insurance claims Archives - Car Struction

What is Collision Repair?

Dave Flanagan — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 18:24:58 +0000

How do you know if you need collision repair?

If you’ve been in a car accident, finding a good auto body shop isn’t exactly your top priority. In fact, you may be wondering, what is collision repair? Collision repair involves restoring a damaged vehicle to its pre-accident condition. This could mean a few cosmetic repairs or major structural repairs. With help from your insurance company, a quality repair shop will get you back on the road quickly. If you live in Chesapeake, VA, call Car Struction with your auto repair needs!

The Repair Process

The auto repair process following an accident may seem overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can make it a bit easier. Here is a snapshot of what takes place during collision repair:

Your insurance company will begin by inspecting the damage done to your vehicle. After they decide what can be fixed on your car, they will prepare an estimate of the repairs.

The next step is to take your car to a collision repair shop. The technicians will survey the damage and prepare an estimate to perform the work. Assuming you agree with the estimate, they can begin repairs.

The process of repairing your vehicle begins with dismantling the damaged parts. Auto body technicians will replace or repair them as needed. As soon as the technicians complete the repairs, they will reassemble your vehicle and return it to you.

The Importance of Repair

The Highway Loss Data Institute reports that over one third of drivers they surveyed had not taken their vehicle to a collision repair shop following an accident.

Nearly half of those who had been in an accident said they didn’t think it was necessary to have their vehicle repaired. This is a surprising statistic considering that auto repair after an accident is not only important for its resale value, but also for the safety of its passengers.

Failure to have a car properly repaired after a collision may make it dangerous to drive. It can also compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and prevent the airbags from deploying properly.

So even if you’ve been in a minor collision, be sure to take your vehicle to a reputable auto repair shop.

Conclusion

To summarize, collision repair is the process of repairing a vehicle that has been damaged in an accident. It is important to choose a reputable repair shop that has experience in repairing your type of vehicle. Be sure to get an estimate of the repair costs before authorizing any work to be done. At Car Struction, our experienced technicians specialize in collision repair. If you live in Hampton Roads, call today to receive an estimate to fix the damage to your vehicle today!

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About Car Paint Shops

Dave Flanagan — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 15:30:47 +0000

About Car Paint Shops

If you need to have a car painted, there is a lot to learn about car paint shops. There are benefits to taking your car to a car paint shop rather than doing it yourself. They offer a selection of paint types depending on the car you’re looking to paint.

Types of Car Paint

Each type of car paint has its own unique characteristics. Enamel paint is the most common and the most durable. It has a lacquer base so it resists fading and chipping. It’s also easy to clean. Acrylic enamel, another common paint type, easy to clean, durable and glossy too. Unlike enamel paint, it may not be as impervious to fading and chipping. There is a trend among auto manufacturers to use water-based paints instead of oil-based paints. Water-based paints are more environmentally friendly and emit fewer pollutants than oil-based paints. On the other hand, they are less glossy and durable than oil-based paints.

What to Look For in a Car Paint Shop

There are several things to keep in mind when looking for a car paint shop. First is the quality of the work. Ask to see examples of work they’ve done in the past and check their references. Both price and location of the shop will weigh into your decision too. Lastly, it’s wise to ask if the paint shop offers a warranty with its work.

How to Prepare Your Car For a Paint Job

Washing your vehicle is an important first step to prepare your car to be painted. Be sure to apply a degreaser to get rid of any oil or dirt from car’s old paint surface. You’ll want to remove any wax or polish from the surface as well.

Next, use a sandpaper to rough up the surface of the car. This will help the paint adhere better to the surface. If there are any scratches or dents in the surface, use a putty knife to fill them in before painting.

Once the surface is prepared, it’s time to choose a paint color. If you’re not sure which color to choose, take your car to a paint shop and have them match it with a sample of paint from their database.

Once you’ve chosen a color, buy enough paint to cover your entire car.

Car Paint Shops Near Me

If you’re looking for a car paint shop near you, there are plenty of options to choose from. Check the Internet for paint shops in your local area or ask people you know if they can recommend a shop. Customer service and quality of paint jobs are important factors to consider when choosing who to go with. Be sure to find out if the shop you’re considering is certified by your car’s manufacturer. This is a sign that the shop’s technicians have the qualifications to work on your specific vehicle.

Cost is another important decision-making factor when shopping for paint shops. Be sure to gather estimates from several places so you can make the best, most cost-effective decision for you.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to have your car painted, there a many car paint shops that offer this service. Find out about the options they provide and the range of colors available to choose from. You will have an opportunity to select a finish that complements your personal taste style.

At Car Struction, we have more than 20 years of experience providing quality repairs to customers who need auto body repair work. Call us at 757-523-2495 or check us out online.

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What’s the Difference Between an Auto Body Shop and an Auto Repair Shop?

Dave Flanagan — Tue, 24 May 2022 19:52:36 +0000

Auto Body Shop vs. Auto Repair Shop

Your car needs a little work after a minor fender bender, but you find yourself wondering, “What’s the Difference between auto body shop and an auto repair shop?” After all, it sounds like both work on cars and could potentially get your car looking its best.

There is a difference between an auto body shop and an auto repair shop. Here’s what you need to know.

Auto Body Shops

Your car consists of two primary areas: the body (responsible for holding passengers, the engine, and all the other components in your car) and the engine (the part that allows your car to move).

An auto body shop handles repairs that are related to your car’s body, including its exterior components and non-moving parts.

Some repairs that an auto body shop (also known as a collision center) can complete include:

Fixing dents in your car’s sheet metal
Painting your vehicle or restoring your current paint color
Replacing damaged components, including bumpers, body panels, and doors
Fixing or replacing damaged glass

An auto body shop completes both minor repairs and major automobile restorations. It’s a misconception that repairs completed by an auto body shop are only cosmetic.

Your vehicle certainly looks better when the body, paint, and windows aren’t damaged. After all, your vehicle’s body is its primary support system.

Without the body, your car could literally collapse. If work pertaining to your car’s body isn’t properly completed, your vehicle won’t have the support it needs to protect you during a collision.

How Much is Full Body Work on a Car?

The price of full body work on a car ultimately depends on the exact work being completed and the make and model of your car.

It can cost between $600-$10,000 to repair the frame of a vehicle while repairing a car’s paint job will run between $1,000-$5,000.

Factors that affect the cost of full body work on a car include:

The vehicle’s make, model, and trim (parts for certain vehicles are more expensive and some cars require more labor to fix)
What components are damaged (it’s more expensive to replace or fix multiple parts)
Whether your paint can be touched up (touching up a vehicle’s paint job is significantly cheaper than painting the whole car)
Whether a part can be fixed or requires replacement (replacement is usually more expensive)

Some auto body repair shops also handle vehicle alignments. After a collision, it’s common for a vehicle to require a wheel alignment to make sure that the vehicle drives straight and the tires wear evenly and maintain their full lifespan.

When Does a Vehicle Need Auto Body Work?

A vehicle usually doesn’t need auto body work as part of its regular maintenance schedule. Instead, vehicle owners commonly need body work done after a collision with another car or building.

Even a minor accident can cause significant body damage. This is one reason that it’s essential to have your vehicle checked out after a seemingly insignificant collisions.

Weather is another reason you might need body work. Hail that’s a quarter of an inch or larger in diameter can cause minor damage, while hail that’s an inch or more in diameter is likely to cause moderate to severe damage.

Auto Repair Shops

An auto repair ship completes repairs and maintenance tasks that are related to the car’s engine.

Tasks that an auto repair shop can complete include:

Changing your oil and filters
Diagnosing unknown vehicle problems
Replacing your brake components
Repairing damaged or worn-out engine components
Putting on new tires
Fixing parts that wear out due to driving (like belts or hoses)
Repairing electrical issues
Fixing your car’s AC or heat
Repairing your exhaust system
Checking your fluids

Services provided by an auto repair shop help keep your vehicle running and ensure that your vehicle is offering you peak performance.

For example, an auto repair shop can replace your car’s air filter to prevent dirty air from affecting your gas mileage and overall power.

Or, if your vehicle is having trouble accelerating, an auto repair shop will work to diagnose and fix the issue.

How to Find an Auto Body Repair Shop

So now you know the answer to “What’s the Difference between auto body shop and an auto repair shop?” When seeking auto body work, it’s important to utilize a reputable shop that stands by its work. Online reviews are typically helpful for finding an experienced auto body repair shop, or you can ask friends and family for a referral.

At Car Struction, we have more than 20 years of experience providing quality repairs to customers who need auto body repair work. Call us at 757-523-2495 or check us out online.

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I Have a Totaled Vehicle. Now What?

dylan — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 15:34:19 +0000

I Have a Totaled Vehicle. Now What?

What does a total loss mean?

Losing something is always scary. When the total cost of repairs exceeds the total value of your car, consider that totaled! Think of completely unfixable. Nothing can be done. With the rising cost of repairs, more and more vehicles are being totaled out. This actually does help the workload of all the body men. Don’t worry! This doesn’t mean the car cannot be repaired if it is of sentimental value. However, you will have to make that decision fairly quickly. Keep in mind, if you decide to keep the vehicle it might be very costly for you in repairs.

What happens to your totaled vehicle?

Where do I find my car? Once a car becomes totaled, it becomes the property of the insurance company. It will go on to a public auction or it will be sold to salvage yards. Many of these parts reappear on the market as remanufactured, refurbished, and/or re-inspected.

So the insurance company just told you that you have a totaled vehicle. Now what?

Accidents are unfortunate in themselves, but even more so once a vehicle is a total loss. When you are in an accident, record every detail whether it be in writing, photos, an exchange of insurance information, or a police report. Your insurance company will use this information to determine who is liable for the damage.

The insurance company process

Typically, a claims adjuster or the insurance company appraiser will monitor the process. Once they determine that the damages on your vehicle are far too extensive and more costly than the value of the car itself, it will be a totaled vehicle. We want to prepare you and to help understand what happens next. Here are a couple examples of common questions during an accident. So, hop in the passenger seat and buckle up as we help explain all the uncomfortable stuff!

Do I repair or replace my vehicle?

Following up, if you’re looking to save your vehicle due to some sentimental value, you must make your insurance company aware of your decision in the beginning. An insurance company will make a determination on the amount distributed for repairs based on the car’s value. The insurance company will reimburse you either for repairs, or replace the car completely. I think everyone prefers the later! There is also an option to purchase your vehicle back from the insurance company. You will need to re-register it under a salvage title. The down side to keeping your vehicle is that you may be investing more money into it than it’s worth. You can find out more information on this process on the DMV website.

What if the damage is only cosmetic?

Cosmetic damage is noticeable damage such as defect in a visual nature. This can be paint scratches, chips and dings on the body, a crack in the windshield, or even a scrap on the bumper. These defects do not affect the functionality of the vehicle at all. With the rising cost of repairs, cosmetic damage can be just as expensive as body or frame damage. As long as the vehicle is still safe to drive, then you don’t have to get it repaired. You can even buy it back from the insurance company and pocket the difference! This is called the “actual cash value.” Every situation is different, so always ask questions!

Call Car Struction to learn about your options

We feel these are the major areas of concern for most of our customers during the time of an incident. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss and you’re looking to save it now, call Car Struction! We will review the extent of the damage. There are always plenty of options and we are here to find the best solution for you!

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What Should You Do Before and After Auto Body Repair?

dylan — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 18:24:48 +0000

Not sure what to do before and after auto body repair?

Getting your vehicle repaired can be stressful. Auto body repair is often daunting, expensive, and time-consuming, but it’s necessary. You want your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. That’s understandable, but what next? Here’s what to do before and after the auto body repair.

Once you’ve been in a collision, the chaos begins. You’re dealing with insurance companies and auto repair shops. Don’t panic. Follow these steps for a smooth and painless process. These tips can make you feel more comfortable handling auto body repair.

Before the Repairs

Understand Your Insurance Policies

Prepare for any situation by understanding your insurance policy. Call your insurance provider or log in to your account to see your coverage. Your provider can offer useful advice. Consider the cost of auto body repairs when reviewing your insurance policy and deductible amounts. Ensure you’re financially comfortable if you need to pay an out-of-pocket deductible. Shop around and compare options.

Understand the Scope of the Damage

Ask questions and do research. Know exactly what parts need replacement and the work required before agreeing to anything. Have the repair shop list all parts and repairs before starting any work. They might suggest local spots for repairs. Shop around and have plenty of options.

After the Repairs

Get an Itemized Bill

When the repair shop finishes, request an itemized bill. Have the repairman or shop manager walk you through the list of repairs and confirm the work completed.

Inspect the Work

Keep your itemized bill and ask the repairman or shop manager to show you what was fixed. This also gives them a chance to explain any issues they encountered. Feel free to take pictures.

Take a Test Drive

Take your car for a ride. Listen closely for any abnormalities that might indicate incorrect repairs or other unresolved issues.

Don’t be afraid to talk with your auto body repair shop. At Car Struction, we ensure you’re satisfied and that you can’t tell your vehicle was ever damaged. For work you can trust, call us. We’re always here to provide the best solution!

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Understanding Collision Repair Estimates

dylan — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 01:58:30 +0000

Why Repair Estimates Vary

If you’ve recently had a car accident and received repair estimates from several collision shops, you might have noticed that the quotes differ. This variation is common and doesn’t necessarily indicate that one shop is trying to overcharge you. Instead, several factors contribute to these differences. Here are four key points to consider when evaluating repair estimates for your vehicle:

1. Preliminary Estimates

The first estimate you receive is typically preliminary. Collision repair shops base this estimate on visible damage to your vehicle. However, hidden damages might exist that only become apparent once the shop begins the repair process. These additional issues can affect the final repair cost.

2. Parts and Pricing

Repair costs can differ depending on the parts used. For instance, your insurance company might estimate costs using aftermarket or used parts, while other shops might use higher-quality parts. When we provide an estimate, we include the best available parts for your vehicle, not necessarily aftermarket or OEM parts.

3. Supplementary Estimates

Approximately 90% of preliminary estimates require a supplement. We send these supplements to your insurance carrier to ensure all necessary repairs are covered. As a collision repair shop, we handle this process for you, negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure your vehicle receives the best care.

4. Your Right to Choose

Remember, you have the right to choose who repairs your vehicle. Insurance companies cannot force you to use their preferred shops. Make sure to research repair shops before an accident occurs and select one that meets your needs and preferences.

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