Category: auto body repair Litchfield NH

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Why does there always seem to be supplemental damage found once my car goes in for auto body repair?

St. Laurent

Please be aware that the auto body repair shop must follow the process set forth by the insurance company who is managing your auto body repair claim. Whether an insurance adjuster wrote your original estimate or the body shop wrote your original estimate the insurance company will typically not allow them to write for unseen/hidden damage even if more damage is suspected. This means that the person writing the estimate can only write for damage they can actually see and take photos of. If the vehicle is drive-able at the time the estimate is written then the vehicle will not be torn down to assess for further damage until it is actually dropped off at the shop for the repair. This allows you to continue driving the vehicle until your repair can be scheduled.

This is why it is not uncommon for an auto body shop to report supplemental damage once a vehicle is dropped off for repair and has the opportunity to tear the vehicle down. This allows the estimator to see the previously hidden damage take photos and report it to the insurance company. At this point the insurance company will either give the approval to move forward with the repair or in some cases they may want to come out and review the additional damage them selves. Be aware that additional damage may increase the cost of the repair and can also extend the time it takes to complete the repair. The insurance company will cover the additional damage if it is related to the accident and if you are in a rental they will typically extended the rental to cover the additional time it may take to fix the supplemental damage found. Your auto body shop should have an open line of communication with you and the insurance company keeping you both fully informed.

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Automotive Sensors and Cameras in Today’s World

St. Laurent

It is true that sensors and Cameras are an important new tool in the automotive industry. They help detect objects in our blind spots while driving, if your vehicle is getting too close to the vehicle in front of you, if there is something behind you when you are backing up, and so much more. They are there not as a full proof but as an additional precaution to help improve our driving.

Please make sure you use these as a tool to assist in your driving but do not solely depend on your sensors and cameras to keep you safe and your driving in check. It is still important that you look around, keep fully engaged, and are aware of your surroundings when operating a vehicle. To many times here at St. Laurent Collision we have had people come into the shop with collision damage who are blaming the sensors in their vehicle for the accident.

Also when ever your vehicle is in for collision repair and you have sensors that are located in the area of collision damage being repaired be sure that you are getting a pre scan and post scan for your sensors and cameras to make sure they are functioning properly. It is easy for a sensor or camera to get out of calibration in an accident or even for the paint to be applied to heavily over your sensors during the repair so always ask your repair facility to show you the pre and post scan data from your repair.

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Talk to Your Teens About Safe Driving

St. Laurent

Teens and young adults today deal with so many more sources of distraction than they did 20+ years ago. 33% of deaths among 13 to 19-year-olds occur in motor vehicle crashes.

We know that technology is a major factor in these collisions involving teens and young adults today. 56% of teens admitted that they talk or text on the phone while driving. It’s important to discuss the dangers of distracted driving with our teens and how to avoid the pitfalls that technology may bring to their driving experience.  

Using phones that block notifications while driving are a good start, putting devices in a place that cannot be reached while driving is also a good idea to avoid the temptation of looking at the device while on the road.

We also know that with each additional passenger the chance of getting into an accident increases. It’s important that we set limits on the number of passengers we allow our teens to have in their vehicle and discuss keeping talking to a minimum and the volume down. Especially for brand new drivers.

Time is also a factor it has been determined that there are are more teen involved accidents between the hours of 9PM and 6AM. Setting a curfew for your teen driver may help decrease their changes of being in an accident.

We hope these facts and tips help you with preparing you teens to get on the road as safely as possible.

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How to Deal with a Car Accident While on Vacation

St. Laurent

Everyone looks forward to going on vacation this time of year. No one ever expects that they may find them selves in a car accident while on vacation. But it does happen, dealing with a car accident while away on vacation can be more than stressful. There may be a number of factors that further complicate the situation.

  • You may be far away from home in an unfamiliar location
  • You may not know who to contact for assistance
  • You may have been driving a rental instead of your own vehicle
  • You may be dealing with injuries that require you to stay put for an extended period of time.

If involved in an car accident while on vacation you should keep the following things in mind:

  • Call 911: Always call 911 no matter where the accident occurs. If you are unable to call, ask a passenger or passersby to call for you. Please note that calls to 911 from an out-of-state phone number will reach local emergency responders.
  • Check for injuries: Always put your health first. Even if you don’t notice any mediate signs of injury you should still consider getting checked by a local emergency room.
  • Get the police report: Always request a copy of the police report. Do so right away, as it can be difficult to obtain a police report once you have returned home.
  • Notify the Rental Company: If the accident occurred in a rental car you must notify the rental car company of the accident as soon as possible. Even if you refused insurance from the rental company, your auto insurance may still cover you. Always check with your insurance company prior to declining rental insurance.
  • Capture the details of the accident scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any thing else that would provide evidence related to the accident.
  • Collect the other Parties Insurance Details: Immediately exchange insurance and contact information with the other parties involved in the accident and any witnesses. This information may be difficult to gather later.
  • Contact Your Lawyer: It is important to ensure that your rights are protected no matter where your car accident occurred.

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Top Seven Illegal Car Modifications

St. Laurent

Half the fun of driving relies on the kind of car you drive. Everybody wants to drive the newest, fastest, and coolest car in their town. There have been entire shows dedicated to creating and exhibiting the most exciting cars you can get. A lot of thought goes into auto body repair in Milford NH. However, sometimes car modifications get in the way or safety. Whether it’s your safety or the safety of others, certain car mods raise your chance of an accident. The risk has become so high for some that certain states banned them. While not every state has banned these car mods, here are the top seven common illegal car modifications.

Radar Detectors

When states ban radar detectors, it most likely only applies to commercial vehicles. However some states prohibit them outright, and others just ban seating a radar in the windshield area.

Loud Exhaust

Usually, when you have a loud exhaust, it’s a reason to seek out auto body repair in Milford NH. However, some people like the sound and intentionally customize their exhaust. If you’ve ever heard a loud exhaust, you’ll be happy they’re banned in multiple states.

Bro Trucks

In general, trucks are higher off the ground than cars. Bro trucks take it that extra step. They amp up their cars a few feet into the air until they look like monster trucks driving down Main Street.

Lowriders

Anybody who drives in New England knows the streets aren’t something you’d want to ride low on. Still, many people like the feeling of being close to the ground. When your car is low to the ground, there’s a higher risk for scraping.

Underbody Neons

Underbody neons are cool in theory. However, people can use underbody neons to impersonate police. This is dangerous to the safety of everybody else on the road.

Emissions Removed

Removing emissions from cars was a common practice in the ‘70s to add horsepower to a car. Due to modern technology, this has become an outdated an illegal modification.

Super Dark Tint

Tinted windows have their purpose. They give the driver a moderate amount of privacy from other cars and lower the risk of cracks. However, super dark tint can affect visibility.

Though laws concerning cars are relative to the state you live in, these modifications are the most common you’ll see. If you have any of these modifications on your vehicle, seek out auto body repair in Milford NH. Contact St. Laurent Auto Body at 603-882-6822 or visit us online.

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Signs You Should Find A New Auto Body Shop in NH

St. Laurent

We are all creatures of habit, and we typically have several businesses we frequent often for our needs. However, they are not always the best for you. It can be hard to change things and find a new auto body shop in NH, but you should under the following circumstances.

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1.) The Range of Services is Small

Vehicles are complicated, multifaceted machines that require plenty of upkeep throughout their lives. If your shop does not have a lot of services available, you may want to reconsider going there for your repairs. After all, you want to have confidence that your mechanic can do anything in their power to make your car work.

2.) Poor Customer Service

Any business should know that treating customers with fairness, patience, and kindness is key. Poor customer service will drive customers away, and it is not a thing you should tolerate. Flock to a new auto body shop in NH if you feel disrespected or if your needs are not met.

3.) You’re Relocating

Unfortunately, you will not be able to make it to your local shop if you do not live in that area anymore. If you plan on moving, find a new shop that will be closer to your new living space. It will be much more convenient.

4.) Better Prices

If you find more competitive prices, no one can fault you for wanting to save a few bucks! Mosey on over to the deals if the mechanics offering them are competent enough to repair your vehicle, and enjoy.

5.) They’re Closing

It is common sense, but necessary. If the shop is closing down, you need to find a new place, and fast. Be sure to get on it as soon as possible and find your next quality body shop.

These are just some situations that require finding a new auto body shop in NH. Visit St. Laurent Collision Center, and you won’t need to find another business. Our team of experts get the job done, and we dedicate ourselves to stellar customer service. Give us a call at (603)-882-6822!

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Tips for Safer Driving

St. Laurent

In America alone, there are thousands of car crashes every day. Car crashes can be as mild a fender bender to as serious as death. Inattentive drivers and adverse weather conditions cause a lot of this. After getting into an accident, the first thing you should worry about is your safety. The next thing to worry about is your car’s safety. Following a car accident, your vehicle will need auto body repair in Amherst NH. While there are auto repair shops out there, here are a few tips to safer driving to lessen your chance of accident.

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Designated Driver

Drunk driving has been a massive cause for concern, if not the primary cause of concern, in driving since the first automobiles started popping up. Sometimes you’re out with your car and don’t expect to have a few drinks at a rest stop. In this case, be sure to have a designated driver who has not been drinking take you and your car home. If your entire party is too far gone to drive safely, car-share services like Lyft and Uber are a solid back up plan.

Do Not Disturb

Texting and driving are right up there with drinking in driving in the unsafe category. The only difference with texting is that more people do it. When every driver starts taking two-three seconds at a time to stop looking at the road and check their phone, the possibility of a car collision skyrockets. Be sure to put your phone in Do Not Disturb mode to avoid distractions.

Keep Your Distance

Patience is a virtue. We in New England aren’t very virtuous when it comes to driving. We get in the car, we get where we’re going, and then we’re done. Especially in areas with fast drivers, be sure to keep your distance from the cars around you. If you notice the vehicle ahead of you driving slower than you’d like, either take the time to pass them or slow down to give them space. Riding their tail won’t make them happy and will increase your risk of an accident.

Take Your Time

Taking your time goes hand in hand with keeping your distance. No matter where you’re going, it isn’t worth getting into an accident for. Speed limits exist for the safety of drivers and pedestrians alike so be sure not to exceed the posted speed limits. This tip is especially important in bad weather. Taking the time to drive safely in bad weather may be the difference between making it home safely and auto body repair in Amherst NH.

Accidents happen. When you take the right precautions, accidents happen a lot less. These tips and tricks are meant to help you stay out of car collisions. For those who have experienced car crashes, find auto body repair in Amherst NH. Contact St. Laurent Collision Center or visit them online today.