Category: collision repair NH

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Auto Body OEM Parts vs Aftermarket Parts: What’s better?

St. Laurent

Everyone wants to save money, right? And we want to save you money too – so where can you save?

Well, oftentimes you have to consider the quality and longevity of OEM parts vs aftermarket parts. If you’re going to keep the vehicle, we strongly suggest using OEM parts. The OEM version is built to exact specifications and design. Aftermarket parts are promoted to work the same, but generally under perform as 3rd party companies don’t go through rigorous testing process that the auto manufacturers do. Our recommendation is using factory direct items whenever possible.

Aftermarket items are similar but not exact to manufacturer specifications. In many cases this could lead to parts not fitting or functioning properly. We’d recommend only using Aftermarket parts when a part is no longer available through the manufacturer.

So, back to pricing. At St Laurent Collision Center our estimating system provides the appraiser with both OEM and aftermarket pricing. Our team goes the extra mile by working hard to negotiate a better price for the OEM product.

It’s a WIN-WIN. You save money and still get an OEM quality built product.

Next time you need an auto body repair – think St. Laurent. We’ll take care of you.

St Laurent Collision Center 149 Amherst St., Nashua, NH 03064

603-882-6822

St Laurent Collision Center – Voted Best Auto Body Shop in 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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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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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.

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Making Collision Repair A Snap

St. Laurent

As we grow and learn new things, there is no shortage of ideas and inventions that come around. Innovations come in every shape and size and affect every facet of our lives while trickling into various industries. Even collision repair in the Hudson NH area is changing, but St. Laurent Collision Center is excited about these innovations that improve our services!

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Say Goodbye to Bends

Machines like a Uni-Body/Frame Straightening system ensure there is little room for error when you need to get a vehicle frame straightened out. These types of machinery measure vehicles and straighten them, so the frame is no longer riddled with dents or bends.


 Computers Offer Precise Measurements

Some systems use computers to assess a vehicle’s body. The technicality behind this machinery offers the precision and detail necessary for complete, thorough, and accurate repairs. Cameras, scanners, and more that are used in computers have a lot to offer and are almost certain to improve as time goes on.


 Bigger and Better Spray Booths

While spray booths are hardly new around shops that offer collision repair, they keep getting better and better. For example, St. Laurent Collision Center has a spray booth that is downdraft and heated.  They can customize temperature and angles to ensure a thorough wash to make a vehicle look brand new.



Making quality products that deliver results requires technology. As technology ebbs and flows, great developments come around and improve all aspects of life. From the phones in our hand to garages offering top-notch services, technology is all around us and shifts consistently. For collision repair in the Hudson NH area that uses traditional and new technology alike, contact St. Laurent Collision Center. Give us a call at (603)-882-6822 and see what we can do for you today!

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Five Ways to Prepare for Auto Collision Repair

St. Laurent

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.

Auto Body Shop in NH

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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The Steps Following a Collision

St. Laurent

As anybody who has been in a car accident can tell you, it happens fast and unexpected. One moment your driving and going about your day, and the next your car is damaged and your scared. While collisions are fast and unexpected, your actions following a car collision should not be. Safety is the primary concern for all those involved and panicking makes an already unsafe situation even more troublesome. From injuries to auto body repair in NH, here are the steps you should take following a car collision.

Collision Repair in NH

Check For Injuries

Since safety is the top priority, it’s also the first thing you should access following a car accident. First, check yourself for injuries. This includes legs, torso, arms, head, and neck. Once you’ve assessed your own situation and you’ve determined you are fine, evaluate your passengers. In most cases, passengers will be able to evaluate themselves, but concerning children and the elderly, you may need to help.

Get To Safety

Car crashes are most likely to happen on the road. The road is not a very safe place for humans to spend large increments of time. Because of this, the next step is to get somewhere safe such as a sidewalk or a yard near the accident. Once you’ve reached a safe distance from the crash, you can continue going about the next few steps.

Call 911

The next step following a collision will be calling the police. This is up to the drivers’ discretion. If both drivers agree the incident was of minimal consequence, there may be no need for police involvement. However, for collisions of a more serious nature, contact the police immediately. The faster you call, the faster help will arrive.

Notify To Whom It May Concern

Notifying “To Whom It May Concern” depends on the individual driver. For some, this means calling their mom to tell them about the situation. For everybody, it will mean exchanging information with the other driver. It also means contacting your insurance provider to inform them of the accident.

Auto Repair

Once you’ve heard back from your insurance provider, getting your car back on the road is your final step. Hopefully, your collision is a mere fender bender covered by your insurance. In some cases, your vehicle may need more auto body repair in NH.

Car collisions and accidents can be scary. One way to lessen that fear is to be prepared for what comes next. Following a collision, you should check for injuries, get to safety, call 911, notify the appropriate parties, and consider auto repair. For those who’ve recently been in a car accident and need auto body repair in NH, contact St. Laurent Collision Center or visit them online today.

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How To Make The Most Out Of Auto Detailing

St. Laurent

Auto detailing is one of the simplest but most effective ways to make your car look beautiful. After visiting a shop that can provide detailing, your vehicle will look fresh off the dealership lot! Unfortunately, the looks can fade fast if you don’t make the most out of the service and follow up. So, how do you take one session of auto detailing in NH from St. Laurent Collision Center and make it last?

Auto Detailing in NH

  • Avoid Particles, Etc. And Drive With Caution

Easier said than done, we know! Particles like dust or pollen are near impossible to avoid. However, it’s pretty easy to place a towel down for Rex to sit on when you take him to a vet appointment or avoid driving in poor weather when you can help it.

  • Use Cleaning Products – But Leave Details To Professionals

Just because you can’t drive to St. Laurent to get an auto detailing in NH doesn’t mean your vehicle has to stay dirty. Ask us about our recommended products you can use in the meantime to keep your car looking good and ready for the road. Try to give your car a little TLC every so often, and it’ll look better than waiting between appointments to clean it.

  • Buy The Package You Need

Everyone is different, so everyone has different preferences. If you’re someone who cares more about the exterior appearance, invest in a package that caters to that. If you’re a stickler for detail and want a mini overhaul every time you visit, find the kit or deal that offers a full body makeover.

  • Ask Questions

After all, the experts know the most about the subject they pursue! Feel free to ask St. Laurent Collision Center or any expert detailer questions about your habits, vehicle, or anything else related to the detailing process so you can get the most out of it and keep your car looking smooth.

St. Laurent Collision Center is happy to provide auto detailing in NH that will deliver quality results. For more information about car detailing or collision repairs, give us a call at (603)-882-6822!

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What To Expect From St. Laurent Collision Center

St. Laurent

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!