What To Do When Your Windows Are Damaged

You’ve discovered that your car has been vandalized. Or there’s been an accident in which your windows were broken or cracked. What should you do now?

Step 1. Create Documentation

Take pictures. Make a personal statement. Locate witnesses. Write down the time and place. Find as much information as possible, and keep it handy. You may need this later. If anything was removed from your vehicle, find receipts for the items taken, if you still have them. You should have as much proof as possible that these items were in your possession.

Step 2. File a Police Report

Contact the police within 24 hours, or as close to that time frame as possible. This creates an official record of the incident, and may be needed to resolve your claim. You should do this no matter how minor you think the damage is, even if nothing was stolen, as it creates a paper trail. Have your license, registration and insurance information ready at the time you make the report.

Step 3. File an Insurance Claim

Check your policy to know what’s covered. Note that you will probably have to report your claim as soon as you can to meet the rules set by your insurance company. Get your documentation ready, to help resolve your claim more quickly. Your insurance representative should be able to guide you through the next part of the process.

Step 4. Protect Your Vehicle Once the Claims Adjuster Has Assessed Damage

Cover your windows to make sure no more damage occurs. Keep your car inside or under shelter if that’s possible. Your insurance may help pay for some of this maintenance, but it will not cover damage to your interior if you fail to protect your car after your windows were broken. Do what you can to diminish the appearance of the damage.

Step 5. Have Your Vehicle Fixed as Soon as Possible

You do not need to go to the car repair shop that the insurance company recommends. Instead, do your research and visit a business that you trust. Ask questions, look for certifications, and make sure you are comfortable with the service. Have an auto glass repair company do the work, and be done with it. Having your car repaired quickly is safer and lets you return to your regular routine in a timely manner.

It’s always stressful to find that your vehicle has broken windows, but if you take the steps outlined, you can increase your chances of of making the process smoother and easier as you undergo the repair of your vehicle.

Unexpected Things That Happen After a Car Collision

You’ve been in a car accident. How do you handle it? You may know the basics about what to do after a collision, but unexpected factors may come into play. Be ready!

You’re Too Weirded-out to Know What to Do Next

Even if you’ve done this before, even if you’ve read instructions on how to get through a situation like this, you could panic or go into shock. Just remember to call for emergency help if you need it. Then call the police to make a report.

Sit down, take a deep breath. Once you’re waiting, it’ll give you some time to think about your next steps, which should include exchanging information and taking documentation. Just don’t leave the scene.

You’re Too Shaken Up to Think About Safety

One of the first things you do when you have a collision is pull over to the side of the road and exchange information with the other party, right? Well, what if there’s no good place to pull over, and you find yourself blocking traffic?

In this situation, it’s easy to forget that cars coming from behind may not see you, and may add to your collision woes. Do not stand between or behind cars, even when they’re stopped. A car coming from behind who doesn’t see what’s happening can easily bump into you, or push a car into you. Use hazard lights and cones if you have them.

You're Tempted to Admit Fault & Settle Things Right There

Do not admit fault while on the scene. It’s better to let the experts figure it out, even if you think the situation is cut and dried. Other issues might come to light that make it less possible that you were the culprit.

An admission of guilt may be harmful in a court case, if there is one. Don’t negotiate with the other driver, because if the accident turns out to be more serious than it appears, or if fraud is involved, you’ll be in a difficult situation. Let professionals handle the details, and be patient. Call in the police so there’s a record. Protect yourself.

Another Driver’s Insurance Company Calls You First.

If at all possible, be the one to take action immediately. Call your insurance agent and explain the facts, then call the other person’s insurance first and file a claim with them. if you allow the other person to take control, you may get a settlement offer that doesn’t cover all your needs.

Do not discuss the accident with the other party’s insurance agent until you have talked to yours. Get an estimate on fixing your car, find out how much your medical bills will cost, and then let them negotiate.

You Start to Feel Pain or Discomfort in a Part of Your Body Days, Weeks, or Even Months Later

Depending on the type and severity of the injury, you might not feel it right away. This is why it is important to get yourself checked out by a doctor immediately following a car collision. Even if you look and feel fine, you may not experience symptoms until much later. You may not even be able to connect such injuries to the car accident in question if you don’t consult a doctor early on in the process.

It’s never fun to have an accident, and you can’t always know how you’re going to react till you’re in that situation. You also don’t know how the other motorist will act. But you can take steps to protect yourself no matter what happens. Remember that, and you’ll be fine.

What to Do When You’ve Been in a Car Collision

You never expect to be in a car collision, but if it happens, you’ll likely be shaky and not thinking straight. Take a deep breath, then follow these steps to make sure you’ve covered all your bases.

First, Stop & Make Sure Everyone’s Okay.

Stop, if you’re still moving, and get your vehicle to the side of the road. Check yourself and the other people involved to make sure there are no injuries. If there are, you should call 911 right away. Even if there aren’t, stay alert to your condition, because symptoms of both physical injuries and shock or PTSD may not show up immediately. When you leave the car, do not get in the way of traffic or stand between cars that are still on the road, even if they’re stopped.

Call the Police

Bring in law enforcement. Regardless of how bad the accident is, bringing in the police will ensure that there’s a record of the incident. This may be important later to yourself, your insurance, or court proceedings (if things go that far). Also, some insurance policies say that police must be contacted within a certain time frame for hit-and- run incidents. If officers aren’t able to come to the scene, file an incident report at a station later.

Check for Car Damage, and Document

As long as you know you’re in a safe place, make a careful and thorough inspection to determine what kind of damage your car has experienced. It may be hard to take in details if you’re rattled, but do your best. Write it down or record it with your camera.

Share Your Information

Exchange your identification and insurance information with both the other party and police. This is an important part of the process, so don’t try to avoid it, even if there are injuries and confusion involved and no visible car damage. There may be hidden issues that crop up later. Do not take blame at the scene, because additional information may change perceptions.

Get Transportation

In some cases, your car will be drivable. In others, you may need anything from flat tires repaired or airbags reset to major bodywork and auto glass repair. If you can’t drive your car, or if you feel that your mindset is not conducive to driving, call a tow truck or automobile club for help. If you need to, set up a breakdown site with emergency cones and hazard lights on.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

Now that the on-the-scene matters have been taken care of, contact your insurance representative. Most policies require you file a claim within a certain time limit. Know your coverage, and your responsibilities. Your insurance agent can guide you through all this.

Find an Auto Body Shop & Get Your Car Fixed as Soon as Possible

You may be tempted to leave your car as-is, if it’s drivable. Don’t wait, however. Not only could it be dangerous if there is unseen damage, you could be exacerbating a problem by creating additional stress in damaged areas. Do your research, and find an auto body shop that you’re comfortable with. You don’t have to go with the insurance company’s recommendation. But you do need to be safe when you’re driving, so move forward with auto collision repairs in a timely fashion.

Hopefully, you’ll never experience a car collision. If you do, however, follow these instructions and you won’t be blindsided by the aftermath of this type of accident.

What to Ask When Seeking Auto Body Repair

In your daily life, you probably don’t have much reason to think about the work of auto body repair shops. Usually, you only think about such businesses if you need them. This sometimes means that, when faced with a need for such work, you may not be sure how to find a reputable body shop that you can trust. If you’re looking, here’s what you should ask.

Is the auto body shop reputable?

First, find out if the body shop is licensed. Are its technicians certified? You’ll want to find out the level of experience of the people who will actually be working on it. Look for wall plaques denoting technical expertise and involvement in the community. Talk to the body shop’s customer service reps. Ask around and check local review sites as well.

Is the body shop familiar with your vehicle’s make and model, and the type of work it needs done?

Do the technicians have a level of expertise when it comes to your specific needs? Remember that some body shops may be less knowledgeable when it comes to European and other foreign cars. Also, some may have more experience doing certain types of repairs. Ask your the representatives from body shop how comfortable they feel doing the work on your vehicle. Can the shop provide you with a paper trail, including a warranty?

Find out if the auto body shop will write you out an estimate and itemize your bill. Also, know how long the warranty for the repairs lasts - a year should be minimum - and what it covers. Make sure you understand the fine points of such a guarantee. Read it over to ensure it’s not so restrictive as to be useless in practice. Get everything laid out for you in writing so you can discover any discrepancies.

What types of parts are being used for replacing damaged ones?

Find out what paint will be used, if needed, and how many coats. Ask about whether the body shop will be using new parts, used parts, OEM parts, or aftermarket parts. You may prefer original equipment manufacturer parts, which can offer better accountability and quality and fit your car best. Aftermarket parts are less expensive, created by third parties, but can be suitable depending on the repair.

Does the body shop offer rental cars or loaner vehicles?

If you need one, ask. Some body shops will have arrangements with car rental companies nearby, or they’ll have rental cars that you can use in the meantime. Also, make sure you understand how insurance works with loaners. Find out what other accommodations the body shop may make for your convenience, especially if the repair takes longer than estimated and you need wheels. This is not an unheard-of occurrence.

If this was the body shop recommended by your insurance company, note that this doesn’t mean you have to use it. Also, this does not necessarily mean the auto body shop is better than others. An improperly repaired car can be dangerous, or lead to other mechanical problems down the line, so make sure you shop around. You should be comfortable with the people who are fixing your car.

Ways to Avoid Getting a Cracked Windshield

Few car issues are more annoying than a cracked windshield, which you can see in front of you as soon as it happens. The crack doesn’t just look bad, it’s potentially dangerous - especially if it gets bigger, or distracts you from paying attention to the road. How can you avoid this type of damage to your windshield? Well, you won’t always be successful, but you can minimize your risk of getting a cracked windshield.

Heed Warning Signs

If there’s a sign saying that construction is ahead, take note and slow down to the posted work zone speed limit. Pay attention to what’s happening around you. Stay focused and alert. Watch for debris on the road, and for vehicles with loads that aren’t properly tied down.

Don’t Tailgate Construction Vehicles

The safest distance for being behind a construction vehicle is about 200 feet. If a truck is moving loose gravel, wood chips, dirt, or other materials, drivers should have them tied down under tarps - but that doesn’t always protect you, and sometimes tarps can be worn or torn. You can be hit by debris flying straight off the truck, or by rocks that are shot at your windshield after someone drives over it.

Slow Down on Gravel Roads 

Often found in rural areas, gravel roads can be hard on tires and are infamous for cracked windshields. Slow down and make sure you’re not too close to cars in front of you if you are driving along one of these to get to your destination.

Avoid Severe Temperature and Pressure Changes

If at all possible, keep your car in a garage where it’s safe from hail and bad weather. If that’s not possible, do what you can to avoid sudden and severe temperature changes. For example, warm it up properly in cold weather.

Drastic, frequent changes of this type can cause expansion and contraction in the glass, weakening its structure. Direct sunlight can cause cracks because the frit that holds the glass in place, plus the seal, are both black and absorb heat. This can make the glass less stable. And pressure changes can cause stress cracks.

Make Sure Your Car Is Well-Maintained

Sometimes, your car is the problem, because it wasn’t properly constructed, or the windshield wasn’t properly installed. Next time you visit a mechanic you trust, have your windshield checked out to make sure it is safe and sound. Inspect your windshield frequently so you can see if problems are developing.

If cracks are forming in your windshield, you should make repairs quickly because they can quickly spread and become dangerous. If that should happen, you may have to repair the entire windshield. Don’t put off the work! Visit D&I for expert auto glass repair at DandIBodyShopAndGlass.com

Don't Wait: Auto Body Damage Grows Over Time

You’ve been in an accident and sustained body damage that is mostly cosmetic. Now what?

If your car is drivable, you may be tempted to forget about it until your financial situation is better.

Or maybe you’re wondering if you can simply take the insurance money and save the repairs for a later date.

However, there are disadvantages to both of these actions, and we recommend that you fix your car immediately.

 

Safety Comes First

Safety is probably the main concern here. The damage your car has suffered might not look that bad, but you don’t know for sure what’s happening under the hood. Your car might have suffered injury to the brakes or tires or engine that you can’t see. In this situation, a problem might manifest at any time while you’re on the road, making your chances of having another accident higher. And even if you aren’t hurt, which we hope is the case, you might still be inconvenienced in other ways.

If you continue to drive a car that hasn’t been looked at and fixed, you may also be exacerbating the problem. If there’s a mechanical issue, waiting to fix your car can make the problem worse. Your $100 problem might become a $1000 one instead. You’re driving a potentially unsafe car, and that’s not cool.

It’s Financially a Good Idea

Maybe it doesn’t feel like a better idea to fix your car right away. We get it; your money has about 50 other places to go. But think about this. If you’ve received money from your insurance company to pay for repairs, and you don’t have them done, you’ll see consequences.

For one thing, if you get in another accident, your insurance company will deduct for pre-existing damage in that future settlement. It won’t pay for the same accident twice. Also, in that case, you’ll have to prove that the damage occurred due to the accident. So, let’s say you got into an accident that messed up your front wheel assembly. Instead of using your insurance money to get collision repairs, you continued to drive your car. In doing so, you ruin the entire front end of your car. Good luck getting your insurance company to cover the additional repairs!

It’s The Smart Thing to Do

This is a decision that can cause definite problems later on. Don’t forget, not all damage isn’t going to be visible immediately. When you bring your car in for repairs, your Atlanta body shop mechanic may very well find additional problems that need fixing.

If that’s the case, and you’ve have the work done promptly, your insurance company may have no problem paying for extra repairs. On the other hand, if you don’t take your car in until months or years later, you’re giving the insurance company an opportunity to doubt that the original accident had anything to do with your problems.

Do the right thing, and don’t wait to get your vehicle repaired. In the long term, you’re taking the best action for you, your family, and your vehicle.

Weekend Road Trips: How Restoring Your Headline Can Save Your Life

Now that summer’s here, it’s a perfect time for taking road trips to visit the many interesting towns, tourist attractions, and great cities throughout the South.

We know you’re thinking about how to make sure your car is in good condition for travel, but we’re  guessing that you may not be considering one important element that can save your life during nighttime jaunts: your headlights.

As long as they’re working, you’re not going to worry, right? Well, perhaps you should investigate a bit further; headlight restoration can return your headlights to their full shine potential.

 

What Causes Staining and Cloudiness on My Headlights?

A coating designed to protect your headlights from UV rays eventually develops oxidation on its surface. This is caused by a combination of oil, salt, road grime, sunlight, humidity, and airborne contaminants being cooked into the lens from the heat provided by your lights. You encounter these elements on a daily basis as you drive. Over time, your headlights become stained and yellowed; the quality of light they send out gets hazy and indistinct.

Why Should I Have My Headlights Restored?

The fact is, most headlights are designed and tested only for five years of longevity in terms of clarity, and the U.S. government requires headlight lenses stay clear for just three years. Over time, your headlights will become less sharp, less bright, and less able to outline identifying characteristics on the road. This makes seeing at night harder, and definitely becomes a safety issue. You’ve gotten used to the amount of light beaming from your headlights, and as it decreases gradually you may not even realize how dangerous they have become.

What Headlight Restoration Service Entails

When you have your headlights restored at a place like D&I Auto Body Shop, we can do the job right, with quality service performed by a skilled technician. We make sure to protect your headlights with tape, because improper installation can cause scratches on your vehicle and light coverings. We have the right tools to resurface the exterior layer of your lens, apply polish, remove clouding and discoloration, get rid of minor scratches and swirl marks, get rid of staining and build-up from oxidation, and restore clarity.

You can purchase headlight restoration kits to do the job at home, but remember that restoring headlights does take time and patience. If it’s not properly executed, this type of work can further damage your car. We recommend peace of mind with trained experts working on your valuable automobile - when safety’s at stake, you don’t want to take any chances. Take to the streets this summer knowing that you’ve made your vehicle as safe and road-worthy as possible - and enjoy your trip!