Category: collision 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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Insurance Claim FAQ with Auto Collision

St. Laurent
collision repair Litchfield NH

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.