairs under $1,000. Retain the repair estimate for unrepaired damage under $1,000 for vehicle turn-in. For estimates $1,000 or more, claim approval from Stellantis Claims (CEI) is mandatory before commencing any repairs.
Normal Wear and Tear: Repairs for normal wear and tear, such as minor scratches or dings, are not authorized and should not be undertaken within the Stellantis company car 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., pothole damage), file a combined claim with CEI. Coverage for scratched rims depends on damage severity; filing a claim for appraisal is recommended.
Vehicle Vandalism:
For vandalism cases, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process is applicable 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 as per the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy. A courtesy estimate from a Stellantis dealership is advisable. 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:
- 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.
- For windshield damage only (no other vehicle damage or stolen equipment), contact Safelite for replacement directly.
- If other glass (sunroof, window, etc.) is damaged without other vehicle damage or stolen equipment, a claim is required.
- If both the windshield and other glass are damaged, a claim must be filed.
- Stolen Equipment/Vandalism: If equipment is stolen or vandalized and there’s body damage, suspension, or underbody damage, follow the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy. A claim and police report are necessary. OEM replacement must be done at a Stellantis franchised dealership.
Personal Property: Stellantis is not responsible for theft or vandalism of personal property in company vehicles within the Stellantis company car program. Participants should utilize their personal insurance for such losses.
Hail or Salt Water Damage: Stellantis policy generally excludes repair of 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. Participants must follow the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy for these inspections, and keep the appraisal in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Severely damaged vehicles due to hail or salt water may be eligible for replacement with a new vehicle, upon request to Company Vehicle Operations after appraisal completion.
Loaner/Rental Vehicle Policy During Repairs for Stellantis Company Car Program Participants
The Stellantis company car program provides options for loaner or rental vehicles when your company vehicle is undergoing repairs:
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 take three or more days. Note: The Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies to any damage to the loaner vehicle.
For Participants Outside Southeastern Michigan, two options are available:
- Indiana Residents: Loaner vehicles may be available in Indiana by emailing [email protected]. Availability is limited and location-specific. Insurance is included. If a local loaner isn’t available, use the Business Travel rental option.
- Business Travel Rental: Book a rental loaner through Business Travel’s designated provider at (669) 272-1325. Note: Loaner rentals outside SE MI are permitted for drivers 18 and older. For younger, ineligible drivers, the participant can rent and provide an alternate household vehicle for the dependent. Insurance is included in the Stellantis contracted rate via Business Travel. State you are a Stellantis Company Vehicle Program participant when calling.
To rent via Business Travel for yourself or a dependent, 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, which must be presented at the rental counter.
Participants can rent a vehicle on the day their company vehicle goes in for repair if the service duration is expected to be three or more days. Reimbursement is capped at $35 per day, with a maximum of $350 per occurrence. Lease payments continue while the vehicle is being repaired. Avoid leaving drivable vehicles at the dealership until parts are in and repairs are ready to commence. Compact-size rentals generally fall within the $35/day range. Approval from Company Vehicle Operations via email is required for larger vehicles due to special needs.
For repairs exceeding 10 days or the rental maximum, contact the dealership to ascertain the cause. Contact Company Vehicle Operations for assistance with repair expediting or rental extension needs. Note: Email Company Vehicle Operations every 10 days to request a rental extension if repairs are prolonged.
Totaled Vehicles Procedure under the Stellantis Company Car Program
In the event a company vehicle within the Stellantis company car program is declared a total loss:
- Notification and Participant Responsibilities: The authorized appraiser will notify the participant of a total loss determination. Participants must remove all personal items, license plates, registration, insurance certificate, and lease-related documents. All items except the insurance certificate (which should be transferred to the replacement vehicle) should be returned 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
- Interim Vehicle Replacement Form: Notify Company Vehicle Operations of a totaled vehicle by submitting an Interim Vehicle Replacement Form, found on the Company Vehicle Operations website under the Forms tab. Allow 2-3 business days for processing before contacting the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center.
Geographic Procedures:
- Within Southeastern Michigan: Return any loaner vehicle from the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center and select an interim vehicle. Retain 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 guidance. Participants are required to replace totaled vehicles to remain active in the Stellantis company car program. New orders are contingent on vehicle production status.
Totaled Vehicles Not Being Replaced:
- Within and Outside Southeastern Michigan: Participants discontinuing program participation after a total loss must submit a completed Termination Form, available under the Bulletins and Forms tab. Submit the signed form to the address or number indicated. This action stops monthly lease payments from payroll/pension deductions from the date of the vehicle totaling. If a vehicle order is already placed and the participant declines delivery, indicate this on the Termination Form.
Dealer Billing and Third-Party Contacts for Stellantis Company Car Program Repairs
- Dealer Billing Process: Stellantis franchised dealerships must submit repair orders/invoices and appraisals to Fleet Operations – Vehicle Claims for payment via email at [email protected] or by phone at (833) 550-5783. The billing code for credits issued to the dealership’s Dealer Billing Statement is “0057”.
- Third-Party Claim Handling: Any subsequent claims or inquiries from third parties (individuals, attorneys, or insurance companies) must be immediately forwarded to Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. for handling and response.
- No Claim Settlement Authority: Participants or custodians are not authorized to settle claims involving Stellantis-owned vehicles within the Stellantis company car program.
Conclusion
Adhering to the Stellantis company car program’s vehicle damage repair policy is essential for all participants. By understanding and following these guidelines, you ensure proper handling of vehicle damage incidents, maintain compliance, and facilitate a smooth repair process. Remember to prioritize safety, report incidents promptly, and always utilize authorized Stellantis dealerships for repairs and appraisals under the Stellantis company car program.