How To Choose An Auto Body Shop?

Damage to your car can be frustrating. Finding a quality auto body shop to repair the damage doesn’t have to be. With a few simple guidelines, choosing the right auto body shop is a breeze.

Ask Around:

Sure, scanning the yellow pages can help you locate a repair shop. What the yellow pages can’t tell you is how good a shop is. For that, you’ll need to solicit opinions of people you trust. Ask your friends, families, and coworkers who they use. Then listen to how they describe their experiences.

Choose an Established Name:

If you are new to the area or don’t have people who can offer suggestions, look for an established shop with a community reputation. Although a new business can offer exceptional service, it can be more of a gamble. Choosing a shop that’s been serving the community for years is a safer bet.

Look for Certifications :

You want to know only qualified, experienced mechanics are working on your car. To make sure an auto body shop can give you the finest workmanship and service, check to make sure it is a certified shop. Look for ASE-certification. Also, make sure that any diagnostics will be performed by a certified mechanic.

Trust Your Gut :

When you take your car in for an estimate, trust your instincts. Do the mechanics seem knowledgeable? Do they take the time to explain the quote and options for repairing your vehicle? A good shop will spend time with their customers.

Finding a reputable, professional auto body shop doesn’t have to be difficult. Keep these simple guidelines in mind, and you’ll have no trouble finding a reputable, professional auto body shop.

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Was Your Parked Car in a Hit-and-Run Accident? Here’s What You Can Do

Any kind of minor automobile accident is upsetting. When it’s a hit-and-run on your parked car, it can be deeply frustrating as well. Obviously, with the responsible party having left the scene and no note left, you can’t simply exchange information and file a claim with the driver’s insurance. However, you don’t need to stand in the parking lot gaping at the damage to your car feeling like you have nowhere to turn. There are steps you can and should take.
Although you may not have witnessed the hit and run, someone else could have. Take the time to canvas the lot in search of someone who saw something. Asking around at the establishments serviced by the parking lot might net you a witness. If someone is willing and able to provide an account, collect that person’s name and contact number as well as any information that he or she can provide.

Witness or not, your next step should be to report the hit-and-run accident to the police. Call them as soon as possible, and while you await their arrival, it may be a good idea to take a few photos of the damage just for future reference. Most insurance companies require a police report to accompany a hit-and-run claim as a way to prevent people from fraudulently reporting the origins of damage to their cars. Some companies want the report filed within 24 hours of the incident for it to qualify as a not-at-fault accident, so don’t delay.

With the police report filed, you can begin the process of repairing your car. Of course, this will have to be handled under your own policy, so contact your insurance company. A hit-and-run accident is included under collision coverage; no other coverage applies to this kind of incident. For example, your liability coverage only applies to damage done to other vehicles. If you do not have the optional collision coverage, then you may nothave insurance benefits to address the damage from a hit and run. By filing in this way and providing a police report, your out-of-pocket expense should be limited to the collision deductible.The silver lining in this otherwise unpleasant experience is that you won’t see an increase in your premiums because you were not at fault.

After squaring away your insurance claim, get your vehicle to a reputable auto body shop to restore it to its pre-accident condition. Quality shops are ASE certified and the finest establishments are I-CAR Gold members.

One thing is for sure, a hit-and-run accident, whether while driving or against your legally parked vehicle, is a serious violation of the law. Take swift action. Filing a police report will not only smooth the way for you to repair the damage but could also result in the offender being held accountable.

For expert auto body repair in Raleigh, click here.

2015 Car Color Trends

If you’re really planning on staying on top of the latest trends, then it’s time to accent the interior of your car or paint the outside with the 2015 Color of the Year, Marsala. It’s time to get imaginative with the color scheme of your car… learn more

Does Insurance Cover My Auto Body Repairs?

It’s bad enough your car has been damaged. Questioning whether or not your insurance will pick up the tab can add even more stress. Luckily, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of getting your insurance claim paid more quickly.

Know your insurance coverage – First, research your insurance coverage. Knowing what type of coverage you have, liability or full coverage, will help you determine what your insurance company will and will not cover. It’s also important to know what your deductibles are for each incident. Knowing these two things can help you plan what out-of-pocket costs you need to prepare for.

Choose an approved auto body shop – Next, choose an insurance-approved auto body shop. Insurance companies want to make sure that they are getting the best service for their dollars. Approved auto body shops have already negotiated their rates with your insurance company, offering attractive discounts. By selecting a pre-approved shop, you can reassure your insurance company that they are getting a fair deal. You can also speed up the repair process because the price negotiation has already been handled.

Ask About Replacement Parts – Some insurance companies try to keep costs down by asking shops to use rebuilt or generic replacement parts. Although you may not be able to sway the insurance company, it’s worth asking for original-equipment manufacturer (OEM parts), particularly if you were not the one at fault in an accident.

Know your coverage, choose an approved shop, and ask about parts before you commit to car repairs.Through a little research, you can greatly improve your chances of having an insurance claim paid without any unnecessary hassle.

Learn more about Auto body and auto glass repair in Garner, NC.

Google Looking for Auto Partner for Self-Driving Car

Google announced on Monday that it is looking for partners in the automotive industry to help bring its self-driving car to the market within the next five years, according to a report by… learn more

Chief University Introduces Aluminum Damage Analysis and Repair Technology Course

Technologies and Elektron, announced that it has introduced “Aluminum Damage Analysis and Repair Technology,” a one-day class covering aluminum-forming methods… learn more

How Auto Body Repairs Saves You Money In The Long Run?

Whether you’ve just had a fender-bender at a stoplight or came out to the parking lot to discover dents and scratches from a carless car door opening, it may be tempting to delay repairs in order to your hard-earned cash in your pocket. Unfortunately, delays can actually cost you more in the long run.

Avoiding Complications that Cost Big Dollars – Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the extent of the damage caused by a collision. While it may look like superficial damage or sound like a pesky little rattle, taking your car in right away can avoid additional costs down the road. A professional mechanic can examine your car and let you know both the extent of the damage and the potential complications that could happen due to delayed repairs.

Speeding Up Insurance Claims – From the time it may take to get multiple quotes to the cost and inconvenience of rental cars, delays and hassles in getting your car repaired can cost you time and money. Taking your car to an insurance-approved auto body shop can help speed up the claim process.

Preserving Resell Value – Professional auto body repairs pay dividends when you’re ready to trade your car in for a newer model. Buyers appreciate a used car that looks new, without any signs that it has been involved in an accident.

Your likely spend a lot of time in your car, shuttling family to events and appointments. Avoid additional costs and comprised safety by turning to trusted professionals to repair your car after a collision.

To learn more about auto body repair in Raleigh, NC, click here.