Estimates

If your vehicle is safe to drive after it is damaged, you may either bring your car to us for a free estimate or make an appointment – whichever is easiest for you.

Here are a few points to keep in mind about Estimates:

Estimates are Free!

When we do an estimate for your car, we will explain the claims process and answer any questions that you have about getting your car repaired. We will provide you with a printed copy and if you have your insurance company’s fax number, we will fax it to them for you.

Scheduling for an Estimate:

It is not necessary to schedule an appointment for an estimate, however if that is easier for you we will be happy to schedule one.

What if my insurance company writes my estimate?

If your insurance company writes your estimate, you will not need another estimate from us. We will work directly from the insurance estimate. If additional, accident related damage is found, we will contact your insurance company right away. New York State Regulation 64 allows your insurance company 48 hours to come to our facility to discuss the additional damage that was found. This often adds time to your repair.

What if I can’t drive my car?

If your car is not drivable, you can call us to tow it to our facility for an estimate. You can also have the car towed from the scene of an accident directly to our shop, either by us or another towing company.  Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible so if you need special help please let us know.

Do I have to be present when you do the estimate?

No, you do not have to be present however we have to inspect the vehicle to write the estimate. We often write estimates for customers who are not able to be here at the time. Once we have completed the estimate, we will contact you and go over all of the details as well as answer any questions you may have.

Estimates are not the final bill for repair:

Our first estimate covers all of the visible damage.  More times than not (9 times out of 10) further damage is found when we take your vehicle apart for repairs. This is normal and insurance companies expect this. We contact your insurance company to make sure that any additional accident related repairs are documented and covered before we finalize the repairs.

Do I have to get more than one estimate?

You are allowed, according to New York State Regulation 64, to decide where you want your vehicle repaired. In addition, you do not have to get multiple estimates and submit them before you get your car repaired.  If you are going directly through an insurance carrier the only estimate that really matters is the one they write.  It is our shop’s responsibility to make sure that all the hidden damage that was not on the original insurance estimate is identified, communicated, and fixed properly.

What if I do not want to use my insurance company for the repair?

We often have customers who do not want to put a claim into their insurance company. If you are paying directly for all repairs, we will contact you about all changes to the estimate prior to doing additional work to your vehicle. T.A.C.S. does not recommend paying out of pocket for any repair unless the damage is superficial or cosmetic. T.A.C.S. will advise you to use your insurance company if any hidden damage is suspected because the insurance company will cover the damage as long as it’s related to the accident. If hidden damage is found and you opted to not file an insurance claim you are responsible for the additional repair costs. T.A.C.S. is obligated to repair any damage to uphold the safety integrity of your vehicle.

The brothers and folks at TACs provide service and attention that earns them the loyalty of every customer. Almost anybody and repair shop can fix cars but these TACs folks care about their business, their reputation and their customers. Terrific place to go to when car troubles take over your life.

Chuck Naylor, Customer

The guys at TACS are real! They’re all super sweet, honest and just awesome people! If you’re looking for an excellent experience without any hassles this is the place for you. They did great work on my brands new vehicle and I’m happy to say I’ll be telling everyone about it.

Colleen Hasselback, Customer

This business does not just deal with cars… it deals with people. Not only does my car get fixed when I bring it there, but I get treated with respect and kindness. The prices are fair, the work they do is great, and the way they accommodate their customers is a breath of fresh air. Bring your car to TACS.

Paddy MeBoy, Customer

Not your average body/mechanic shop. These guys at TACS are honest and care about their customers. I was told from dealership that I needed all new brakes – easy sale…but they confirmed I only needed front pads. I won’t go anywhere else. I’m bringing all of my car needs to TACS – and spreading the word to friends in town. Even out of town. Very trustworthy, family business.

Emily Martin, Customer

Friendly and quick, yet incredibly thorough. I live in Clifton Park and refuse to bring my cars anywhere else. It’s my only recommendation for all of my friends who need assistance with their cars.

Alyssa Cukerstein, Customer

This is one of the best places to bring your car in the Capital District. I have been a loyal customer of theirs for a few years at this point. I came to them because I needed some body work done on my car and not only were they a pleasure to deal with, the repair was done perfectly and on time. It was easy to work with them and my insurance company. I was more than thrilled when they started to expand their business to take mechanical work as well. I brought my next car purchase to them to have them look over it before making a decision to purchase and have brought it to them for everything from oil changes, to more complex issues. The nice thing is, they are not out to get your money like most places, only once have they advised me to take my vehicle somewhere else because they did think it was in their wheelhouse (issue with transmission that was handled by the dealership). They are truly an A+ company!

Thomas Nolan, Customer

Unbelievable service. The guys at TACs are always so helpful. I pulled in 15 minutes before closing and they serviced my car right then and there. They take the time to explain everything – such as the difference between synthetic and regular motor oil and why I should be using the less expensive product for my car (based on mileage and other factors). They’ve won a lifetime customer through integrity and good intentions.

Todd Porter, Customer

Great people there. Honest. I have actually gone there more for advice or to help me with little things since I like to fix my car myself as much as I can and they have helped me in their parking lot and never charge me. If I ever did get in an accident that I couldn’t fix I would go to them for sure.

Shay McGlynn, Customer

My experiences at TACS have been great. My parents used to go to a different body shop when I was growing up… once I started going to TACS my whole family followed suit and we have all been beyond satisfied with the service. If you go into the waiting room at TACS you won’t find a single frown. The owners and employees treat everyone with so much respect and professionalism that it fills the shop with positivity. If you take your car TACS, you will find yourself smiling, too.

Patrick Farley, Customer