Category: local auto body shops

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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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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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Good Times to Detail Your Car

St. Laurent

Like most things in life, cars are made to make our day-to-day life more manageable. Because so much of our lives depend on our cars, so much of our life gets left behind in a car. You toss a water bottle in the back seat when you’re done, you drop those coins under the seat, and your trash bag overflows. These things can start to make your car feel just as cluttered and chaotic as the rest of your life. Just how you need to slow down and clear out the fog every once in a while, so does your car. Don’t let auto detailing in NH slide. Here are a few good times to consider getting your car detailed.

Auto Body Shop in NH

Spring Cleaning

Every winter your house piles up with mess and nonsense because you’re cooped up for months at a time. The same goes for your car. Especially with the snow and mud of the colder months, auto detailing in NH becomes a necessity. Getting your car detailed to start off the spring gives you the cleanse you need to feel energized with the warm weather.

End of Summer

The same that was said for Spring Cleaning goes for the end of summer. The only difference is that the summer is much more fun than winter months. You’ve had beach trips leaving sand and flip-flops behind. The time in your car really adds up as you travel more to enjoy the weather. So getting your car detailed at the end of the summer gives you a fresh start to the fall. Plus, it gives you more room in the backseat for your trip to the pumpkin patch.

After a Breakup

After a breakup is the perfect time to get your car detailed. Chances are there will be signs of your ex in your car. Whether it’s her hair scrunchy, or his sweatshirt, or even just their smell, detailing your vehicle will eliminate any lingering feelings you have. In your car, at least. Replace the air riddled with her perfume or his cologne with that new car smell.

Your car is an extension of you. For those looking for a change of self to go with the change of seasons, or those just looking for a change of pace, consider auto detailing in NH. If you have any questions, contact St. Laurent Collision Center or visit them online 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!

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Signs Your Car Needs Detailing

St. Laurent

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.

Auto Detailing in NH

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!

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Four Things To Keep In Mind After A Collision

St. Laurent

When you encounter difficult situations, it’s hard to stay focused and figure out a way to get through it. Especially when it’s something as dangerous and frightening as a collision, keeping a level head is difficult, but achievable. When you keep certain things in mind, though, you can make it through and set up collision repair in Nashua, NH.

Collision Repair in Nashua, NH

1.) Emergency contact(s)

No matter the situation, you should have an emergency contact to rely on to get you out of trouble. Of course, you should make sure they are qualified to assist you with the issue. Recall who you can contact, have their number ready and contact them as soon as possible after you are safe and coherent.

2.) The safety of you and all involved

First things first: check on the other people involved in the collision and see if they are okay. In any case, contact law enforcement to follow proper protocol and achieve the safest state possible. Check your surroundings and ensure everyone is safe.

3.) Where to go

You’re going to need to get your vehicle fixed if it’s damaged, of course. You should have a go-to garage or mechanic that you know will help you with your troubles. For excellent collision repair in Nashua, NH you can count on St. Laurent Collision Center.

4.) Details of the incident

You’re going to need to report the accident, and that means recalling all of the details you can. Remember all of the briefest tidbits so you can paint a clear picture for insurance companies, officers, and mechanics. That way, they’re able to help you the best way possible.

Though collisions can be scary, you don’t need to think all hope is gone. Do your best to keep your head above water and call 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!