Bucks Cost Bucks, Does Cost Dough

North America’s Collision Repair Experts Weigh in on the Hefty Costs of Hitting a Deer

It’s the yearly battle of the bumpers against the bucks, the does up against the doors.  Both sides lose whenever car and deer collide, but a measure of defensive driving can lessen the risks.

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts in the St. Louis area say the regularity and severity of deer-related accidents are growing as fast as the deer population in certain markets. And, with the cold-weather months supplying peak season for deer-vehicle crashes, this risk is rising.

In point of fact, over forty percent of CARSTAR shop owners describe a twenty five percent boost in deer-related injuries, while some nearly twelve percent report a 50 percent increase and five percent have noticed a massive seventy-five percent increase in their areas. That deer-related accident can be pricey -- just about seventy percent of CARSTAR store owners gauge that the normal price of a deer-related collision repair is around $2,500 and $4,999, while some 5% of repairs are around $5,000 and $10,000.

A recently available survey by State Farm concurs with the pattern.  U.S. drivers are 3 percent more inclined to hit a deer in the following 12 months as opposed to this past year, specifically in October, November and December. The cost is rising, also, and is anticipated to be about fourteen percent greater than this past year.

A new trend is emerging, and one that does not bode well for motorist or deer – the serial deer crash motorist.  Once a driver has been around a deer-related incident, his or her probability of suffering from another one are going up.  Most of these car owners have a home in deer-filled areas, drive in early morning or early evening when deer are out, or simply just happen to be unlucky with bucks.

Greg Walter, a suburban Atlanta resident, is simply one example.  He’s experienced 17 deer-related accidents over the past decade!

“I’m not sure why they aim for my pickup, but they certainly do,” mentioned Walter.  “I’ve destroyed several company cars, and it’s gotten so bad that some of my co-workers put deer heads on my truck door just like a World War Two fighter pilot.  I’ve experimented with a variety of headlights, deer whistles, anything.  I think I just have to have a retainer at my local CARSTAR shop.”

Drive Defensively to Avoid Deer Dangers

This year, some 1.5 million drivers will hit deer, and November is the top month for deer-related incidents in Arnold, Oakville, and Imperial, Missouri.  However drivers can easily bypass an accident with a buck by simply following some smart driving tips this fall and winter.

Morning hours and sundown are the worst hours for deer problems, as visibleness is restricted and deer are frequently on the move. You will need to drive defensively and anticipate the prospect of deer in the roadway.

The car professionals at Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair, who fix thousands of automobiles every year from deer-related mishaps, offer the following tips to lessen the deer danger:
1.    Use extra caution at sunrise and dusk and around golf courses, fields and wooded areas.
2.    Don't forget that deer travel in packs – if you notice one, there is probably more behind it.
3.    Don't swerve to get around hitting a deer, because that enhances the risk of impacting another motor vehicle or losing control of the car or truck.
4.    When there's no opposing traffic, utilize high beams at nighttime to better illuminate deer.
5.    Don't rely on gear including deer whistles, which are connected to the outside of a car, to scare off deer with an ultrasonic or high frequency noise. They haven't been shown to lessen deer-vehicle collisions.
6.    If a deer keeps on the highway after you hit it, report the accident to the game commission or a nearby law enforcement department, for the reason that deer presents a danger to other road users. If the deer still is alive, you shouldn't get around it since a wild animal with sharp hooves may inflict injuries.
7.    If a car accident with a deer really does happen, it pays to be covered. Many motorists do not recognize that holding exclusively collision coverage isn't going to cover harm from a deer incident, leaving them with a wrecked vehicle and a sizeable repair expense.  To completely deal with any prospective problems, car owners must carry detailed insurance that covers such accidents. For the people driving an older automobile who think their motor vehicles are not worth the expense of the insurance coverage, it’s smart to maintain an “accident fund” for if anything does happen.

If a motorist ends up marooned with a wrecked automobile following a deer collision, they may always call 1-800-CARSTAR. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair will dispatch the tow truck, contact their insurance company and help the automobile owner get back on the highway.

Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO offers top-quality, sound repair service at over 430 locations in 30 states and 10 Canadian provinces. Just call 1-800-CARSTAR if you need a vehicle repair, and they're going to send out the tow truck, speak to your insurance company, plan for a car rental and fix your motor vehicle. For more information and store locations, go to www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Body Shop

With rocks, shopping carts along with other frequent hazards, it’s not extremely uncommon to identify a scratch in your motor vehicle, either in the paint or the windshield. Not dealt with, any scrape can cause significant problems, from rust and corrosion caused by a paint scratch exposing the metal to a small windshield scratch that stretches until a total windshield replacement is needed. To lessen this type of damage, it is vital that whenever your get a scratch to repair it straight away at a shop like Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO.

When you do get a paint scratch or windshield scratch in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO, the best thing to do generally is use a professional repair company.

To fix a deep paint scratch that goes all through the paint to the metal, a paint and body repair center such as Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair will do the best job in entirely repairing the scratch. To fix this sort of scratch, the technician will need to strip the affected panel, prime it and paint it.

Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO has the ability to completely match the color of your motor vehicle. Depending on your insurance plan, you might get your glass scratch repaired without paying anything out of pocket. No matter if you get a paint scratch or a glass scratch, get it fixed promptly. The damage your car could sustain from not having a scratch fixed can be both serious and costly.

But how do you know what auto body shop to head to? It isn't uncommon for estimates from assorted body shops to differ wildly. One shop may give you an estimate for $500 while another wants $2,000 for the work. What's the difference? And when is it fine to select the cheaper shop?

Below are great tips from Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO for choosing the best shop in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO to work on your vehicle — particularly when you're the one paying the bills.

1) Pay Attention to Word-of-Mouth
Any business can advertise, but you'll do better with a shop that friends, family or acquaintances endorse. It's a business that has confirmed it can satisfy customers. And it might not be the largest or best-known shop in the neighborhood. Occasionally, you may get a suggestion for a little shop where the owner works on the vehicles himself.

2) Consider the Operation's Location and Overhead
Labor hours is the deal-breaker for how much a repair will cost. Many shops charge $40 per hour for labor. However in the ritzy parts of West L. A., the per-hour labor charge is $60-$65. In wealthy Newport Beach, California, there's been up to $90-per-hour labor charges.

3) Get Several Estimates
Taking your car to a few auto body shops in the Arnold, MO area for repair quotes is the best way to avoid overcharges. And while you'll want to protect against being overcharged, you should not simply take the cheapest quote. You may get some type of midnight guy that will say he is able to do it really cheap. Stay away from those guys, since there is something they aren't doing. You might have major problems down the road.

4) Ask the Right Questions
When finding a body shop, don't go in with your pocketbook open. Ask some key questions. Does the shop offer a written warranty? And if that's the case, for how long? How much does the warranty cover?

Another key question is whether the shop carries fire and theft insurance. You need to be sure you're covered if your car is destroyed, stolen or burglarized. Don't forget to ask how long the shop has been in business. Make sure it has a business license.

You will also want to know about the types of materials the shop plans to use. Are new, used or aftermarket body parts likely to be used? New parts are obviously the best and used parts are fine, though they don't provide the savings people think. Dependent on the damage to your car or truck, aftermarket parts can avoid using too much money and may be every bit as good as the ones that come from the original manufacturer. If paint work is involved, ask how many coats of paint and clear coat the shop plans to use.

5) Follow Your Intuition
Ultimately, it is important to trust your intuition about the shop that you are thinking about. If a shop isn't really busy, maybe that's because customers in the Arnold, MO area are steering clear of it as a result of shoddy repairs. If the place is really dirty, cluttered or disorganized, this might reflect the kind of work you could expect the shop to do with your automobile. Is the shop owner or manager a grouch who seems to resent addressing the questions you have? You will be happier with a shop where the owner communicates well and is straightforward with customers.

When you're out looking for an estimate, why not check in with Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair ? They would love to give you a fair estimate supported by a lifetime warranty.

Auto Collision Tips

Keeping calm and on task after an auto collision can save lives and enable you to get back on the road quickly

An auto collision is an emotional and tedious experience. Many motorists drive defensively, take driver education training courses and get ready for stressful driving situations, however vehicle collisions still take place in Arnold, MO.

A driver is responsible for knowing what to do if they are involved in a wreck. Even the most prepared and competent motorists sometimes find themselves involved in a collision. It doesn't matter who's responsible, the most important thing to do first is make sure everybody is OK, then seek medical and law enforcement help and know what to do to protect yourself from legal or financial trouble down the road.

The best defense to prevent any trouble after a collision is to get ready. As outlined by AAA, "Keeping a pen and paper, disposable camera or cell phone camera, and copy of your insurance card readily available all the time will help keep you organized and lessen stress moments following a collision."

After stopping your automobile, Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair recommends all drivers involved in an automobile crash stick to these steps:

1. Help the seriously injured. Quickly talk with those involved in the collision to find out if there are any injuries. If medical assistance is needed, call 9-1-1. If medical attention isn't required, be certain that you're not in imminent danger at the roadside.

2. Control the Scene. Before you take time to exchange information, get to a safe place.  If there aren't any injuries and your vehicle is drivable, safely move to the right or left emergency lane.  Some state laws require drivable vehicles to be removed from the roadway to avoid traffic congestion. Turn on your hazard lights and set out warning flares or reflective triangles. Never leave the scene of the crash, but find a safe place to remain until emergency services arrive.

3. Notify the Police and Submit a Report. The law requires you tell the authorities. No matter what either party alleges, call law enforcement and file a report. If the authorities don't come to the scene to start an investigation, you can file a report by visiting a nearby police department or car insurance agency in the days after the accident. Having a report on file might help later if a liability claim is submitted.

4. Document the Scene and Exchange Information. It is very important exchange and gather information with all parties involved in the accident, including witnesses. Having this on file will help finish any future paperwork or address possible problems. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair suggests that you document:

•   Names
•   Addresses/email address
•   Vehicle Information including makes, models and years for all cars involved
•   Vehicle identification/license plate numbers
•   Driver’s license numbers
•   Insurance carriers and policy numbers
•   Take pictures of the area, people involved and wrecked motor vehicles

5. Notify Your Insurance Carrier. Your insurance company will have to be notified after a crash to start the right claim filing. Many insurance companies have staff available around the clock and can assist immediately. Having proof of insurance in your car or truck is required by law and makes filing a claim easier if not at home.

6. Get Your Motor Vehicle Fixed. You have the right to get your vehicle fixed at the auto body shop of your choosing. Consider taking it to Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO, which also serves Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO.

7. Unattended Vehicle or Property. If you're tangled up in a crash that involves an unattended motor vehicle or property, take action to inform the owner. If you cannot find the owner, attach a written notice of the crash to the car or property, making certain to include your contact information and information in the list above.

Drivers and owners of motor vehicles must certainly be ready to assume legal and financial responsibility if involved in a crash, don't let your emotions and feelings get in the way of determining who is the culprit. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into admitting fault or giving an opinion about the cause of a crash. If you would like, you can consult with a lawyer before providing a statement.

For additional tips on proper auto body repair or what to do in case of an accident, get a hold of Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO today!

Kids And Hot Cars Are No Mix In Summer Heat

With the summer heat here, it is the best time to remember just how hazardous a automobile can be whenever kids and pets are left unattended.  Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the US.

At Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO, North America’s most reliable brand for auto body repair, the focus isn’t merely on repairing vehicles, it’s on protecting the well-being of the drivers and passengers in those automobiles any time they are driving.

We want to do everything we can to teach drivers about the safety of their motor vehicles in the summer sun.  Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair encourages motorists to plan their trips so you don't have to leave somebody – or any pet – in a automobile that isn’t running with the air condition turned on.  And, it’s important to bear in mind that even a few minutes in a hot automobile can have devastating effects.  You always want to take those extra steps to guarantee the safety of your kids.

According to the National Weather Service, a lot of kids and untold quantities of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia every year.  Hyperthermia is a severe condition that occurs whenever the body absorbs more heat than it can take care of.  Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day. The effects can be more severe on youngsters because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.

Research has shown that the heat inside a parked motor vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for young children, pets and even adults.  Leaving the windows slightly open won't seriously decrease the heating rate.  On an 85-degree day, the temperature within a car or truck with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.  After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach one hundred twenty degrees.

The non-profit safety group, KidsandCars.org states that many heat-related vehicle tragedies occur because a driver sometimes forgets a boy or girl is there.  Little ones can also get into unlocked cars without any adult knowing it just happened.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has some suggestions to help keep young people and pets safe throughout the heat of summer:

•   Never leave kids, disabled adults or pets alone in a hot car, even briefly

•   Always remember to check the front and back seats of the vehicle before you lock it and leave

•   See a kid alone in a hot car? Call 911 as soon as possible. Get them out as soon as possible if they're in distress

•   Put your purse, briefcase, or something else you need by the child car seat so you don’t forget to check

•   Always lock your vehicle when it’s empty so youngsters can’t get in without you knowing

The people at Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO also helping the people in Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO are so happy that you are taking the time to read about the necessity of summer car or truck safety. If you want more superb advice, call us up at 636-464-6080

IS YOUR CAR’S BODY READY FOR SUMMER?

Summer has arrived, and even though people are looking at a vacation getaway and some time outdoors, you need to start making plans to maintain your vehicle and reduce damage from summer weather and often challenging driving conditions that you can find in Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO.

We are all aware that too much sun can be bad for your skin.  It may be bad for your truck, causing oxidation and premature fading.  Salt air is harsh on paint surfaces, too. Inside the vehicle, plastic trim and the interior can also take a beating from heat and sun.  But with a proper maintenance routine and some T.L.C., you can easily keep your car looking fresh and new.

That's where your local Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body in Arnold, Missouri can help.  Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body 's automotive professionals can get rid of any damage you already possess, and  they can also put you on the road to prevention to reduce any future costs.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS

The first place to begin is with CARSTAR’s specialist detailing services. Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body can return your vehicle to like-new condition for a minimal investment.

•   A fresh cleaning can eliminate all of the road grime, tar, and other particles that you could have picked up on the way

•   A proper waxing will help protect your vehicle from the elements, restore faded paint, and bring back that showroom shine

•   Wiping out minor scratches and blemishes within the clear coat and paint now can keep rust from taking over later

•   A detailed interior cleaning can eliminate any damaging elements like sand or dirt that you might have brought into your car

•   A proper conditioning of leather, vinyl, and interior plastics can help safeguard against fading and cracking

•   Repairing torn upholstery now and replacing worn floor mats will help keep a slight problem from turning out to be a bigger, more pricey one later

•   Installing window film can prevent fading later on, and also reduce heat in the passenger area
While you experience the summer sun and outdoor activities, your car does not.  A good detailing and wax is like sunscreen for your vehicle. With good car care and some smart driving, you and your vehicle can sail through summer! Just give Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body in Arnold, Missouri a call at 636-464-6080 today or visit www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com

Save Money In 2014 - Find Every Discount For Your Insurance Policy

People in Arnold, MO start out each and every New Year with several meaningful changes or plans to make “this year” better than the last. Some plans will probably involve better diets, lifestyle changes, read more, exercise more, journal more, spend more time with our family, and greater focus on how to be more fiscally responsible.

It’s hard to argue with being more responsible with where you spend your hard earned dollars. Insurance costs to protect our vehicles can be a major expenditure for lots of people.  It is just common sense to complete a yearly review where and how these controllable dollars are spent.
Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, MO, also serving the folks of Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, offers a couple of tips to help ensure your auto insurance premium dollars are spent in the most effective manner possible.

1.   When you have a clean driving record with no mishaps and no violations in the last three years you might qualify for a substantial “safe driver” discount. If you don’t see a discount of this type on the declarations page that comes with your renewal, ask your agent or insurance provider.

2.   Assuming you have good or very good credit you may qualify for additional discounts.  Ask your agent or insurance provider.

3.   When you have your auto and homeowner policies with the same insurance company you most likely qualify for another type of discount. Confer with your agent or insurance provider.

4.   If you have young drivers on your policy who are good students, generally a B average or higher, you may qualify for more discounts.  There's also discounts available for taking part in safe driving programs. Check with our agent or insurance provider for availability.

5.   If your vehicles have special accident avoidance systems you might qualify for further discounts.

6.   If you own vehicle(s) whose mix of age, miles and current physical condition has deteriorated to a point of lower value it might be time to consider self-insuring these vehicles. This means getting rid of collision and comprehensive coverage. This action necessitates careful consideration and should definitely include consultation with your agent or insurance provider.

7.   Changing the amount of your collision and/or comprehensive deductibles could be a choice to control your premium costs. Picking out a higher deductible for either coverage will lessen your premium. But it’s imperative that you understand this move will increase your financial exposure should a major accident occur.

8.   Many insurance companies are offering installed driving performance monitors that provide you a deep discount on your insurance for safe driving.  Consult your insurance agent on availability.

9.   If you've relocated, taken a new job or married or divorced during the past year, it may impact your car insurance.  Make sure you update your policies accordingly.

10.   One more tip to every insurance consumer would be to make sure you have a “what if I have an accident" pack in your glove box. This kit should contain a pencil, a pad of paper to write down accident details and witness contact details, your agent’s contact info, your current insurance card, a plastic camera, and emergency contact information with names and numbers of people identified as the people to call in case you’re injured.

Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair hopes to be sure that everyone traveling in Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County are ready for the road in each and every way possible. If you live in Arnold, MO or the surrounding area and would like to have your questions pertaining to auto body repair answered, call Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair at 636-464-6080 or visit our website: www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com.

Why Should You Consider CARSTAR?

Whenever your vehicle needs to be repaired, you need a repair facility that you can rely on to help you stay informed throughout the complete process, offer superb customer service, deliver your vehicle on time and get you back on the road with the best quality repair.

That’s why a lot more people Select Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri for their motor vehicle repair needs than any other body shop. Across Oakville, Imperial, Jefferson County, and Arnold, MO, we provide national scale, consistently high-quality vehicle repairs and the industry’s finest customer satisfaction ratings, and most repairs are backed by a limited five-year nationwide warranty and service guarantee.

When you Select  Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair for your car repair, you’re choosing to be a part of North America’s biggest network of auto body shop owners.  That means you get the national training, quality standards and resources of the network, in addition to the personal service and community involvement of our local Arnold, Missouri area.  We feel this unique combination provides you the highest quality vehicle repair possible and supports a vibrant locally owned and operated company in your community.

Certified technicians are trained to work on all makes and models and get involved in ongoing education programs on the newest vehicle technologies and materials. Working with Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair allows you the peace of mind in knowing your car or truck will be repaired right and with the utmost attention to your needs. It's just one of the many ways we help minimize the disruption to your life.

We use high-quality parts and products to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. And, we do a 50 point quality interior and exterior inspection, a whole test-drive and a complete detail, to assure our workmanship meets your high standards before we give your automobile back to you.

Whenever you need auto body repair, Steve's CARSTAR Auto Body Repair in Arnold, Missouri is here to help. We offer helpful assistance twenty-four hours a day, 7 days a week, and will walk you through each step of the process.   We can call your insurance company, have your motor vehicle towed for repairs and get a hold of a friend or family member for you. Call us today at 636-464-6080 or visit www.auto-body-arnold-mo.com.