Collision Repair: How to Know You're Paying a Fair Price

Unless you’re already a mechanic, chances are you’re a bit clueless when it comes to getting your car repaired after a collision. While you may be primarily concerned with the aesthetics, such as the dings, bumps and scratches in your paint job, damage to your car after an accident can go much deeper than that. After a collision, you’ll need to enlist the aid of a professional. However, if you don’t have the knowledge, how can you be sure you’re getting a fair price? By asking the right questions and requesting documentation, you can keep rip-off merchants at bay and get quality repairs to your car.

Get multiple estimates.
When you’re investing money in any service, particularly one that’s expensive, it’s important to get more than one estimate. As you get various estimates on the costs of repair, it will give you an idea of what the ballpark price should be. Additionally, getting several estimates allows you to negotiate with your mechanic by pointing out that the garage down the road offers the same service for less.

Get a full breakdown of their prices.
Some unscrupulous mechanics may try to pull the wool over your eyes by simply giving you a price for what the repairs will cost. By doing this, it becomes easy to artificially inflate prices. Ask for a full breakdown of what item and repair costs what. A reputable mechanic should provide you with this from the start.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
It’s difficult to ask questions if you don’t feel confident in understanding the answers, but when it comes to collision repair, it’s essential. Ask what each price means and what’s included. For example, is it just the cost of the part, or does it also estimate labor? It’s perfectly okay to ask that they explain something in layman’s terms. If they’re a good mechanic, they should be comfortable with doing that.

Do your research.
The internet can be your best weapon in ensuring that you get the fairest price for the repair work you need. Check online sites such as Yelp or Angie’s List for customer reviews and ratings. Doing so can reveal potential pitfalls before you even drive into the garage.

Ask for references.
Any mechanic worth his motor oil will be able to give you some references of customers that use their services regularly, or point you towards where you can get that information. Like any business, they know that a happy customer is their best advertising. Many auto body shops keep a file of customer letters to show to potential clients.

When you've already been through the trauma of an automobile accident, there’s nothing worse than then having to deal with getting your car repaired. Use caution when finding the right auto body shop and mechanic for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be sure to do your research. By doing so, you’ll save a lot of headaches down the line.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

3 Things that Break Windshields and Auto Glass

Needing to replace or repair the windshield on your car can be a major hassle. Not only does a crack or a break in your windshield provide a major eye sore for your vehicle, it could also lead to you getting a police ticket if you do not replace it.


Cracks and breaks in your windshield could cause your view to be obstructed while driving which could endanger your life as well as others. So what are some things you need to avoid in order to maintain a chip and crack free windshield? Below are 3 enemies to your auto glass.

Rocks or Gravel – It is well known that rocks or gravel can chip or break your windshield, so when you are on the freeway and driving behind a semi-truck or on a gravel road, slow down or move around the gravel truck. The faster you drive in those elements, the likely it is that your car will be struck with rocks or gravel, thus causing a chip or break in your windshield.

Bird Poop – Yes, frozen bird poop has recently been one of the reasons for cracked windshields. If a bird releases its nasty package high enough in the air in a cold temperature, then it is a good chance that it may crack your windshield. Be sure to park your car in areas where birds usually steer clear of. This will help you avoid the situation. Wired.com did a study on bird poop breaking windshields. Be sure to check it out.

Hot Water – Hot water is also known to break windshields during the cold winter months. Main offenders of the hot water breakages are people who are running late for work or in a hurry to get the ice off of their vehicle during the cold season and choose to pour hot water on the windshield for a quick fix. The problem with that, though, is the quick change in temperature from the hot water on the auto glass can cause a crack in your windshield. So if you are warming your car up in the winter season, be sure to plan ahead and warm up your car ahead of time.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

Auto Body Damage from Atlanta's 2014 Snowmaggedon? We Can Help!

Last week, Atlanta received 2.6 inches of snow which then proceeded to turn into black ice. The one-day snowfall was ranked as the 20th heaviest in Atlanta, GA which has recorded a daily snowfall of an inch or more 55 times since 1928.

Not only did the city accumulate 2.6 inches of snow, it also created a sense of panic with the residents of Atlanta that created gridlock on the streets and freeways that led to major accidents and caused thousands to be trapped in their vehicles overnight. Many stranded motorists parked their vehicles wherever they were and walked home or to a warming center for the night.

Were you one of the ATLiens that were stuck in the ice storm? Did your car make it out safely? Some motorists who left their cold vehicles to stay warm returned to their vehicle later on to find out that the vehicle they left had been in a crash while they were away. If your car is in need of collision work from the ice storm last week, come to D&I Auto Body for an estimate.

We understand that being in a car accident can be stressful, so let us give you quality and affordable collision repair in a timely manner. As one of the leading Atlanta Auto Body Shops, we will take away your stress and anxiety and give you peace of mind as your vehicle is being repaired by experts.

We have experience with luxury and domestic vehicles of all kinds and we handle all of our customers with professionalism, efficiency, and courtesy. We have been serving Atlanta as a leading auto body shop for over two decades and we take pride in providing the best service possible to our customers.

Need some collision work done on your vehicle? Give us a call at the number below.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

3 ways you can cheat yourself when choosing an auto body shop for collision repair

“Bury the deductible” Some car owners try to save money on the deduction portion of the collision repair by asking the repair shop to hide the deductible. Your insurance policy is a contract with you and your insurance carrier. In that policy it states that if you have a collision loss you are responsible for some of the repairs and that is why you are required to pay a deductible. By trying to hide your deductible, you are conspiring to insurance fraud and it is against the law. If you are found guilty you could go to jail and pay hefty fines. If an auto body shop agrees to hide the portion you pay for repairs, then don’t trust that auto body shop for your collision repair. They could also be doing a second rate job on fixing your vehicle correctly which also may require you to pay extra money.

 “Approved auto body shops” When you get into an accident, some insurance adjusters will give you a list of approved auto body shops that they recommend that you go to. It is illegal for an insurance company to require that you take your vehicle to a certain auto body shop. They can recommend, but if the insurance adjuster is requiring you to use a specific repair facility, it may be because that shop is cheaper than other shops. You shouldn’t choose an auto body shop because it is cheaper, because they may do a second rate job and that’s why they are cheaper. You should go to someone you trust who has high reviews and great customer service to handle your car. If your insurance adjuster will not let you choose an auto body shop that suits your needs, then report them to the state insurance commissioner.

“Demand OEM parts” When you go to the auto body shop to get your vehicle repaired, you can demand only new factory OEM parts but you should review your insurance policy to see if you signed off on the use of aftermarket parts. Some insurance companies call them “Quality Replacement Parts” but they are aftermarket parts which are copies of the real factory parts made in a different plant overseas. Sometimes these parts don’t fit as well as the original factory parts so make sure that in your insurance policy you are requesting new OEM parts because if they don’t fit, you will be charged to redo the repairs and have to pay for it out of pocket.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

Repairing your old car VS Replacing your old car

Repairing an old car can become very pricey. It can be expensive trying to keep up with the maintenance on an old vehicle. Sometimes simple oil changes can rack up hundreds of dollars because of the numerous other things that mechanics have found while changing your oil. After repeatedly paying these high repair bills, you start to think that you should just purchase a new car instead of pouring money into an older model car. But would you come out cheaper with a newer car, or will it be worth it to continue fixing your old car? Here are a few things you should ask yourself: 

Age and Mileage: What is the age and mileage of the older car? This is important because the age of the car and the mileage on the car would help determine how much and how often the car would need to be repaired.

Vehicle Maintenance: Have you kept the vehicle well-maintained? Have you kept up with oil changes, tune-ups, and replacing car parts as needed? This will also help determine your vehicle repairs.

Reliability of Make and Model: What is the make and model of the vehicle that you have? Some vehicles are more reliable than others and are able to reach 200,000 miles with no problem. A little research on the make and model of your vehicle and its reliability will help you determine whether you should purchase a car that will stand the test of time.

Repairs VS Market value: The repairs that are needed on your vehicle, do they exceed the market value for the car or does it make sense to get the repairs fixed on a vehicle that is worth the trouble.

Using these factors to determine whether you will repair your old car or buy a new one will help you get the most out of your money and your car.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

4 Signs Your Auto Repair Shop is Taking You for a Ride

It is not uncommon to get varying estimates from different auto repair shops. You might get a whole body repair for only $300, whereas another service provider offer you the same service package but for $2000.

But how do you spot which auto repair shop is worth your money and your trust? How do you know which car services provider is true to the tenets of customer service and is not after a quick buck at your expense?

There are many ways to tell whether an auto repair shop is taking you for a ride, but here are four sure signs to look for:

1. If an auto shop is a legitimate business and claims it has a team of certified car experts, then they will display all sorts of certifications and recognitions like ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) or AAA (America Automobile Association) certifications.
   
   A state license and a business permit should be on the wall of the establishment. Somewhere visible where you could immediately spot them the moment you enter the building. If the shop you are dealing with doesn’t have such parchments displayed on their wall, you better take your car somewhere else.
   
2. When an auto repair shop states that they are particularly popular in the area yet not one of your friends and relatives have provided a word-of-mouth testimony about their services and business, you might be better off looking somewhere else. Recommendations from people you know are good indications of a business’s reliability and good service. If the shop you are talking to is not getting the love from your peers and loved ones, then perhaps they don’t deserve any from you.
   
3. Never ever sign a blank authorization form with your name on it. Auto repair shops that sweet talk you into signing such documents are usually throwing you through a loop. Run away as soon as they do this. Legitimate auto shops provide a list of estimates as well as warranties that apply to the job required.
   
4. When a mechanic says he does not need any modern tools and equipment to have a good look at your car, do not be fooled. Modern cars now require modern technicians and they need more than just a trusty old monkey wrench.

These four signs are just the tip of the iceberg. Let your instinct and common sense guide you to pick a good auto shop that is worthy of your trust and money. Filter out those that prey on people who don’t know anything about the auto repair business.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

3 Things to Look for In an Auto Glass Repair Shop

In the city of Atlanta, there are countless auto glass repair shops for you to choose from, but which one is right for you?

Determining which auto glass repair shop suits your budget and your need is the first step you need to take. Because auto glass repairers are not regulated the same as mechanics are, that makes the importance of finding an auto glass repair shop with a solid reputation for quality and customer service all the more important.

Logic and common sense dictates that experience and longevity in the industry are immediate factors. Word of mouth recommendations are also good indicators. But when you look for an auto glass repair shop, be sure they meet these industry standards:

1. They should have a selection of OE glass (original equipment) and OEE glass (original equipment equivalent). Most auto glass repair shops do not take the time to explain to you what type of glass they will be using and in most cases, they use generic auto glasses. Generic ones are not as durable or shatter resistant compared to OE and OEE glasses.
2. They must also use top-notch urethane products that are approved by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Urethane is what holds your windshield in place so it needs to be high in quality. You might want to ask them if their business is certified by the urethane manufacturer.
3. Insurance and warranty should come together. A good auto glass repair shop should accept insurance as this will certainly help you with the bill. Warranty should also be provided by the auto glass repairers. Any ideal shop offer at least one year warranty on parts and labor. In most cases, warranty applies to defects in glass and leaks.

Repairing or replacing your windshield may be costly. But you have to be also aware that your windshield does more than protect you from the elements, which is why your car needs to fitted with the best auto glass out there. You just have to be extra careful when picking an auto glass repair shop to make sure you get your money’s worth and the protection you and your loved ones deserve.