Stellantis New Car Lease Program for Employees 2023: Understanding the Vehicle Damage Repair Policy

For Stellantis employees considering or currently participating in the attractive new car lease program for 2023, understanding the vehicle damage repair policy is crucial. This policy ensures company-owned vehicles are maintained to Stellantis standards and comply with legal disclosure requirements when these vehicles are eventually sold. This guide breaks down the essential aspects of the vehicle damage repair policy, ensuring you are well-informed and prepared throughout your lease.

Key Principles of the Vehicle Damage Repair Policy

Stellantis has established a clear procedure for handling vehicle damage to protect both the company’s assets and employees from unexpected costs. Here are the fundamental principles:

Authorized Repairs Only: All repairs on your leased Stellantis vehicle must be performed at a Stellantis franchised dealership or a sublet facility referred by a Stellantis dealership. This guarantees quality workmanship and the use of genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Repairs from independent facilities are not authorized and will not be reimbursed.
OEM Parts are Mandatory: To maintain vehicle quality and ensure compliance with disclosure laws, only OEM parts are permitted for repairs. This protects the vehicle’s integrity and resale value.
Damage Disclosure is Legally Required: Federal and state laws mandate complete transparency regarding any body damage repairs on company-owned vehicles before they are 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, you must contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) immediately at (800) 313-7448. This is the initial step to initiate the repair process correctly.
Claim Number is Essential: A vehicle damage claim number from CEI is mandatory before any damage appraisal or repairs can begin. This number acts as a reference throughout the claim process.
Authorized Appraisal Before Repair: No repairs should commence on a company vehicle until an authorized damage appraisal has been completed. This ensures proper assessment and cost control.

Employee Responsibility and Negligence

While the Stellantis lease program offers significant benefits, participants also bear some responsibilities regarding vehicle care. Notably, employees may be financially responsible for repairs resulting from negligence.

Examples of Negligence:

Interior Damage: Spills, upholstery tears or burns, cracked or damaged radio screens.
Exterior Damage: Damage from improper ice scraping, pet damage, damage caused by loading, unloading, or transporting cargo, improperly secured tonneau covers.
Mechanical Damage: Using wrong fuel in the vehicle.

It’s important to exercise due care in using the leased vehicle to avoid these types of damages and potential repair costs. Modifications not approved by Company Vehicle Operations can also lead to financial responsibility for related repairs.

Accident and Damage Reporting: Step-by-Step Guide

In the unfortunate event of an accident or damage to your leased Stellantis vehicle, follow these steps immediately:

Ensure Safety First: Prioritize getting help for any injured individuals.
File a Police Report: Always file a police report following the laws of the state or region where the accident occurred.
Complete the Accident/Damage Report Form: Fill out all sections of the Accident/Damage Report Form before leaving the accident scene. Remember to keep a copy for your records. You can typically find this form in your vehicle’s documentation or online via the Stellantis employee portal.
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 from the report form. Claim specialists are available 24/7. Crucially, identify yourself as a Stellantis employee.
For Injury or Third-Party Damage Questions: Contact Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. at 1-866-850-1933, or 1-248-452-6050 for questions related to injuries or damages to third-party vehicles or property.
Comply with Stellantis Procedures: Ensure you adhere to all Stellantis accident and fleet procedures as outlined.
Authorized Dealership for Repairs and Paperwork: All vehicle repairs and associated paperwork must be handled exclusively by an authorized Stellantis franchised dealership.

Alt Text: Example of a Stellantis Vehicle Accident Damage Report Form. The form includes sections for vehicle information, driver details, accident location, witness information, and a damage description section.

Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process Explained

After reporting damage, a Stellantis Claims (CEI) representative will manage the appraisal and repair process. Here’s what to expect:

Claim Number Assignment: CEI will assign a vehicle damage claim number, which you’ll need for all subsequent communication.
Dealership Coordination: CEI will coordinate with a Stellantis franchised dealership for an initial damage inspection.
Claim Management: CEI manages the entire claim and repair process, simplifying it for the employee.

Situations Where a Damage Estimate is NOT Required:

Certain repairs are considered immediate safety concerns or routine maintenance and do not require a pre-repair damage estimate:

Safety-Related Repairs: Headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, and side mirrors must be repaired immediately for safety reasons. If a Stellantis dealership is unavailable, a licensed repair facility can be used, and reimbursement can be requested.
Tires: Tire issues are addressed separately under the Tire policy (refer to the Maintenance, Modifications & Roadside section).
Wheel Alignments: Routine wheel alignments do not require a damage estimate.
Windshield Glass Replacement (No Body Damage): If only the windshield is damaged and there’s no body damage, a claim isn’t needed for replacement. However, if body damage is present, a claim is required.
Stolen Radios and Equipment (No Body Damage): Replacement of stolen radios or equipment without accompanying body damage doesn’t necessitate a damage estimate (refer to the ‘Stolen Equipment’ section for specific procedures).

Understanding Different Types of Vehicle Damage

The policy addresses various types of damage, with specific guidelines for each:

Body Damage: Damage exceeding the ‘Wear Square’ standards (a tool to measure damage severity) requires a claim and dealer estimate. For body damage under $1,000 that doesn’t significantly affect appearance, safety, or structural integrity, repairs are generally not authorized unless approved by Company Vehicle Operations. However, retain the estimate for vehicle turn-in. For estimates of $1,000 or more, CEI approval is mandatory before repairs.
Normal Wear and Tear: Minor scratches and dings from normal use are considered wear and tear and are not authorized for repair.
Rims/Wheels: Damage to rims/wheels, including scratches, necessitates a claim. If a tire is also damaged simultaneously (e.g., pothole damage), file a single claim for both.

Vandalism, Glass Damage, and Stolen Equipment

Specific procedures apply to vandalism and theft:

Vandalism: For vandalism cases involving body damage, suspension, underbody damage, or stolen equipment, the standard Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process must be followed. For body damage from vandalism, if the estimate is under $1,000, repairs are typically not made. For estimates over $1,000, a claim and police report are required before repairs.
Glass Damage:
- Windshield Only Damage: Contact Safelite directly for windshield replacement if there’s no other damage or stolen equipment.
- Other Glass Damage (No Windshield/Other Damage): For sunroofs, windows, etc., damaged without other vehicle damage or theft, a claim is required.
- Windshield and Other Glass Damage: If both the windshield and other glass are damaged, a claim is mandatory.
Stolen Equipment/Vandalism (with Body Damage): If equipment theft or vandalism is accompanied by body, suspension, or underbody damage, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies, requiring a claim and police report. OEM replacement must be at a Stellantis dealership.
Personal Property: Stellantis is not liable for theft or vandalism of personal items in leased vehicles. Employees should use their personal insurance for such losses.

Hail or Salt Water Damage

Stellantis policy is generally not to repair hail or salt water body damage (excluding glass). However, all hail-damaged vehicles require inspection for damage disclosure purposes at vehicle turn-in. Follow the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy for this inspection, and keep the appraisal in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Severely damaged vehicles may be eligible for replacement; contact Company Vehicle Operations for this request after appraisal.

Loaner/Rental Vehicle Policy During Repairs

To minimize inconvenience during repairs, Stellantis provides loaner/rental vehicle options:

Southeastern Michigan (SE MI) Residents: Contact the Loaner Department at the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center at (833) 550-5783 to arrange a loaner if repairs will take three or more days. Note: Damage to loaner vehicles also falls under the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy.
Indiana Residents: Email [email protected] for loaner options in Indiana (limited availability).
Residents Outside SE MI and Indiana: Use Business Travel’s designated provider for a rental loaner. Contact them at (669) 272-1325. Insurance is included in the Stellantis contracted rate when using Business Travel.

Reimbursement for rental vehicles outside of SE MI is capped at $35 per day, up to $350 per incident. Compact-size loaners typically comply with this price range. Approval from Company Vehicle Operations is needed for larger vehicles. For repairs exceeding 10 days or the maximum rental amount, contact the dealership and Company Vehicle Operations for assistance. Rental extensions (in 10-day increments) require email approval from Company Vehicle Operations.

Totaled Vehicles

In case of a totaled vehicle, the authorized appraiser will notify you. Your responsibilities include:

Removing personal property, license plate, registration, insurance certificate, and lease documentation.
Returning all items except the insurance certificate to the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center. Transfer the insurance certificate to your new vehicle.
Notifying Company Vehicle Operations of the totaled status via an Interim Vehicle Replacement Form (found on the Company Vehicle Operations website).

Participants are required to replace totaled vehicles to remain in the lease program.

Important Reminders

Cooperation in Investigations: Full cooperation is required in company investigations of accidents or damage. This includes cooperating with authorities and Stellantis in cases of theft, vandalism, or damage arising from wrongdoing.
Record Keeping: Maintain copies of all police reports, accident reports, damage appraisals, and any other relevant documents.
No Claim Settlement Authority: Employees are not authorized to settle claims involving Stellantis-owned vehicles with third parties. Refer all third-party contacts to Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc.

Conclusion

The Stellantis new car lease program for employees in 2023 is a valuable benefit. Understanding the vehicle damage repair policy ensures a smooth and predictable experience throughout your lease term. By adhering to these guidelines, employees contribute to maintaining vehicle standards, legal compliance, and responsible use of company assets. Familiarize yourself with this policy to fully enjoy the benefits of the Stellantis employee lease program while being a responsible vehicle custodian.