Understanding the vehicle damage repair policy is crucial for participants in the Chrysler Employee Lease Car Program. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, ensuring you’re well-informed about procedures, responsibilities, and how to handle vehicle damage effectively.
Key Procedures for Vehicle Damage Repair Under the Chrysler Employee Lease Program
For any repairs needed on your company-owned vehicle, it’s mandatory to use a Stellantis franchised dealership or a sublet facility referred by one. Using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts is also a strict requirement. This policy is in place to comply with federal and state laws that mandate full disclosure of all body damage repairs when a company-owned vehicle is sold.
To ensure adherence to these regulations and the smooth processing of any vehicle damage, follow these steps meticulously anywhere in the United States, District of Columbia, or Canada:
- Initial Contact: For all claims and damage appraisals, your first step is to contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) at (800) 313-7448. This initial contact is crucial to start the official process.
- Claim Number Acquisition: Upon contacting Stellantis Claims (CEI), you must obtain a vehicle damage claim number. This number will serve as a reference point throughout the repair process.
- Authorized Damage Appraisal: Before initiating any repairs on the vehicle, an authorized damage appraisal must be completed. This appraisal is essential for assessing the extent of the damage and planning the necessary repairs.
Important Note on Responsibility: Participants in the Chrysler employee lease car program may bear responsibility for up to 100% of repair costs if the damage is a result of negligence. Negligence can include various forms of misuse or lack of care by the vehicle custodian, driver, or occupants. Examples of negligent damage include:
- Interior damage like spills, upholstery tears or burns.
- Exterior damage caused by misuse, such as improper ice scraping or pet damage.
- Mechanical damage from using the wrong fuel.
- Damage to sensitive components like cracked radio screens.
- Damage resulting from improper loading, unloading, or transportation of cargo.
- Damage from unsecured tonneau covers.
It’s also critical to understand that repairs performed at independent facilities are not authorized and will not be reimbursed by Stellantis. Participants will be personally responsible for any costs incurred from unauthorized repairs. Furthermore, the program does not cover personal property damaged in vehicle accidents.
Step-by-Step Accident/Damage Reporting for Chrysler Employee Lease Vehicles
In the unfortunate event of damage to your company-owned vehicle or involvement in an accident, immediate and correct reporting is essential. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure you handle the situation properly:
- Immediate Assistance: Your priority should always be to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Provide help to anyone injured in the accident.
- Police Report: File a police report according to the laws of the state or region where the accident occurred. This official record is a crucial part of the documentation process.
- Accident/Damage Report Form: Before leaving the accident scene, complete all sections of the Accident/Damage Report Form. It is vital to fill this form out thoroughly and accurately. Always keep a copy for your personal records.
- Contact Stellantis Claims (CEI): As soon as possible after the accident, call Stellantis Claims (CEI) at 1-800-313-7448. Be ready to provide the information from your completed Accident/Damage Report Form. Stellantis provides experienced claims specialists available 24/7 to assist you. Remember to identify yourself as a Stellantis employee to ensure proper handling of your claim.
- Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc.: For any 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.
- Compliance with Procedures: Ensure you fully comply with all Stellantis accident and fleet procedures. Adherence to these procedures is mandatory for program participants.
- Authorized Dealership Repairs: Remember, all vehicle repairs and necessary paperwork must be managed through an authorized Stellantis franchised dealership.
For comprehensive details, you can access the complete Accident Reporting Kit and Accident/Damage Report Form here.
Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy and Procedure Explained
Once a damage claim is initiated, a Stellantis Claims (CEI) representative will issue a vehicle damage claim number. They will then coordinate with a Stellantis franchised dealership to conduct an initial damage inspection and oversee the subsequent claim and repair process.
However, some repairs are considered exceptions and do not require a vehicle damage estimate. These include:
- Safety-Related Repairs: Immediate repairs for safety-critical components like headlights, taillights, and mirrors (rear and side view) are mandatory and do not necessitate an appraisal. If a Stellantis dealership isn’t immediately accessible, a licensed repair facility can perform these repairs. In such cases, the participant pays upfront and seeks reimbursement.
- Tires: For tire-related issues, refer to the Tire page under the Maintenance, Modifications & Roadside tab for detailed guidance.
- Wheel Alignments: Standard wheel alignments do not require a damage estimate.
- Windshield Glass Replacement: Replacement due to damage without accompanying body damage does not require a claim. However, if body damage is present alongside windshield damage, a claim is necessary. Detailed information is available on the Glass page under the Maintenance, Modification & Roadside tab.
- Stolen Radios and Equipment: Replacement of stolen radios or equipment, provided there is no associated body damage, does not require a damage estimate. (Refer to the ‘Stolen Equipment’ section for more details).
Understanding Other Types of Vehicle Damages and Repairs
Body Damage: Any damage exceeding the standards defined by the Company Vehicle Operations Wear Square requires a formal accident claim and a repair estimate from a franchised dealer. The Wear Square is used to measure vehicle damage and tire tread depth to assess repair or tire replacement needs. You can view the Wear Square guidelines here. Wear Squares are provided at vehicle delivery from the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center or can be requested from Company Vehicle Operations.
For body damage estimated to be under $1,000, repairs should generally not be made unless the damage significantly affects the vehicle’s appearance or compromises safety or structural integrity. For repairs under $1,000, approval from Company Vehicle Operations is needed before proceeding. Keep any repair estimates for unrepaired damage under $1,000, as they will be required when you turn in the vehicle. If the damage estimate is $1,000 or more, approval from Stellantis Claims (CEI) is mandatory before any repairs begin.
Normal Wear and Tear: Repairs for normal wear and tear, such as minor scratches or dings, are not authorized and should not be undertaken.
Rims/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 combined claim should be filed with CEI. Scratched rims may or may not be covered based on the severity of the damage; it’s advisable to file a claim for appraisal in such cases.
Policy for Vehicle Vandalism
In cases of vandalism, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process is applicable only if the vandalism results in body damage, suspension or underbody damage, or stolen equipment.
Body Damage from Vandalism: Any sheet metal damage resulting from vandalism must be appraised and repaired according to the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy. A courtesy estimate from a Stellantis dealership can be obtained, and if it’s under $1,000, repairs are generally not made. For estimates of $1,000 or more, a claim must be filed before starting any repairs, and a police report is required.
Glass Damage from Vandalism:
- If glass damage is accompanied by body damage, suspension, underbody damage, or stolen equipment, the vehicle must be inspected and repaired under the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy. A claim and police report are necessary.
- For windshield damage only (without other vehicle damage or stolen equipment), contact Safelite directly for replacement.
- If other glass is damaged (sunroof, window, etc.) without other vehicle damage or stolen equipment, a claim must be filed.
- 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 is also body damage, suspension, or underbody damage, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies. A claim and police report are required. Replacement of stolen Original Equipment by Manufacturer (OEM) parts must be done at a Stellantis franchised dealership.
Personal Property and Vandalism: Stellantis is not liable for theft or vandalism of personal property within employee lease vehicles. Participants should address such losses through their personal insurance.
Handling Hail or Salt Water Damage
Stellantis policy dictates not to repair vehicle body damage (excluding glass replacement) caused by hail or salt water.
However, all hail-damaged vehicles must undergo inspection to document the extent of damage for disclosure upon vehicle turn-in. Participants must adhere to the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy for this inspection, and the damage appraisal document 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. Participants must request this through Company Vehicle Operations after the damage appraisal is complete.
Cooperation in Investigations and Legal Proceedings
Participants and permittees of lease vehicles are required to fully cooperate with company investigations into accidents and vehicle damage. In cases of theft, vandalism, or damage, including incidents involving alleged criminal or civil wrongdoing, participants and permittees must cooperate with government authorities and Stellantis. This cooperation includes signing and filing criminal complaints, acting as witnesses, and taking other reasonable actions as requested.
Reminder: It is the participant’s responsibility to retain copies of all police and accident reports, damage appraisals, and any other pertinent information related to accidents or loss incidents.
Loaner/Rental Vehicle Policy During Repairs
For participants in Southeastern Michigan, if your leased vehicle requires repairs lasting three days or more, contact the Loaner Department at the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center at (833) 550-5783 to arrange a loaner vehicle. Note: The Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy also applies to any damage to the loaner vehicle.
Participants residing outside Southeastern Michigan have the following options:
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Indiana Residents: Loaner vehicles may be available in Indiana by emailing [email protected]. Availability is limited, and this option is currently exclusive to Indiana. Insurance is included. If a local loaner is unavailable, utilize Business Travel for a rental loaner.
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Business Travel: Rent a 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 drivers, the participant can rent a vehicle and provide an alternate household vehicle for the dependent. Insurance is included at the Stellantis contracted rate when using Business Travel’s provider for loaner rentals. State you are a Company Vehicle Program participant when calling.
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When renting 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 review, a validation letter will be emailed to you, which must be presented at the rental counter.
You can rent a vehicle on the day your lease vehicle goes in for repair if the repair duration is expected to be three or more days.
Reimbursement for rentals is capped at $35 per day, up to $350 per incident. Lease payments continue while the vehicle is under repair. If your vehicle is drivable, do not leave it at the dealership until parts are ordered and the dealership is ready to begin repairs. Note: Compact-size loaner rentals generally fall within the $35/day price range. Approval from Company Vehicle Operations via email is required for larger vehicles if there’s a specific need.
For repairs exceeding 10 days or the maximum rental reimbursement, contact the dealership to understand the delay. Contact Company Vehicle Operations for help expediting repairs or extending your rental. Note: Email Company Vehicle Operations every 10 days to request a rental extension if repairs are prolonged.
Procedures for Totaled Vehicles
If a vehicle is declared a total loss by an authorized appraiser, the participant will be notified. You must remove all personal items, license plates, registration, insurance certificate, and lease documents from the vehicle. 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
The insurance certificate should be moved to the replacement vehicle.
Notify Company Vehicle Operations of the totaled vehicle status 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.
Within Southeastern Michigan: If you obtained a loaner from the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center, return it at this time and select an interim vehicle. Use the interim vehicle until your new vehicle is ordered and delivered. A new vehicle can be ordered during the second or third ordering phase.
Outside Southeastern Michigan: Contact Company Vehicle Operations for assistance. To remain in the lease program, totaled vehicles must be replaced. New orders are only possible if the corporation is currently manufacturing vehicles.
Handling Totaled Vehicles Not Being Replaced
Within and Outside Southeastern Michigan: Participants not replacing a totaled vehicle must complete a Termination Form, indicating the vehicle’s totaled status. Find the Termination Form under the Bulletins and Forms tab. Complete, sign, and submit it to the address or number on the form.
The Termination Form will stop monthly lease payments from payroll/pension deductions from the date the vehicle was totaled. If a new vehicle has been ordered but you no longer wish to take delivery, indicate this on the Termination Form.
Dealer Billing Information
Stellantis franchised dealerships must submit the repair order/invoice and appraisal to Company Vehicle Operations for payment to:
Fleet Operations – Vehicle Claims Email: [email protected] Phone: (833) 550-5783
Dealerships will receive a credit for repairs on their Dealer Billing Statement under Billing Code “0057”.
Third-Party Claim Contacts
Any claims or contacts from third parties (individuals, attorneys, or insurance companies) received by phone or mail 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.
