Choosing A Collision Center BEFORE Your Next Auto Accident

There are plenty of items to take into account before choosing an auto body shop which will meet your needs. We hope you had the forethought to decide that it is time for you to choose an auto body shop before a huge dent appeared in your car body. Either way, CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO wants you to learn these key facts before you decide to weigh through the innumerable collision repair options in the Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, or St. Louis, MO area.

• You don’t need to take your vehicle to an auto body shop simply because your insurance company told you to. As the proprietor of your vehicle, you are able to choose which auto body shop will do the best work for your needs.
• After you are in a wreck, use sound judgment in determining if it may be unsafe to drive. It is better to call a tow truck then to put you and your loved ones at risk!
• It is very common for two different auto body shops to have two different estimates on the same work. However, it is important that you do not automatically go with whichever shop is the least expensive. Sometimes, a lower estimate may not include all needed work. If you’re unsure why one auto body work estimator is different from another you have received, please check with one of us at CARSTAR Arnold.
• Certain insurance companies might want you to go to a claims center before getting your automobile repaired. You might also leave your vehicle at our shop and ask the insurance company to examine the automobile here.
• You cannot understate the value of selecting an auto body shop that has some credentialed education for its staff. Choose an auto body shop that has I-Car certified technicians.
• If you think that you could do the repair yourself, but you are not completely sure, don’t make the big mistake of simply diving into it. You could very well wind up doing more damage to it than good. After all, your car is the second-largest investment you'll make. Get it fixed by experts to preserve its value.
• Missouri state law doesn't require the citizens of Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, or St. Louis, MO to get more than one appraisal or estimate. However, it is generally a smart idea to shop around a little bit before making a decision if you haven’t chosen a collision center beforehand. If you did select a shop before the crash occurred, know that you don't have to look elsewhere for auto body repair if you do not want to.
• Ask if the auto body shop comes with a written lifetime warranty.
• Ensure that your chosen auto body shop will work with your insurance claim before taking your automobile to them for repair.

It is easy to see that selecting an auto body shop is no laughing matter. Be smart and make your choice according to these tips and good judgment. As you're looking, think about going to CARSTAR Arnold. They will be glad to show you more about how to get you back on the road after your next auto accident.

Ten Questions For An Auto Body Shop

After being tangled up in an auto accident, one of the first things you’ll take into consideration is getting your vehicle fixed as fast as possible. But taking your vehicle to the first auto body shop you see would be a rash decision. In order to find a reliable and trustworthy auto body shop, take time to do your homework and ask questions so that you will receive high quality auto body repair work for your vehicle.

CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, Missouri sees the significance of a good auto body repair every time someone brings a vehicle to them that someone else didn’t do right. That is why they have these tips for you as you pick out where to do your next repair in Arnold, Festus, St. Louis, Imperial, or Oakville, MO.

Here are some questions and things to consider before allowing an auto body repair shop to repair your vehicle:

1.    Find out more about the auto body repair shop. Reading an online review about an auto body repair shop can be a useful resource. You can get a sense of the standard of the auto body repair shop based on customer feedback, ratings, and reviews. You may need to ask the following questions after reading an online review: how frequently will I get text updates about your car’s repair status? Will you be able to look at photos of your car repair in progress?

2.    What type of warranty comes with their auto body repair work? If they offer a warranty, ask how long it lasts and what it'll cover.

3.    Does the auto body repair shop have rental cars on their lot or do they offer loaner vehicles? Being without an automobile is an inconvenience, so you will need to ensure that you have a rental, loaner, or courtesy car while yours is in the auto body shop. Some auto body repair shops have a car rental facility situated in or near their auto body shop. Other auto body repair shops may offer loaner or courtesy cars which you can use while they're fixing your car.

4.    How long will the auto body repair take? There are lots of related factors that will affect how long an auto body repair will take, including the extent of damage to your vehicle, how busy the auto body repair shop is at that specific time, or even holidays during which the auto body shop might be closed.

5.    Is your vehicle covered while it is in the shop? Ask the auto body repair shop if they carry fire and theft insurance. You want to be sure that you will be covered in case your vehicle is damaged, destroyed, stolen, or burglarized while it is in the auto body shop.

6.    Will the paint match the rest of my automobile? More often than not, cars have a paint code on a plate located either in a door jamb, under the hood, or in the trunk. This paint code will give the precise color of the manufacturer’s paint. Make sure the auto body repair shop will be utilizing the same exact color of paint and not a similar color.

7.    How soon can you wash your vehicle after an auto body repair? An auto body repair shop generally gives your car back to you clean. They may have already washed it or waited for the paint to dry so that you can drive your car immediately after the repair. Still, you should know whether it's safe to take your vehicle to a car wash that uses friction brushing or a touch-free car wash with acid presoaks and super concentrated car wash soap soon after a fresh paint job.

8.    Does the auto body repair shop have any certifications? Certifications, like I-CAR and ASE, are a good sign of a reputable auto body repair shop. A certification usually means that the auto body repair shop has the skills and knowledge needed to perform total, safe, and quality repairs.

9.    Will the auto body repair shop put everything in writing? When bringing your vehicle into an auto body repair shop, ask if you can receive a written estimate. You should also ask for an itemized bill after all work is completed. If the written estimate does not match the itemized bill, do not hesitate to ask about any discrepancies.

10.   What is the payment policy? Most reputable auto body repair shops post their policies and payment methods where customers can easily see them. The payment policies may include labor rates, materials, warranty information, guarantees, and acceptable forms of payment. If you do not see payment policy information, ask before the auto body shop begins any auto body repair work on your vehicle.

Bonus Questions:

• Does the auto body repair shop work on your make and model?
• Do they specialize in the type of auto body repair work your motor vehicle needs?
• How do they price out auto body repairs and auto body painting services (i.e. an rate per hour or flat fee)?

Which place to go for auto body repair in Arnold, Festus, St. Louis, Imperial, or Oakville, MO is a vital decision. If you are searching for an auto body shop, consider CARSTAR Arnold. They have the experience you'll need with the customer service you want.

How to Choose the Right Auto Body Shop

As an automobile owner, your chances of requiring the services of a collision repair and refinishing facility are higher than you think. Whether it is from storm damage, rust and corrosion, acid rain and harsh sunlight, or an automobile accident outright, the risks are real. It's wise, then, to know how to pick an auto body shop.

Oftentimes when people are involved in an accident they assume "the insurance company will deal with it for me.'' In fact, it's your duty to decide on who will do the repairs for you. This isn't a choice which should be taken lightly, as it can involve protecting a significant investment. That is why CARSTAR Arnold has put together this list of tips for you as you decide which auto body shop can meet your needs. They have years of experience handling all types of vehicles in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, and St. Louis, MO.

Preliminaries

• Start looking for an auto body shop before you need one; you can make better decisions when you're not rushed or in a panic.
• Ask your friends and acquaintances for their recommendations. Even in this modern era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation continues to be valuable.
• Check with your local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the facility in question. Ask about the number of complaints, if any, and find out how the complaints were resolved.
• Always try to visit the auto body shop before you make the decision on who will fix your vehicle.

At the Shop

• Ask if the auto body shop generally handles your vehicle make and model. Ask how long the auto body shop has been in business.
• Look for a neat, well-organized facility with modern equipment. Many vehicle manufacturers suggest specific auto body repair procedures and equipment for the repair of their automobiles. Ensure that the facility you decide on is trained in these procedures and has the proper equipment.
• Professionally run facilities will have a polite, helpful staff ready to answer all your questions.
• Try to find signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, customer service awards.
• Oftentimes you can easily see the vehicles being fixed by the auto body shop. Are you impressed by the type of vehicles the company is fixing and the way the vehicles are being taken care of?
• Also search for indications that the staff is technically competent, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work training from I-CAR.
• All policies, guarantees, and methods of payment should be posted or explained to your satisfaction.

Being alert and attentive when you go to an auto body shop will tell you a lot about what to expect from your auto body repair. If you would like an estimate or have questions relating to auto body repair, please contact CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, Missouri.

Five Maintenance Procedures Your Car Cannot Do Without

People tend to hop into their cars without thinking about all of the things that could be going wrong under the hood. However, you can’t understate the importance of keeping your car in tip-top shape. CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO, as top quality auto repair experts, want you to know about these five auto service items you shouldn’t skip.

Oil Changes

Oil is the lifeblood of a healthy car. Most people know that they have to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but don’t forget that you should also examine your oil level every 1,000 miles just to make sure that everything is as it should be.

Keep your oil changed. It is the easiest thing to overlook and ignore but the most crucial thing anyone can do. We at CARSTAR Arnold see a lot of worn engine parts because of the lack of oil changes.

Tire Maintenance

Properly maintained tires enhance your vehicle's steering, stopping, and traction. Tire pressure ought to be set to the manufacturer’s specifications, which can usually be found in the owners' manual, on a sticker inside fuel filler door, or on the door well of the driver's side door.

It’s vital that you keep your tires inflated to the pressure that is recommended by the manufacturer of the car. Proper inflation keeps your tires wearing properly. Over- or under-inflated wears tires out faster, can negatively affect fuel consumption, and present a safety hazard. Get your tires rotated and balanced every 6,000-8,000 miles and get the alignment checked at least once a year to make sure there are not suspension problems.

Fluids

Checking the other fluids in your vehicle is also very important. Of course, we have already covered how you need to have the oil changed regularly. When you do that, also check all of the fluids including the transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Flush the transmission fluid around every 50,000 miles.

Brake Check

A brake inspection should be part of your vehicle’s ongoing regular maintenance to guarantee safety and reliability. Have your brakes inspected at least once per year or more often if you experience grinding, vibrations, or shaking when you brake. Regardless of the automobile, brakes usually need to be replaced every 20,000-30,000 miles.

Scheduled Maintenance

Failure to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule may lead to loss of warranty coverage, breakdowns, poor fuel economy, and an increased cost of ownership in the long run. Having a certified professional examine your automobile according to these schedules is an opportunity to catch troubles before they get you stuck or turn into bigger repairs.

Build a relationship with an auto body shop. Moving from shop to shop might save a few bucks on certain jobs, but ultimately the only one who'll have any responsibility for the shape of the vehicle will be you. Having a reputable auto body shop you trust means you having somebody looking beneath the hood for any possible problems on a regular basis. A good mechanic, who's familiar with your needs, your expectations, and your car, will help you get the most from the car.

If you're in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, or St. Louis, MO area and do not already have a regular auto body mechanic, think about taking your vehicle to CARSTAR Arnold. They help countless drivers like you keep their automobiles in top performance shape.

Avoiding Staged Auto Body Claims

Staged auto body accidents are becoming increasingly popular, endangering the lives and boosting the auto insurance rates of innocent drivers who may unknowingly think they're at fault. Questionable claims from staged accidents increased 46.3 percent from 2007 through 2009, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, or NICB, a nonprofit agency in Des Plaines, Illinois, funded by 1,100 property and casualty insurance providers nationwide to fight auto insurance fraud and automobile theft. Here are some ideas from CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO based on information from the NICB. If you have an auto body accident in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, or St. Louis, MO, you will be glad that you were prepared with this important auto body repair info.

Auto insurance fraud added $4.8 billion to $6.8 billion to auto injury claim payments in 2007, based on the Insurance Research Council's November 2008 study "Fraud and Buildup in Auto Injury Insurance Claims: 2008 Edition." NICB investigations in Florida, New York, and California uncovered sophisticated, multistate rings that included the staged accident participants and doctors, chiropractors, lawyers, and even auto body shop owners that profited from the car insurance scam.

Multiple claims for one accident

One common element runs though the majority of staged accidents. The "victim" vehicle will contain three to four passengers who will file medical claims against the victim's auto insurance company in addition to a car damage claim. Stagers often target younger ladies and older adult drivers as they enter or exit a shopping mall or parking garage. If you're talking on a cell phone or appear otherwise distracted while driving, you're a perfect mark.

There'll be somebody sitting there at the curb and you pull up and they'll wave you on by. The next thing you know, you're getting blocked and then getting clobbered. Do not always assume that it was an accident; it may very well have been intentional.

Avoiding a staged accident

Here are six tricks from CARSTAR Arnold on how to avoid becoming a victim of a staged accident:

• Avoid tailgating. Recognize the "swoop and squat" scenario in which a motorist suddenly swoops in front of you then slams on his or her brakes, and leave plenty of distance between you and the car before you in case the driver slams on his brakes.
• Call the cops even if damage is minimal. An Arnold, Missouri police report will make it more difficult for a stager to intentionally damage their car later to collect a bigger claim against your car insurance company.
• Grab a camera or use your cell phone to photograph everything and everyone at the scene. Pay extra attention to the number of people in the other vehicle and the harm to both vehicles.
• Be wary of passers-by who just happen to arrive on the scene, especially if they offer to point you to a doctor, attorney, or tow-truck company. They might be part of the scam.
• Steer clear of tow-truck drivers that you did not call. They are generally part of this car insurance scheme.
• Be wary of doctors who insist that you file a personal injury claim following an accident, especially if you aren't hurt.

Although auto body fraud is a very real concern, lots of auto body accidents aren't anything more than accidents. In either case, consider taking your vehicle to CARSTAR Arnold, which serves the people of Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, and St. Louis, MO.

Finding The Best Place For Auto Body Repair

If you have been in a car accident, it’s crucial that you know that auto body shops only sometimes have your interests in mind. Sadly, some auto body shops will routinely downplay claims, minimize auto repair costs, use cheap parts, or even fail to fully repair problems. These practices can devalue your automobile and give you even worse problems down the road.

Here are a few fundamental principles from CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO on things to look for when choosing an auto body shop, and tips on how to be a proactive participant in your car’s auto body repair to make sure that it comes out looking great and costing you no more than necessary.

Research Before You Repair

Angieslist.com, Yelp.com, and Google reviews are useful sources to get a sense of an auto body shop’s quality based on customer reviews, but take the online reviews with a dose of skepticism. You will want to pay attention to well written, thought-out reviews – not nasty one-liners, because even the best businesses can end up with an unsatisfied customer every so often. You may even be able to find discussion forums specific to your vehicle’s make and model where forum members can suggest good auto body shops in your community.

Choose an Auto Body Shop with a Warranty

Some auto body shops offer their own independent warranties on their repairs for fit, finish, functionality, and overall quality. Request to see their warranty and ask some questions about it prior to agreeing to work with a given auto body shop and make certain it does not have a time frame. A good auto body shop will offer a lifetime warranty. CARSTAR Arnold offers such a warranty for the people of Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, and St. Louis, MO.

Keep Your Existing Manufacturer Warranties Intact

Ask your chosen auto body shop if any mechanical repairs will nullify or change any existing warranties you may have on your new or recently purchased automobile. Factory warranties on engines and accessories might be compromised if your automobile needs mechanical repairs after a collision, so make sure your car’s factory warranty is not being compromised with aftermarket parts, or repairs that otherwise aren’t manufacturer-approved.

If your insurer is trying to “mandate” aftermarket or used parts that will void your factory warranty, demand that the insurer give you a written warranty exactly the same as your factory warranty. Nine times out of ten they’ll just pay for original parts, rather than giving you the runaround.

Get More Than One Estimate

It is best to get estimates from a number of different auto body shops. After your first estimate, show their estimate to the second shop and the third shop, and ask how they match up against the first auto body shop’s quote. You may find that one or the other is skipping over a lot of important items. Don’t merely compare the final estimated cost, since one auto body shop may be quoting for an entirely different method of repair than the other. You’ll want an auto body shop that's both thorough and friendly.

Do Not Be Willing To Settle

Do not settle for anything less than totally new factory-original parts for your vehicle, and be sure to let the auto body shop know it. Of course, there are some jurisdictions where auto body shops can opt to utilize aftermarket or used parts, but those are generally not the way to go. Look at the work closely to make sure that your vehicle was restored to original condition by the parts used, or you have the right to ask for new parts. The shop managers should have no doubt that you are not willing to settle and that you want nothing but top-quality work. If you do not tell them that you won’t settle, there might be shoddy work done on your vehicle. That is why you need to look for qualities like thoroughness and friendliness in every auto body shop you consider.

Make Sure Everything Is Written Down

It used to be that you could trust people to live up to their word. Sadly, that’s just not the case anymore. There are key phrases that insurance adjusters and auto body shop people like to throw around like “totally cover the rental car,” “restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition,” and even “pay for everything.” Those words sound really great, but you will want to make sure that those kinds of things are all in writing. If you are talking to an insurance adjuster over the phone, follow up with an email so that you have a written record of what was promised by all parties involved. That will also make sure that everything is clear for everyone so all parties are on the same page. If you end up having to appeal a decision or call someone out for a broken promise, you will be glad that you got it all in writing.

These are only a few of the precautions that you ought to take whenever it comes to your next car repair. After all, your car is the second-largest investment you will make after your house, why not ensure that it is repaired right? If you've got any more questions about auto body repair or would like an estimate, get a hold of CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO to get the answers you need.

Auto Body Repair Basics For Your Next Collision

Automobile accidents are a regrettable fact of life for many people in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, and St. Louis, MO. With scores of drivers on the road each day, a lot of them preoccupied by telephone calls, messy burritos, bad weather, or sleep deficiency, collisions are inevitable. Thankfully, the majority of accidents are relatively minor and no one gets injured.

But a minor accident can significantly damage the outside of your vehicle. Areas like the fenders and doors are especially prone to damage.

While it's generally the insurance company's job to get your automobile patched up and back on the road when this occurs, there are some things you should know in order to make certain that your vehicle is correctly fixed. Here’s some of the top auto body repair tips from the collision professionals, Carstar Arnold in Arnold, Missouri.

1. You can choose the auto body shop

It is true that your insurance provider could refer you to an auto body shop that they like. However, do not forget that you have the right to ultimately decide on where your vehicle is taken for its repair. You can’t really demonize auto body shops that the insurance provider recommends because most are really fine shops. There are a couple of bad ones out there that might do shoddy work. Those kinds of shops will reach out to the insurance people by promising to cut costs, but unfortunately they cut corners as well when it comes to the repair. Do not simply trust an auto body shop because it is the one that the insurance company told you to go to.

2. Avoid aftermarket parts

When you take your car in for auto body repair following a collision, you should inquire about the replacement parts which are utilized by the auto body shop. Auto body shops may use new original parts, used parts, or aftermarket parts. While used parts were made by your vehicle manufacturer and work as well as new original parts, aftermarket parts are often cheap imitations with inferior quality. These parts can corrode, rattle, and ultimately diminish your vehicle's value.

3. Carefully examine paint match

More often than not, you see vehicles on the road with body panels that do not match in color. Matching a newly painted body panel to the rest of your car is a difficult challenge, and quite often there can be a large, obvious difference in shade. When you pick up your automobile from the auto body shop, ask which panels are original and which ones were painted. Step back ten feet from the automobile and see if there's a difference in color. If there's, there may be additional paint work required to get a better match.

4. Check warning lights

After an accident, there are some warning lights that may turn on in your dashboard. These can include the airbag light, the low coolant light, the check engine light, and others. Whenever you pick up your finished automobile, make sure all of the issues have been corrected and none of the lights are illuminated. Illuminated lights can indicate that your automobile's on-board computer may need to be reprogrammed, or that particular electrical components need replacement.

Auto body repair is something that everybody in a collision needs to know about. If you'd like to find out more about this worthwhile subject, or if you would like auto body repair in Arnold, MO, visit CARSTAR Arnold.