Navigating Vehicle Damage Repair Under the FCA Lease Car Program

Understanding the vehicle damage repair policy is crucial for participants in the Fca Lease Car Program. As a valued benefit, this program provides employees with company-owned vehicles. However, with this privilege comes the responsibility of adhering to specific guidelines, especially when it comes to vehicle repairs. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to navigating the vehicle damage repair process under the FCA Lease Car Program, ensuring you remain compliant and informed.

Reporting Damage and Filing Claims Under the FCA Lease Car Program

In the unfortunate event that your company-owned vehicle sustains damage, prompt reporting is paramount. The first critical step is to immediately contact Stellantis Claims (CEI) at (800) 313-7448. This initial contact is necessary for all claims and damage appraisals, regardless of the damage’s severity. Upon contacting Stellantis Claims, you will be assigned a vehicle damage claim number. It is essential to obtain this number as it will be required throughout the repair process. Remember, an authorized damage appraisal must be completed by Stellantis before any repairs can commence on your FCA lease car program vehicle.

Key Steps for Reporting Damage:

Contact Stellantis Claims (CEI): Dial (800) 313-7448 immediately to report any vehicle damage.
Obtain a Claim Number: Ensure you receive and record your vehicle damage claim number from CEI.
Authorized Appraisal: Understand that a Stellantis-authorized damage appraisal is mandatory before any repairs begin.

Authorized Repairs and OEM Parts: Maintaining Vehicle Integrity

To ensure the quality and integrity of your FCA lease car program vehicle, all repairs must be conducted at a Stellantis franchised dealership or a sublet facility referred by such a dealership. Furthermore, the policy mandates the use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for all repairs. This requirement is not merely a preference but a stipulation driven by both company policy and legal obligations. Federal and state laws necessitate complete disclosure of all body damage repairs when a company-owned vehicle is sold. Utilizing Stellantis dealerships and OEM parts guarantees adherence to these regulations and maintains the vehicle’s resale value and safety standards. Repairs performed at independent facilities are strictly unauthorized and will not be reimbursed. Participants will be held fully responsible for any costs incurred from unauthorized repairs.

Crucial Repair Guidelines:

Stellantis Dealerships: Repairs MUST be performed at Stellantis franchised dealerships or their referred sublet facilities.
OEM Parts Mandate: Only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are authorized for use in repairs.
Unauthorized Repairs: Repairs by independent facilities are not permitted and are non-reimbursable, making the participant financially liable.

Participant Responsibility and Negligence in Vehicle Care

While the FCA Lease Car Program offers significant benefits, it also entails responsibilities for vehicle custodians. Participants may be financially responsible for up to 100% of repair costs if the damage is a result of negligence or unauthorized modifications. Negligence encompasses a wide range of actions or inactions, including but not limited to:

Interior and Exterior Damage: Spills, upholstery tears or burns, damage from ice scraping, pet damage, cracked or damaged radio screens, and damage caused by loading, unloading, or transporting cargo.
Improper Vehicle Operation: Using the wrong fuel type, improperly secured tonneau covers, and other misuse scenarios.

It’s important to exercise due care in operating and maintaining your FCA lease car program vehicle to avoid potential financial liabilities. Furthermore, any vehicle modifications must be pre-approved by Company Vehicle Operations; otherwise, related repair costs may become the participant’s responsibility.

Understanding Negligence and Responsibility:

Financial Responsibility: Participants may be liable for repair costs resulting from negligence or unapproved modifications.
Examples of Negligence: Be aware of actions considered negligent, which can lead to financial responsibility.
Pre-Approval for Modifications: Seek authorization from Company Vehicle Operations before making any vehicle modifications.

Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy and Procedure Explained

The Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy under the FCA Lease Car Program is designed to streamline the damage assessment and repair process. When you report damage to Stellantis Claims (CEI), a representative will assign a claim number and coordinate with a Stellantis franchised dealership to conduct an initial damage inspection. CEI will then manage the subsequent claim and repair process, ensuring adherence to policy and quality standards.

However, certain types of repairs are exempt from requiring a vehicle damage estimate to expedite necessary fixes. These exceptions include:

Safety-Related Repairs: Immediate repairs for headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, side mirrors, and other safety-critical items are mandatory and do not require prior appraisal. If a Stellantis dealership is unavailable, a licensed repair facility can perform these repairs, with reimbursement sought afterward.
Tires: Tire-related issues are addressed under a separate Tire policy.
Wheel Alignments: Routine wheel alignments do not necessitate a damage estimate.
Windshield Glass Replacement: Replacement is exempt from appraisal only if there is no accompanying body damage. If body damage exists, a claim must be filed.
Stolen Radios and Equipment: Replacement is exempt from appraisal as long as no body damage occurred in conjunction with the theft.

Damage Appraisal Process Highlights:

CEI Coordination: Stellantis Claims (CEI) manages the appraisal and repair process.
Dealership Inspection: A Stellantis dealership conducts the initial damage inspection.
Exceptions to Appraisal: Certain safety and maintenance repairs are exempt from requiring an appraisal for efficiency.

Navigating Specific Damage Scenarios with Your FCA Lease Car

The FCA Lease Car Program policy addresses various damage scenarios to provide clear guidelines for participants.

Body Damage

Any body 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 is a tool used to measure damage extent and tire tread depth. For body damage estimated to be under $1,000, repairs should generally be avoided unless the damage significantly impacts the vehicle’s appearance, safety, or structural integrity, and requires prior approval from Company Vehicle Operations. It’s crucial to retain the repair estimate for unrepaired damage under $1,000 for vehicle turn-in. For estimates of $1,000 or more, Stellantis Claims (CEI) approval is mandatory before initiating any repairs. Normal wear and tear items like minor scratches and dings are not authorized for repair.

Rims and Wheels

Damage to rims or wheels requires a claim to be filed for repair or replacement. If both a tire and rim are damaged simultaneously, such as from pothole impact, a single claim should cover both. Scratched rims may or may not be covered depending on severity; filing a claim for appraisal is recommended in such cases.

Vehicle Vandalism and Stolen Equipment

In cases of vandalism or stolen equipment, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Process is utilized only when there is accompanying body damage, suspension, underbody damage, or stolen equipment. For body damage resulting from vandalism, the same appraisal and repair policy as regular body damage applies. If the vandalism damage estimate is under $1,000, repairs are typically not made unless significant, and for estimates over $1,000, a claim and police report are required.

Glass Damage

Glass damage scenarios are handled based on the extent and type of damage.

Windshield Damage with Other Damage: If windshield damage is accompanied by body damage, suspension, underbody damage, or stolen equipment, the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy applies, and a claim with a police report is necessary.
Windshield Damage Only: For isolated windshield damage without other vehicle damage or stolen equipment, contact Safelite directly for replacement.
Other Glass Damage Only: If glass damage other than the windshield occurs (sunroof, windows, etc.) without other vehicle damage or stolen equipment, a claim must be filed.
Windshield and Other Glass Damage: If both the windshield and other glass components are damaged, a claim is required.

Replacement of stolen equipment must always be with OEM parts and performed at a Stellantis franchised dealership. Importantly, Stellantis is not responsible for personal property theft or vandalism from FCA lease car program vehicles. Participants should address such losses through their personal insurance.

Hail or Salt Water Damage

Stellantis policy generally prohibits repairing body damage (excluding glass replacement) caused by hail or salt water. However, all hail-damaged vehicles must undergo inspection to document the damage extent for disclosure at vehicle turn-in. Participants must adhere to the Vehicle Damage Appraisal Policy for this inspection, and the appraisal should be kept in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Severely hail or salt water damaged vehicles may be eligible for replacement upon request to Company Vehicle Operations after appraisal completion.

Damage Scenario Summary:

Body Damage: Follow Wear Square guidelines; claims required for significant damage.
Rims/Wheels: Claims needed for repairs or replacements.
Vandalism/Theft: Appraisal process applies with body/structural damage.
Glass Damage: Procedures vary based on type and extent of damage.
Hail/Salt Water: Inspection required, repairs generally not authorized, but replacement possible for severe cases.

Loaner and Rental Vehicle Policy During Repairs

For participants in Southeastern Michigan, a loaner vehicle can be arranged through the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center at (833) 550-5783 if the FCA lease car program vehicle requires repairs lasting three days or longer. For those residing outside Southeastern Michigan, options include:

Indiana Residents: Loaners may be available in Indiana by emailing [email protected], subject to limited vehicle inventory.
Business Travel Rental: Rental loaner vehicles can be booked via Business Travel’s designated provider at (669) 272-1325. Insurance is included in Stellantis’s contracted rate when booking through Business Travel.

Reimbursement for rental loaners outside SE MI is capped at $35 per day, up to $350 per occurrence. Compact size rentals typically fall within this price range. Approval from Company Vehicle Operations is needed for larger vehicles due to special needs. Participants can rent a vehicle on the day their lease vehicle goes in for repair if the repair duration is expected to exceed three days. For repairs exceeding 10 days or the maximum rental reimbursement, contact the dealership and Company Vehicle Operations for assistance. Rental extensions require Company Vehicle Operations approval every 10 days if repairs are prolonged.

Loaner/Rental Policy Key Points:

SE Michigan Loaners: Contact Lapeer Road Marshaling Center for repairs over 3 days.
Outside SE MI: Indiana loaners (limited) or Business Travel rentals available.
Rental Reimbursement: Capped at $35/day, $350 total; compact car compliant.
Extended Repairs: Contact dealership and Company Vehicle Operations for repairs over 10 days or exceeding rental cap.

Totaled Vehicles and Replacement Procedures

If an authorized appraiser deems an FCA lease car program vehicle a total loss, the participant will be notified. The participant must remove all personal belongings, license plates, registration, insurance certificate, and lease documents from the totaled 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.

Participants must notify Company Vehicle Operations of the totaled vehicle status by submitting an Interim Vehicle Replacement Form from the Company Vehicle Operations website. Allow 2-3 business days for processing before contacting the Lapeer Road Marshaling Center.

For participants within Southeastern Michigan who obtained a loaner, it must be returned when selecting an interim vehicle pending new vehicle order and delivery. Participants outside Southeastern Michigan should contact Company Vehicle Operations for specific guidance. Replacing totaled vehicles is mandatory to remain in the lease car program, contingent on vehicle production availability.

Participants choosing not to replace a totaled vehicle must submit a Termination Form to discontinue lease payments.

Totaled Vehicle Procedures:

Notification and Item Removal: Participants are informed of total loss and must remove personal items and documents.
Lapeer Road Marshaling Center: Return license plates, registration, lease documents (except insurance certificate).
Interim Vehicle Replacement Form: Submit to Company Vehicle Operations to initiate replacement process.
Replacement Mandatory: Replacing totaled vehicles is required to remain in the FCA Lease Car Program.

Dealer Billing and Third-Party Contacts

Stellantis franchised dealerships are required to submit repair orders/invoices and appraisals to Fleet Operations – Vehicle Claims for payment at [email protected] or via phone at (833) 550-5783. Dealer billing will be credited under Billing Code “0057”.

Any third-party communications regarding claims must be immediately referred to Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. Participants are not authorized to settle claims involving FCA lease car program vehicles.

Billing and Contact Information:

Dealer Submissions: Dealerships submit repair documents to Fleet Operations – Vehicle Claims.
Third-Party Referrals: Direct all third-party claim inquiries to Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc.
No Participant Claim Settlement Authority: Participants cannot settle claims.

Reminder: Participant Responsibilities under the FCA Lease Car Program

Participants in the FCA Lease Car Program are responsible for maintaining copies of all police and accident reports, damage appraisals, and any other pertinent information related to vehicle incidents. Adherence to these guidelines ensures a smooth and compliant experience within the FCA Lease Car Program.

Conclusion

Navigating vehicle damage and repairs under the FCA Lease Car Program requires careful attention to policy and procedure. By understanding and following these guidelines, participants can ensure proper vehicle maintenance, compliant repairs, and avoid potential financial liabilities. Always prioritize reporting damage promptly, utilizing authorized Stellantis dealerships and OEM parts, and maintaining thorough records of all incidents and repairs. This comprehensive approach will help you maximize the benefits of the FCA Lease Car Program while upholding your responsibilities as a vehicle custodian.