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

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

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

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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Insurance Claim FAQ with Auto Collision

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Today’s world provides plenty of distractions making the probability of an accident occurring greater than ever before.  Even if you are the safest driver on the road, accidents happen.  There are imperative steps to be taken after an accident occurs.  From taking details at the scene to filing an insurance claim, dealing with an accident can be overwhelming.  The professionals at St. Laurent Collison Center have created a list of frequently asked questions regarding collision repair claims.  Litchfield NH residents and the surrounding areas have come to trust the expertise of St. Laurent.  With over 55 years of experience, St. Laurent has provided customers dependable, quality collision repair services.

How much does St. Laurent charge for a repair estimate?
At St. Laurent’s Collision Center, we will gladly look over your vehicle and provide a free estimate for repair.

If my insurance company already wrote an estimate, do I need one from the auto body shop as well?
No.  Providing the auto body shop with the estimate from your insurance company is all that is needed to get started with repair work.

What if the estimate my insurance company has written isn’t enough to cover the actual damage?
Some estimates are just what they are called, estimates. If there are additional damages or charges that the insurance company overlooked, your technician will call your insurance company for approval on your behalf.

Do I have to pay for damages prior to repairing my vehicle?
No! Payment is required when you pick up your vehicle.

How do I properly endorse an insurance check?
This depends on how the check is made payable.  If an insurance check is just made payable to you, your signature is all that is required. However, if there is a loan on your vehicle, the insurance company may make the check out to both you and your lienholder.  In this instance, it is best to check with the lienholder on their policy.  Be prepared as it may take several weeks before they are able to endorse the check, depending on what they require for paperwork.

 

Whatever your needs may be, make St. Laurent Collision center your go to for collision repair in Litchfield, NH and other surrounding towns.  For more information on how to obtain your free estimate, contact them today at (603) 882-6822.

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Five Ways to Prepare for Auto Collision Repair

While plenty of people who have licenses try their best to be safe and drive well, there are always individuals who don’t. Accidents happen, as the saying goes. Whether you anticipate it or not, auto collisions can occur to anyone at anytime. While you may not be able to prevent an event from happening, you can have a plan in case you need collision repair in Nashua NH.

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1.) Obtain (Or Check the Status of) Insurance

It’s always good to have insurance for the important things in life: health, future planning, and your vehicle. If you already have insurance, check how much they can cover regarding repair costs. That way you know what you need to pay if you get in an accident. If you don’t have insurance, it’s wise to save up and sign up.

2.) Maintain Your Car

Your car looks worse for wear when it gets involved in a collision, but if it’s in good shape, it may be salvageable. Regular maintenance check-ups and cleaning will make your car much easier to work with when it requires collision repair in Nashua NH.

3.) Have Emergency Contacts

As long as you’re safe and able to travel after checking in with law enforcement,  you should have someone pick you up and take you where you need to go. Whether you need a lift to our garage, the hospital, or somewhere else, it’s always smart to have someone in your phone contacts to count on when times are tough.

4.) Carry Necessary Paperwork

Of course, you shouldn’t bring any information that could compromise you, but having insurance information at the ready can make the aftermath of an accident run much smoother. Keep it with you, and you’ll be able to speed up the process.

5.) Drive Defensively

One of the best ways to prevent accidents is driving with care and caution. Although it doesn’t completely prevent collisions, being a safe driver is always smart in the first place.

When you experience a crash, it can be tough, but you can get through it easier if you have a plan of action. Bear the above tips in mind, and visit St. Laurent Collision Center when you need collision repair in Nashua NH. Give us a call at (603)-882-6822 and see what we can do for you today!

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Ready For Spring Cleaning? St. Laurent Can Help.

The sun is shining brighter, the birds are chirping, and the days are longer. Spring is certainly here, and it’s time to get to work and get some spring cleaning done! Most of us think of our homes and other property when we plan a cleaning overhaul, but what about our vehicles? After all, they have seen just as much wear and will (hopefully) get used for a long time to come! Luckily, we at St. Laurent Collision offer a variety of packages to satisfy all of your auto detailing in NH needs.

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Interior Detail

If you are a minimalist or keep your exterior looking sharp at all times, this package is ideal. It includes:

-Vacuuming and shampooing of carpets and floor mats

-Cleaning of instrument panel, dash, interior trim panels, mirrors, and glass

-Window cleaning

($75)

Exterior Detail

Living in New England, we know how harsh the weather can be. No doubt it has taken its toll on your car’s exterior, too! To keep the outside sharp, invest in this option. This package includes:

-A hand wash or hand clay contaminant removal

-Complete hand wax (no buffing)

-Wheel cleaning

-Tire dressing

PLEASE NOTE: we do not clean engine compartments.

($75)

Kosmetics Komplete Makeover

If it has been a while since your vehicle received some TLC or it needs a complete overhaul, this is the package for you. It has everything a car could need to keep up its appearance, and includes:

-Vacuuming and shampooing of carpets and mats

-Stain extraction for all stains

-All services mentioned in Interior Detail and Exterior Detail packages

-Wheel cleaning

-Tire dressing

-Leather/vinyl protection

-Plastic conditioning

PLEASE NOTE: we do not clean engines or buff vehicles.

($150 for cars, $175 for vans/SUVs)

While your living space needs some attention and should be attended to, don’t forget to take care of your vehicle when you are in the midst of spring cleaning. You will love moving from destination to destination in a fresh, clean car! For auto detailing in NH done right, call St. Laurent Collision at (603)-882-6822!

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What To Expect From St. Laurent Collision Center

When you need collision repair in NH, you have to be sure of the company you invest your time and money in. After all, your vehicle is precious and you rely on it daily. It needs to stay safe and be cared for. When you call St. Laurent Collision Center, you can be confident that we will do our best to repair your vehicle. Several parts of our business keep customers coming back time and time again.

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1.) Experience

Vehicles are not simple machines, so you need experts who understand them to go under the hood and assess issues that come up. We have been in business since 1961, and are proud of our dedication and the knowledge we have acquired through hard work.

2.) Advanced Parts

Since we have been in the industry for a while, we know where to go to find the most efficient, well-made parts to take care of your vehicle. Our machinery comes with the latest technology and consequently gets the job done.

3.) Strong Customer Service

We know how important customers are to a company. We simply would not be here without your patronage, so the least we can do is reward you with a smile. Count on us for reliable, communicative, and efficient customer service, also.

4.) Variety of Services

No two cars or collision incidents are the same, and we are prepped with a variety of services to take care of all kinds of collision problems. We have the knowledge, parts, and also experience to perform plenty of types of services on a car.

5.) A…Moose?

You read that right! Our mascot is a big purple moose named Gerald, and he stands proudly outside of our office. We doubt you’ve seen a shop with a mascot this cool.

St. Laurent Collision Center is proud to provide quality collision repair in NH. Give us a call at (603)-882-6822 and see what we’re all about!

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Signs Your Car Needs Detailing

If you are on the fence about detailing, it can be hard to find a justification for it. When you keep your vehicle clean, it seems like everything is in place already. Why spend extra money to get it cleaner? However, there may be some signs you are not picking up that indicate it is time for your vehicle to receive auto detailing in NH.

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1.) Scratches

Some are small, while others are much larger. Either way, scratches are not a good look for your vehicle. An exterior detailing package will gloss over those scratches and keep your car looking beautiful.

2.) Unusual Smells

Perhaps you accidentally spilled something or forgot to clean it. When a stain is embedded in your car’s interior, it can often leave a fragrant odor. With detailing packages, there are plenty of ways to make the car fresh again and smell great!

3.) Unsightly Stains

Have you ever had a stain you just cannot get rid of? It seems that no matter what you do, you cannot get it out. When you invest in auto detailing in NH, we can get rid of these ugly stains, and you will have a carpet to be proud of.

4.) You Could Use A Break

Let’s face it: we all like to treat ourselves every so often to lift our spirits. If you feel like you deserve a little something, a modest $75 goes a long way toward making your car look great and helping you feel good!

5.) Windows Are Hard To See Through

The importance of windows cannot be understated. They help you view everything on the road, and having enough sight is crucial. When you find it hard to see out of your window no matter what you do, invest in a detailing package if a simple windshield fluid won’t do the trick.

Auto detailing is a rewarding expense that makes your vehicle look great, and will leave you feeling confident as you drive. St. Laurent Collision Center is your one stop shop for auto detailing in NH, so give us a call at (603)-882-6822!