Automotive Collision Center Inc.

Archive for the ‘Auto Collision Repairs’ Category

Whether the accident is your fault or the other driver’s, make sure you go to an appropriate repair shop — and ask for what you require.

Getting your vehicle repaired after it has been involved in an accident or it just isn’t operating correctly is important. In many instances the vehicle can’t be driven until the necessary repairs have been completed. Yet many people are wary about this type of service because you don’t really know the quality of the work that you are getting. If you need to get your vehicle repaired it is important to do some checking before you take your vehicle to anyone.

If the vehicle is drivable you should attempt to get at least three written estimates. Body shops and repair shops will do this for you free of charge. They will give you an itemized list of the necessary repairs and the cost of them. Make sure you ask about the length of time it will take for them to complete the work as well. Once you get home carefully review all of the estimates. You should see the same items on there in the category of materials and likely some price differences for the labor.

If you notice that one of the estimates for vehicle repairs is much more than the others you may want to ask them why. It could be that they offer better quality products and your car will look nicer or run better when they are done then if you let one of the other businesses do the work. However, it is also possible that they are attempting to scam you and the estimate contains pricing for work that really doesn’t have to be done.

Find out how long a particular shop has been in business. Longevity generally means they have a good reputation for doing quality work. Ask about the experience of their employees so you can get a good idea of what their level of expertise is. You can check online with the Better Business Bureau as well to find out if the repair service has any complaints filed against them.

Most quality vehicle repair service centers will stand behind the quality of their work. You want to choose a shop that has a policy in place that they will guarantee the work for a specific amount of time. This way if you aren’t happy with it or the repairs don’t hold up you won’t have to pay for them again. Even if the cost of the initial repairs were covered by an insurance company you don’t want to have to deal with poor quality work on your vehicle.

Ask your friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations as well. Chances are some of them have had to use a vehicle repair or collision service at some point. They can tell you who they went to and the quality of the work. Ask them if they would go back to that business in the future for such needs as well.

You really can’t avoid having to go to a vehicle repair or collision shop if the need arises. However, you can do your part to ensure you are getting quality service at an affordable price. Most of us rely on your vehicles too much to simply trust the work to just anyone.

Automotive Collision Center Inc.

8201 Washington Blvd. Jessup MD 20794

410-799-2000

 www.mdaci.com

 *Free Shuttle service (certain restrictions apply)*Free Wash and vacuum of all repairs completed
 *Free Wi-Fi

Auto Body Repairing Painting

If you have been in an accident, or just want to revamp your old vehicle, then you should seek out an auto body shop that specializes in repairing and painting. An auto body shop employs trained mechanics that can do a variety of services to bring your car to perfect working condition. Whether you are seeking to make the exterior of your car shiny with a custom paint job or need work done to your engine, these professionals can help.

An auto body shop can offer many different services for your needs. Some specialize in customizing vehicles by using special painting techniques, while others use repair kits to hid damage. Your classic car or new truck can get a whole new look with a new acrylic paint kit in powder blue, fire red, or midnight black. Also, you can do work to the interior of your car by replacing the old vinyl. If you have been in a collision, these mechanics can also fix your bumper’s tip to make it look like nothing ever happened.

Whatever work you are seeking, it is important to do some research about what services your car may need beforehand. Start by going online and searching by what it is that you would like to repair on your car. For instance, if you have a worn out paint job, seek out what is involved with getting a new top coat applied. Make sure to know what you are seeking before heading to an auto body shop.

Auto body repairing and painting services provide detailing and repairing services to vehicles and cars, utilizing exterior paint, acrylic, wax, and powder coating. Auto body repairing and painting shops may also offer interior cleaning, custom paint jobs, car repairs, car painting, paint techniques, custom color combinations, and body repairs. Any vehicle can be detailed and painted, from a car or van, to a truck or SUV. Some auto body repairing and painting services specialize in a few different makes and models of vehicles and cars, while others offer services on a wide range of vehicle makes and models. Auto body repairing and painting services can be part of an auto dealer business, or an independent service. Some services may also provide custom automobile restorations, custom car painting, paint tips and techniques, custom paint jobs, acrylic paint jobs, custom color combinations, and vinyl work. Restorations or custom jobs can include painting, customizing, new upholstery and seat covers, auto body work, electronics and sound system upgrades, and accessories. You can find auto body repairing and painting services by checking your local phone book or trying a directory search online to find a shop near you. Be sure to choose an auto body repairing and painting shop that specializes in what you need. If you’re looking to restore your vehicle or auto, shop around at a few different automobile restoration shops to get price quotes and ideas on interior and exterior restoration. If you simply want your vehicle spruced up a bit with detail work and paint, contact an auto body repairing and painting service. Whether you want a wax, body repairing, custom paint job, vinyl restoration, tips and techniques, auto painting, powder coating, exterior paint, body service, or truck and car repairs, auto body repairing and painting services can help.

If you are looking to have auto body repairs or auto body painting done just call us at 410-799-2000

Visit uis at www.mdaci.com

How much is that going to cost to fix?” That’s often the first thing you wonder when your car’s had a minor scrape or a fender bender.

Automobile insurance provides coverage, but many drivers have a high deductible and potentially face higher premiums, so they tend to live with it. But that’s not always a good idea. For one thing, a ding or scraped paint can cause rust that will get worse over time.

“Even minor defects can reduce the trade-in value of a car, or can become a big expense when a leased vehicle is turned in, The expectation is that when a lease expires the car will be returned in good condition, without excessive wear and tear. Rather than just paying up at the dealership, you may get a better deal on repairs at an independent shop.”

It’s estimated that half of all vehicles with 15,000 miles suffer nuisance scratches or other cosmetic damage, According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, most car bumpers, for example, do little to resist damage in even low-speed collisions.

“Modern-day bumpers improve aerodynamics, fuel economy and appearance, but they can easily get dented, scuffed or torn. With over 35,000 auto body repair shops, there are lots to choose from. The best choice is often a shop recommended by family or friends.

“We specialize in repairs on newer cars that maintain their resale value, while at the same time saving on the repair costs. On older cars, Automotive Collision Center Inc. services many times increase the value, Much of our business comes from recommendations and repeat business.

For more information, please contact,

Automotive collision Center Inc.

8201 Washington Blvd.

Jessup, MD 20794

410-799-2000

www.mdaci.com

Automotive Collision Center Inc specializes in repairing late model, (Newer), vehicles. Most of which are paid for by one of the major auto insurance companies. We will put your vehicle back to pre-accident condition, structurally and cosmetically. Using factory specification we straighten the frame or uni-body to it’s pre-accident condition, parts are replaced with OEM, (Original Equipment Manufacture), reconditioned, or with Aftermarket Parts, (Lifetime Guarantee), depending on the customers request and budget.

Automotive Collision Center Inc.

 410-799-2000

www.mdaci.com

• Approved shops are beholden to tightfisted insurers. Auto insurers contract with providers to repair vehicles for a pre-negotiated rate. And your car could be the victim of cost cutting. “Insurers have wired the shops to give them so many discounts that, to stay alive, the shops often do the bare minimum,” says Erica Eversman, of Vehicle Information Services, which provides consulting and forensic experts for both insurers and consumers.
• Not all replacement parts are created equal. Original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are designed to match precisely and may be safer. But insurers prefer that shops use generic or salvage replacement parts because they’re cheaper. Mechanics routinely blame missed deadlines on delays in parts delivery.
• A rented car will cost you. If you need a minivan while your car is in the shop, make sure you have minivan-size coverage, for example Toyota Prius Minivan
• Your car needs a shop that speaks its language. Insurers won’t necessarily recommend these shops, but they should be willing to pay the tab.

Nearly all shops will guarantee their work, and parts makers guarantee their parts, making the insurance warranty all but worthless.

Automotive Collision Center 410-799-2000

8201 Washington Blvd. Jessup, MD 20794

www.mdaci.com

Before you try to run out and find auto body shops, take a moment to read through this article and consider including some of my personal experience as a mechanic into your own personal deliberation about what constitutes the best auto body shops in business.

The best place to start when trying to scope out a potential body shop is the owner. In bad auto body garages the owner usually instructs the employees to give the impression that your car is in worse shape then you think, or that something is broken and needs to be fixed right away.

In a legitimate auto body garage, the owner is more concerned with forging a long standing relationship with you and getting your repeat business rather then just ripping you off and potentially never seeing you again.

The best auto and body shop you can ever find is where the owner looks to develop long term relationships with their clients.

Automotive Collision Center 410-799-2000

8201 Washington Blvd. Jessup, MD 20794

www.mdaci.com

In order to open a collision repair shop, you would need to make a list of different types of services requiring auto body repair. Your shop should repair collision damage from accidents as well as common scratches on the vehicle’s body. Other common services include electrical repairs and panel replacement, brake system repairs, and body alignment. Here are the steps to start this type of business:

Be knowledgeable. Try to attend educational programs to teach you new ways in repairing damaged vehicles. You can also learn through getting experience in another shop through on-the-job training.

Purchase tools. Common tools include dent pullers, paint guns, and sand blasters. Remember that you also need to purchase various safety gears such as respirator, gloves, and goggles when you repair the vehicles.

Hire staff. Either you perform the repairs yourself or hire mechanics to do the job for you. It’s recommended that you find people with experience in repairing damaged or wrecked vehicles.

Organize a business plan that lists all the equipment and tools you need such as insurance, salaries, shop rent, and other concerns. You can view a business plan guide through the Small Business Administration (SBA) of the U.S. website. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your shop operations as well as the opportunities and threats to watch out for. Plans should be included for staffing and marketing. Also make sure that you can itemize these things to secure good financing.

Locate an accessible space for rent. Sometimes, auto body repair shops can be housed in industrial or low-rent areas as well as close proximity to expressways and gas stations. Ask friends and scour ads to find available repair shops for lease. You can also seek out the help of commercial real estate agents in finding the perfect facility to house your shop. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of renting the place versus buying it. This decision will definitely be based from the plans and start-up funds you have. As a tip, it’s best to search for venues with pre-existing garages or shops since these places offer most things you may need in your facility.

Register your business. It’s more convenient if you visit the IRS (Internal Revenue Service ) website and complete their online forms to obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number). Once you have completed the forms, you can now collect and pay tax on your sales with the local and state department of revenues. Also make sure that you get a business license from the city government before you operate your collision repair shop. A small fee may be asked at your local city hall.

Secure a small loan or use your credit line in opening your shop. A collision repair shop is generally a low-risk business venture money-wise. Obtain funding by speaking with a loan officer at a credit union or local bank to learn about business and commercial loans available to assist you in starting up your collision repair shop. Take note that you should submit your business plan and loan application too. Check with SBA if you’re qualified to have a guaranteed loan. If not, you must take an investment partner to take on the loan. Remember that if you hire the right people and plan your business well, you will be on your way to great profit.

Finally, set your rates. Don’t go too low and always be competitive. It’s best if you could research on the prevailing rates and set similar prices as the shops in your area.

Promote your Collision Repair Shop

Once your business is up and running, you need to promote and market it to the general public. There are many ways to do this – you can place ads through radio, print, or television; put a website together; or network with towing companies.

There are a lot of opportunities out there because according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there are over 250 million vehicles registered on the road. Because of this, accidents are not far behind. Every single day, there is a need for a collision repair shop to put these vehicles back in shape and return them on the road where they belong.

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed a bill proposed by Delegate James “Jimmy” Malone on May 20 that will curtail many issues not in the interests of collision repairers caused by a 2008 bill that changed the salvage vehicle threshold.

The Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) played a pivotal role in suggesting and producing this legislation that will take effect October 1st, 2010. The bill (HB 1199), which adds an exclusion to the threshold for “cosmetic damage” and “the cost of towing, storage or vehicle rental”, was successfully passed with majority support by stakeholders, as well as legislators in the recent legislative session.

The bill also includes an amendment to current law which [salvage] brands ALL vehicles that are total-lossed by an insurer. This protects the secondary vehicle owner from unknowingly purchasing a previously totaled vehicle, as well as removing the incentive to prematurely total-loss a vehicle because of higher salvage value. The last portion of the bill gives the insurer the reserved right to make a decision to total-loss the vehicle for economic reasons, which is in line with current policy language.

WMABA and other stakeholders will work with the Maryland MVA and State Police to define “Cosmetic” as it relates to collision repair in the coming weeks. Updates on the finality of the process will be sent as soon as they become available.

Automotive Collision Center Inc.

410-799-2000