Year: 2020

How Many Estimates Should I Get for a Car Accident?

If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident that is more than just a fender bender, you probably understand that there are procedures to follow for taking care of the damage to your vehicle. Getting repair estimates is part of that procedure and involves a series of steps that will get you back in the driver’s seat and on your way to wherever you need to go. Here are the most important steps to follow in obtaining estimates after you’ve been in an accident and know your vehicle will require repairs.

Finding Reputable Repair Shops

Before you actually get any repair estimates, research collision repair shops and their shop rates for body work along with their background information to verify their work performance. You want qualified professionals who can thoroughly and honestly assess damage. Also, ask others who have had recent body work done or go online and read reviews or reports from other vehicle owners concerning whether a body shop’s work is above standard and whether they have a stellar reputation.

Often your insurance company will give you the name or names of reputable collision repair shops that they recommend for repair work. Usually the shops that your insurance company provides are trustworthy and provide high-quality work. Most shops that an insurance company recommends will offer topnotch service and will deal with any of the paperwork and documentation that your insurance company will need. If your insurance company doesn’t provide a listing of reputable collision shops, go ahead and get up to three estimates in writing. You’ll want the estimates to include a complete breakdown of any repairs along with labor costs and parts (whether they are original, used or aftermarket parts).

Repair Cost Concerns

If you’re really worried about the cost of repairs, and how many estimates you should get and aren’t utilizing a repair shop recommended by your insurance company, it’s safe to get a few on your own estimates to determine what repairs will cost you overall.

High estimates don’t necessarily mean you are being overcharged, and estimates that seem to be quite a bit lower might raise red flags because of the possibility of poorly done body work or replacement with used or inferior auto parts, so basing your decision on costs alone is not always wise as collision costs can vary from one shop to another. It’s important once you do get estimates to scan through each estimate on a line-by-line basis. You want to compare costs for body work, vehicle parts and labor. You also want to determine what estimate meets your needs and which one will give you the best quality repair work.

Determining Average Rate for Repair Costs

When you get three estimates, it helps you to determine the average range of your repair costs. Three estimates will allow you to cancel out both the lowest and most costly estimate and take the estimate that falls in the middle. You can also take all three estimates and divide your total by the three, which gives you the average cost for repairs. Whatever final payout you receive through your insurance provider should be close to the average estimate.

Insurance Company Delays

If you’re going through your insurance company and a collision shop of their or your choosing, you don’t want to deal with extended delays that your insurance company may cause. Waiting for an insurance adjuster or representative to determine damages can be stressful, especially when you need your vehicle for work or other important activities.

When an adjuster fails to deal with assessing your damage within a week or so, it’s probably a good idea to obtain several estimates on your own and pay for any repairs made. You can ask for reimbursement of the repair costs through your insurance provider; however, one thing to remember is that full reimbursement from your insurer may be difficult to recoup after the collision shop has made repairs, particularly if you have gone with a higher repair estimate.

Your insurance company will likely not pay out higher estimates and will go with the lowest estimate the collision shop gave you. It’s important to remember that when you have repairs made before an amount is agreed upon, you risk your insurance company delaying your claim and reimbursing you. Also, once your vehicle is usable and you have it back in your possession, your insurance company no longer has to pay for alternative transportation.

How Many Estimates

When your insurance company offers a low payoff for your repairs or you believe the repair shop is charging too much or too little for your vehicle repairs, then you probably should get a second and third opinion.

The best option with estimates is to get one good one through a repair shop with an excellent repair record as opposed to getting several from repair shops that may give you middle of the road estimates and less than standard repair work.

Usually, one estimate is enough, especially when the repair shop has an excellent record and does quality work. If your repairs are costly and you’re worried about your insurance company not paying out and the body shop not doing what it should, it’s probably a good idea to get several estimates. Whether you go with one or more than one estimate and aren’t sure of the process, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need to make a decision that fits your needs.

Are Used Tires Safe to Purchase?

When you are on a tight budget, hearing the words “you need new tires” can be stressful. According to CostHelper, the average price of a new, all-season tire can be as high as $250 each. Pickup and SUV tires may cost as much as $350 each. In order to save money, you may be tempted to purchase a set of used tires. Although used tires are cheaper than new, are they really safe to put on your car?

Unregulated Industry

Before you decide to purchase a set of used tires, it is important to understand that the used tire industry in the United States is completely unregulated. This means there is no standard for a used to tire to actually be safe enough to place on your car.

Internal Damage

The tread on the outside of the used tires may look good and, if the tires on your car are really bad, the used ones may seem to have more tread than yours. However, used tires may have internal damage that is almost impossible to see. For example, it is possible to plug a damaged portion of a tire if a sharp object penetrates it. That type of repair may not be visible without close inspection. In addition, if the repair is not done properly, the tire may be more likely to fail in the future.

Age of the Tire

There have been cases where a dealer painted used tires black to make them appear newer than they actually are. Manufacturers worn against purchasing tires that are more than six years old because the materials used to create the tire can begin to break down. You can find the age of a tire by searching for the stamped birthdate of the tire. It should be located on the sidewall following the letters DOT. Reading left to right, you will find a series of letters and numbers followed by an encircled set of four numbers that appear tightly spaced. Those four numbers are the date the tire was manufactured. The first two numbers are the week of the year and the last two are the year. For example, a tire with the code “3219” was manufactured in the 32nd week of 2019.

Lack of History

There is no way for you to know the history of a used tire. It could have been underinflated, overinflated or placed on a vehicle that carried heavier loads than the tire is rated for. You will not know what type of roads the tire traveled, whether the terrain was rough or if there were many potholes. Did the vehicle the tires were removed from have suspension issues? These conditions could damage a tire in ways that are not noticeable from the outside.

Weather Conditions

In addition to not know if the tires were taken care of properly, you may not know the type of weather the previous owner drove in regularly. High heat, sunlight and humidity can break down the materials of a tire quickly. Even if the tires have low mileage because they were on a vehicle that was not driven often, weather can cause the tire to degrade which makes them less safe.

Product Recall

When someone buys a set of tires, the manufacturer receives information about that owner, including an address that they will use to send recall notices. If you purchase the tires used, the manufacturer has no way of knowing the tires were sold and cannot notify you if there is a defect that could be dangerous.

What About Tires on Used Cars?

Many people purchase used tires using the argument that used cars have tires on them, believing the concept is the same. When you buy a used car, you can get an idea what condition the entire car is in and that includes the tires. You can even use the vehicle identification number to look up information on the car and get an idea how it was cared for before you buy. You don’t have that option when you purchase used tires.

Alternatives to Used Tires

If you are on a tight budget, there are alternatives to purchasing used tires. Watch for sales at your local tire shop. In some cases, you may be able to sign up for email notifications in order to receive coupons that can save you money on tires. Often, tire shops offer discounts if you purchase all four tires at one time as well.

If you are in the market for tires for your vehicle, contact Elmer’s Auto Body today. We offer a wide range of tire options and can find you the tires you need for your car at a price you can afford. When you drive your car out of Elmer’s Auto Body, you know that it is safe for you and your family. We don’t sell used tires as we know they are not safe and would rather help you find a new tire in your price range. Schedule an appointment today by calling or filling out the easy online form.

What Tools Should You Keep in Your Car?

As the weather warms up, you automatically begin thinking of that family road trip. Whether you are heading to a cabin by the lake, a cozy beachfront cottage or you just hop in the car for a weekend drive to get away, you don’t want to have any worries or concerns along the way. Unfortunately, Murphy’s Law usually does not allow that to happen and you don’t want a small car repair to derail your entire trip. One way to deal with those minor repairs is to carry a toolbox in your trunk. These are some of the best tools to have with you in your car to deal with those emergencies.

Aluminum Flashlight

Almost any flashlight is critical should your car break down on the side of the road at night, but a high-quality aluminum light may provide you with better illumination than a cheap disposable one. You can find good flashlights that require “D” batteries with a standard bulb, or you can purchase one with an LED bulb that uses lithium batteries. Before heading out on the road, be sure the flashlight batteries are good or that it is charged fully. Put an extra bulb in the glovebox as well.

Build an Emergency Tool Kit

You can purchase ready-made tool kits that are designed for the trunk of your car, but it may be easier to create one yourself to be sure you have what you need. You don’t need your entire garage full of tools. The tools you will most commonly need for a quick roadside repair include:

Adjustable wrench
Electrical tape
Electrical wire
Flat-head screwdriver in two sizes
Mechanics wire
Philips head screwdriver in two sizes
Pliers
Small ball-peen hammer
Spare fuses
Vise grips
Wire cutters with wire stripping option

Just place the entire tool kit in a small sports bag and you should be set to fix any roadside issue that comes up.

First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit in your car can be a lifesaver. You can purchase a ready-made kit designed for your glove box or trunk or you can create one of your own. If you want to purchase one that is already made, check sporting goods stores as they often have larger kits with more first aid needs than those offered at department stores.

Jumper Cables

An inexpensive set of jumper cables can be worth their weight in gold if you break down on the side of the road. Another great item to have in your trunk is a jump starter assembly that can jump your battery without needing a second vehicle.

Tire Pressure Gauge and Inflator

Tire issues are common when you are traveling. Newer vehicles include computerized tire pressure sensors but if your car is an older model, you will want to have a tire pressure gauge in your glovebox. A tire inflator with sealing qualities is another good item to have in your car. To use the inflator, remove the valve cap on your tire, insert the inflator hose, and press the button. Your tire will inflate, and the puncture will be temporarily sealed.

Tow Strap

If you are stuck on the side of the road due to mud or snow, a tow strap will be helpful to get you pulled out. Tow straps take up less room than tow chains or ropes. They also stretch a little when they are connected to another vehicle which helps dislodge you.

Flares or Safety Triangles

When your vehicle is disabled, especially after dark, you want to be sure that other cars on the road can clearly see you. Although flares are small, they can be difficult to light and there have been reports of small holes burnt into clothing while the flare ignites. Instead, purchase a set of safety triangles which can be used more than once. They are not as quickly visible as flares, but they do draw attention to your vehicle on the side of the road.

Fire Extinguisher

Many automotive stores sell fire extinguishers that are designed for vehicles but, too often, they are much too small to put out a gasoline-fed fire. Instead, purchase a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher along with a quick-release mount for your trunk. It is not safe to have a heavy fire extinguisher rolling around in the back of your trunk, so you want to secure it. However, you also want to be able to get it out as quickly as possible should your vehicle or another catch fire.

No one ever wants to think of emergencies on the side of the road when they are traveling. Unfortunately, they are more common than you think. If you are planning a road trip in the next few months, schedule an appointment with Elmer’s Auto Body for a quick inspection if you’ve been in an accident.

Car Warranty Scams You Need To Know About

You’re thinking about extending the warranty on your vehicle, but you’re also aware of the scams out there concerning car warranties. You want coverage on your car, truck or SUV, but you’re in a quandary about how to go about it. So, what do you do when you really want to extend your warranty? Ask yourself, I need to know about car warranty scams and how I can avoid being taken for a ride. Here is some information that will give you the lowdown on what to avoid.

Phone Calls and Mailings

You may recall receiving a phone call or two or even robocalls from telemarketers trying to use high-pressure tactics to convince you that the warranty on your vehicle is about to expire and you need to extend it before the deadline approaches. You may have also gotten a notification in the mail showing the expiration of the warranty on your car. A letter or postcard will appear as though it’s from the vehicle manufacturer, a car dealership or a state motor vehicle department, and there will be a phone number to call to extend coverage. Before you call that number, which you shouldn’t, check directly with the manufacturer of your vehicle to determine your warranty status.

Third Party Contracts

When you’re dealing with are third-party entities offering extended warranty contracts, you need to watch out for what they are peddling as their representatives will do what they can to convince you they are operating legitimately. They usually have no connection or ties with the company that manufactured your vehicle.

Again, contact with a third-party company can happen through a phone call, an online offer or a mailing that appears to be very official. If you buy into their hype, you’re asking for services you’ll likely never receive. Even if the company is operating legitimately and has no connection with the manufacturer, you want to examine every aspect of the contract to determine whether your vehicle will be covered for any repairs or service. There is always the notorious fine print clauses that usually translate as denial of repairs for common everyday wear and tear types of problems or anything that is thought to be an existing issue with your vehicle. A third-party contract can leave you without extended warranty coverage for the most basic repairs, or nothing at all.

Protecting Yourself Against Car Warranty Scams

If you find yourself in the situation of trying to recoup services and money from an unscrupulous third-party warranty company, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or you can go through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and lodge a complaint with them. They can help you recover your money and shut down harassment from scammers. You can also make a request through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that your phone number be placed on their National Do Not Call Register.

Having to deal with robocalls coming into your home or business can be a real annoyance. One way to combat calls is to use robocall blocking software that helps stop calls from unscrupulous car warranty companies. Caller ID is also an easy way to screen and identify calls from telemarketers. Many cell phone company providers offer apps that can help you screen calls. An honest warranty company should provide a genuine number that can be contacted to stop continuous car warranty scams calls.

When you take calls from telemarketers, validate the company’s authenticity before you provide them with any of your personal information such as your Social Security number, credit card numbers, driver’s license number or bank account specifics. With any mailings you receive regarding your car’s warranty, you can check with the manufacturer through their contact information. You can also go online and confirm whether the warranty information matches what’s on any correspondence.

Real Extended Warranty Help

You can get a manufacturer’s extended warranty on a new or used car. This is the safe route to take as you can be confident that your vehicle will be dealt with professionally through a certified auto repair shop that uses original parts and employees highly trained mechanics.

If you don’t want to invest in the cost of an extended warranty through the manufacturer, start your own repair and replacement savings account for your vehicle to offset the costs of maintenance, repairs and replacement parts. Putting aside some money every month is often less expensive than an extended warranty that you might not use that often.

When you decide on an extended warranty, you may want to think about investing further in an exclusionary policy that covers anything that is not listed or covered on your policy. Being unsure of what is or isn’t covered in an extended warranty can leave you with having to pay out of pocket expenses for an uncovered repair or replacement.

Whether you’re thinking about investing in an extended warranty backed by the manufacturer or a reputable third-party warranty and aren’t that familiar with car warranty scams, complete the online contact form, and an expert will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Whatever you decide, make sure you get the answers you need concerning car warranty scams and always read the fine print in any plan. Save yourself the expense and trouble that a third-party extended warranty scam can cause. Please fill out our online contact form to have more of your auto repair needs met.

How to Insure a Car That Has Prior Damage

You’ve just purchased a vehicle that has prior damage and you’re probably wondering, am I going to recover the cost to insure my vehicle with this existing damage? Well, the answer is no, as you’re not going to get any coverage for previous damage. There are reasons that is so and here are a few explanations why.

Previous Damage

Any previous damage that happens with a vehicle is not going to be covered by car insurance. Say you have a truck with a severely crushed back fender, and you failed to make a claim for the damage when it occurred. Now you want to make a claim as you are selling the truck to a friend and want to repair the damage. Well, it’s too late, and you must pay for any repairs out of pocket. Car insurance coverage will not pay for any repairs or fender replacement at this stage.

When Damage is Covered

If the damage is present on your vehicle and you plan on selling it or passing on that vehicle to someone else, you must follow normal procedures with any kind of damage that occurs. If you want to qualify for coverage, you must report the damage at the time of the accident. Second, the damage has to have been an actual insurable occurrence, such as an accident with another vehicle.

Insignificant Damage

Usually, when previous damage is insignificant or slight, some vehicle owners will not make a claim for minor damage such as a gash or small dent. Repairing the damage isn’t worth the time and trouble when the deductible costs are more than the repair. So, instead of doing the repairs, most people will simply drive their vehicle with the damage.

False Claims and Insurance Fraud

When a vehicle has damage from a previous accident and a policyholder attempts to claim coverage weeks following the accident, that scenario hints of insurance fraud. Maybe your vehicle had a tree limb fall on it in an area where tree limbs often fall and you lacked the right type coverage (comprehensive) to repair the damage done. That means you failed to purchase coverage for falling limbs and other objects. Instead of paying for the damage out of pocket, you quickly add comprehensive coverage to your policy. In the meantime, another tree limb in the same area falls on your vehicle. Now you make a claim. An insurer would consider this kind of action insurance fraud.

When a policy is new, you cannot claim any damage that came before the inception of the policy. It will not cover damages that you fail to report at the time of an incident.

In-depth Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud can be even more in-depth when drivers create incidents and try to collect on claims under false pretenses. For example, maybe you’re trying to parallel park in a crammed parking spot and you jump the curb and badly scrape the side of your car and put a nice dent in it. Instead of notifying your insurance company, you wait a while and claim that someone ran into your vehicle and pushed it up over a curb and sidewalk while you were away from your vehicle. You then make it your intention to submit a claim for the earlier damage.

Can any Vehicle be Covered for Previous Damage?

When a vehicle exceeds damage limitations, there may be issues with coverage. If a vehicle has more than surface or cosmetic damage, there are questions whether the vehicle may be seriously impaired and actual driving made difficult if not impossible.

Liability Coverage

You might have a chance for liability coverage, and there is even less of a chance for collision and comprehensive coverage. With both collision and comprehensive insurance, you’re dealing with physical damage and insurance companies may not want to deal with those coverages for an already damaged vehicle.

Collision Coverage

With collision coverage, any previous damage usually negates coverage when a new accident occurs. An insurance company may have difficulty determining new accident-related damages from the old ones and deny coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage

Even a non-accident related incident that falls under comprehensive coverage will not garner coverage because of previous damage to a vehicle. There may be issues with comprehensive coverage, just as there are with collision coverage. A claim faces denial because of the difficulty in recognizing previous damage from more current damage, despite a non-accident situation.

The Safe Way to Go

If you own a vehicle with previous or pre-existing damage, you are eligible for liability coverage. Most any registered vehicle that’s legal to drive on the road is eligible for minimum liability coverage. Even if your vehicle has previous damage, liability coverage is available. It covers costs you incur on other drivers and any property. You need to know, however, that you might need to go through a different insurance provider that deals in high-risk insurance, particularly when there’s considerable damage to your vehicle. Also, you’ll probably be ineligible for either collision or comprehensive coverage when your vehicle has significant prior damage.

Prior Damage Legalities

With prior damage concerning your vehicle, it’s important to be upfront with your insurance carrier. When any damage occurs, contact your provider as soon as possible. Your company will document the damage and a company representative will assess the damage and take pictures of any damage. Any future claims will show documentation of previous damage that you report. Remember that any existing damage will not be under coverage. There is no reason to worry about insurance fraud when you are forthcoming about reporting damage when it happens.

When insuring a vehicle that has prior damage, it’s important to remember that an insurance company is unlikely to cover damage that is already there. It’s best to report any damage right away that happens whether you make a claim. If you fail to report previous damage, you could face the consequences of insurance fraud. If you’re still questioning how to insure a vehicle that has previous damage, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the options available to you.

Do I Need Collision Coverage on My Insurance Policy?

Determining whether you need collision coverage is an important part of any decision making when establishing or re-configuring an insurance policy. There are different insurance coverage choices and collision is one of them. There are reasons for having it and not having it. Here is some general information on collision insurance coverage, just what it covers, and any current requirements. You can better decide whether you need collision coverage included on your vehicle insurance policy.

Collision Insurance Requirements

State car insurance laws vary from state to state. No states require drivers to carry collision coverage as part of their minimum requirements. Collision coverage is optional according to state laws.

What Collision Insurance Covers and Other Particulars

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance covers damage that you cause to your vehicle when you hit a stationary object such as a tree, pole, fence, pothole, mailbox, guardrail or some other fixed object.

Other

Collision insurance will pay for a claim when hitting any of the above objects. Since these objects are avoidable on a street or in a road, insurance companies will consider you at fault for hitting any of them.
Filing a claim for hitting an object may cause a premium increase.
Accident forgiveness may negate increases.
Insurance will only pay damage for your vehicle even when you’re at fault.
Coverage will pay for damages when a rollover accident occurs. If you’re at fault, collision insurance will still pay the damages.
When another driver is at fault in a rollover incident, the driver’s insurance should pick up the cost for damages.
If a vehicle is in total disrepair and not salvageable, collision coverage will insure the vehicle at its current cash value. Insurance estimators will determine repair costs or whether damages extend beyond the possibility of repair.

Collision Coverage When the Other Driver is at Fault

When another driver is at fault, collision coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle.
When another driver completely totals your car or damages it significantly, your collision coverage will take effect.
Collision coverage will cover costs when the driver of another vehicle lacks sufficient insurance to cover damages.
Your insurance provider will cover the costs of damage to your vehicle and will pursue reimbursement through the other driver’s insurance company.
When the insurance company of the other driver stalls or fails to act expeditiously, your insurance company needs to take prompt action to rectify the situation. If you carry collision insurance on your overall car insurance policy, you may ask your insurance company to act on your behalf.
If you have to use this option and pressure your insurance company, and you were not at fault in the accident, you should not experience an increase in rates. It’s important to speak with your insurance agent concerning whether this situation will affect your insurance rates.

Property Damage Insurance

One thing to keep in mind with collision insurance coverage is that it only covers damage to your car. It doesn’t cover damage that you may do to someone else’s vehicle. Property damage insurance, which is part of your liability coverage, which is a requirement in nearly every state, is the coverage that will pay for damage to another driver’s vehicle. When the other driver is at fault and damages your vehicle, their liability coverage pays for damage to your car. Your collision insurance does not cover damage by someone else.

Other Situations in which Collision Coverage Operates

Sometimes collision coverage will pay for damage that is not part of your policy. Say you don’t have comprehensive coverage which covers acts of nature, vandalism, theft and other situations. When comprehensive insurance coverage is lacking, these losses can go through collision insurance coverage. Other instances include hit-and-run accidents or non-insured driver accidents. Remedies for losses under these situations can fall under collision coverage, but using it in these cases may increase rates. Your carrier may consider the damage your fault. That is one reason comprehensive insurance is an added benefit, as is underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). They both make up for most any damage in various situations.

When to Purchase Collision Insurance

When you have a newer vehicle or one that requires extensive and expensive repair, collision coverage is important. It’s also usually a necessary requirement if you took out a loan to buy your vehicle.

If you have an older and less costly vehicle, it makes little sense to buy collision insurance as the cost to repair your older vehicle may be more than what you put out for the insurance coverage. Since collision insurance is not a requisite, you’ll want to look at the cost to insure your vehicle, your vehicle’s value and the cost of repairs.

Consider Deductible Amount and Overall Costs

Another important thing to consider with collision insurance is the deductible amount you’re willing to go with if you add collision coverage to your policy. If you have a larger deductible, premiums will be lower but you’ll be paying out a large deductible if an accident occurs and your vehicle has major repairs. Your overall costs for collision insurance will vary and will depend on the car you own, its age, its current worth, your driving record, your age and gender. Collision coverage will probably be higher if you have a poor driving record and have filed claims for damage in the past.

Whether you need collision insurance is something that requires careful thought and consultation with your insurance provider. Should you have further questions concerning a collision policy, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you quickly with the answers you need to make an informed decision.