Certified Collision Center

An automobile collision has the potential to upend your life to the point that you are in considerable physical pain, cannot work and face a personal injury lawsuit.  You can do your part to facilitate as smooth of a transition as possible from the accident back to your normal life by following specific protocols.  Print the collision guide detailed below and keep a copy in your car as well as your wallet or purse for quick and easy access should you end up in an accident. 

Step 1: Stop and Remain Calm

Do not attempt to drive away from the accident site assuming you can escape potential punishment.   Even if your negligence contributed to the accident, there is still a chance you will receive a payout from your insurance provider.  Do your best to maintain a level head.  Pull over to the side of the road, turn on your emergency flashers and turn off your vehicle. 

Step 2: Be Civil When Collecting Information

Do not berate the other driver(s) for the collision.  Be kind and civil throughout the interaction.  Do not admit fault or state you are sorry.  Use your smartphone or pen and paper to write down the names, addresses, contact information, insurance information and vehicle information of those involved in the collision.

Step 3: Document the Collision

Take pictures of your vehicle with your smartphone.  Be sure to take some snapshots of the damage to other vehicles as well.  Even taking pictures of the intersection where the accident occurred has the potential to help your case.  If you have visible injuries, take pictures of them as well.  The more details of the accident that you document, the better your chances are of obtaining a large settlement or court award.

Step 4: Contact the Police and Your Insurance Provider

Now that you have documented the accident, reach out to the police.  The police will also document the accident scene and create a formal police report.  Reach out to your auto insurance provider while waiting for the police to arrive.

Step 5: Obtain Medical Attention

The injuries you suffer after your collision might not be visible or felt to their full degree until hours or even days after this unfortunate incident.  Meet with a doctor to document your specific injuries and you will have done your part to prove there is a legitimate causal relationship between the accident and your injuries, pain and suffering.  If you feel any additional pains arise after this initial appointment, schedule another appointment so your doctor can formally document those latent injuries as well.

Step 6: Entrust Only the Best to Repair Your Vehicle

You spent good money on your automobile.  There is no sense in letting anyone but the best perform the necessary repair.  Have our expert auto repair technicians repair the damage and it won’t be long until you are back on the road living life to the fullest once again.

Contact Certified Collision Center Today

Our autobody repair team is here to help after your collision.  Give us a call at (209) 836-4893 or contact us online to find out more about how our autobody repair shop can help.

Pay close attention to roads the next time you head out for work, an errand or another reason.  If you look close enough while driving at a moderate or low speed, you will likely spot a considerable amount of debris on and near driving lanes.  This debris can cause significant vehicle damage if it ends up in the path of traffic.  You have the power to avoid the majority of such debris with careful driving.  Here’s how to do it.

1. Don’t Tailgate!

Think back to the last time someone tailgated you.  You were likely stressed and worried about an accident.  You have the power to prevent causing similar stress to others by maintaining several car lengths between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.  Keep in mind, drivers ahead of you might quickly brake to avoid a wayward animal or debris in the lane ahead. 

Maintain a safe driving distance of at least three vehicles between your car and the one ahead of you and you will have done your part to prevent an accident stemming from tailgating.  If you were to tailgate the vehicle ahead of you, there is a chance you would slam into it or the debris ahead.  Leave ample space and you will have that much more time to react.

2. Avoid Making Sharp Turns

Sharp turning might seem like the best way to avoid debris yet this approach has the potential to backfire.  If you were to sharply turn your vehicle to avoid hitting debris, there is a chance you would lose control and slam into another vehicle, a tree or a light pole.  Drive cautiously, resist the temptation to turn overly sharply when confronted with debris and you just might escape vehicle damage.

3. Gently Brake

Your first thought upon seeing debris on the road ahead is likely to slam on the brakes so you can slow down and veer to the side or change lanes.  However, changing lanes to avoid road debris is a mistake that can lead to even costlier damage.  If the driver behind you does not have enough time to reach a full stop after you slam on your brakes, you will be rear-ended, possibly causing more damage and a larger car repair bill than would have occurred had you hit the debris.

4. Remain Hyper-Alert When Behind the Wheel

Driving is probably the most significant risk you take on a daily basis.  Do not get behind the wheel if you are sleep-deprived or inebriated.  If necessary, down a cup of coffee so you are alert while driving.  Heightened awareness significantly decreases the chances of a collision with on-road debris.  So don’t fall into the trap of attempting to multi-task while behind the wheel.  Though driving can be a bit boring, your entire focus should be on the road at all times.

Contact Certified Collision Center Auto Body

Our autobody repair shop is here for you after a collision with debris, vehicles, stationary objects and everything else.  Contact us at (209) 836-4893 to get an estimate for your vehicle’s repair.  You can also reach out an autobody repair shop on the web by completing our contact form.

Parking lot dings are a fact of life.  However, you have the power to minimize the number of automotive dings in these crowded spaces by being proactive.  Strategically approach parking your vehicle in parking lots and other busy areas and you just might go a decade or even longer without a single ding.  Here’s how to do it.

1. Park far Away From the Entrance

If you are like most people, you don’t get enough exercise.  Life is hectic, time is limited and exercise requires a considerable amount of energy.  You can kill two birds with one stone by parking far away from other vehicles in parking lots.  Park your vehicle in a relatively open space within the parking lot, far from vehicles and shopping carts.  This considerable distance away from the store or other venue provides an opportunity to walk to the store entrance.  Walk quickly or even jog your way to the entrance and you will get some exercise while minimizing the chances of a vehicle ding.

2. Be Careful When Pulling in and Out

Entering and exiting the parking lot has the potential to be somewhat challenging simply because there are plenty of vehicles moving in and out of these relatively cramped entranceways/exits.  Exercise caution when pulling in and out of all parking lots, reduce your speed and try to park far away from other vehicles to make exiting that much easier.

3. Provide Other Vehicles With Ample Space

Leave enough room in front of and around your vehicle for other drivers to maneuver in/out of their respective parking spaces and they won’t be nearly as likely to bump into your vehicle.  So be mindful of parking space lines.  Double-check to ensure you are within the lines and those around you will have enough room to avoid dinging your car.

4. Park Away From Shopping Cart Corrals

It is a mistake to park anywhere near shopping cart corrals.  Cart retrievers are lowly paid, overworked and might not actually care whether one or several carts ding your vehicle.  Furthermore, some shoppers refuse to put their carts all the way into the corral, meaning there is a chance a strong gust of wind will blow one or several carts toward your nearby vehicle.

5. Carefully Open Your Door

Even if you park within the designated parking spot lines, you might not have much space to open your door, especially if the vehicle adjacent to your door is a large sport utility vehicle.  Add in the fact that a strong gust of wind can cause your door to slam into the vehicle next to yours and there is even more reason to hold on tight when opening your door.  Slow down, take your time, be mindful and keep a tight grip on your door as you depart your vehicle.

Contact Certified Collision Center Autobody Repair Today

If your vehicle has damage from a parking lot accident with a wayward shopping cart or another vehicle, don’t panic.  Reach out to our autobody repair shop for collision repair.  You can contact our autobody repair specialists by dialing (209) 836-4893.  If you prefer to reach us online, we invite you to fill out our convenient online contact form.

After your car is repaired by an autobody repair shop, the shop itself typically conducts an inspection. During this inspection, a mechanic looks over your vehicle and ensures everything that was marked as damaged when the car was brought in is properly repaired. Unfortunately, though, mistakes can occur, and you may get your car back to you with a flaw or imperfection. If this occurs, you will want to bring your vehicle back for a post-repair inspection and point out your concerns. Here is more information about what a post-repair inspection is and when you should ask for one. 

What is a Post-Repair Inspection? 

A post-repair inspection is an inspection that is done after autobody work has been completed. If a consumer sees or notices signs that work was not done correctly, they can request that the auto body shop complete a post-repair inspection. The consumer will point out their concerns to the auto body shop and the auto body shop will check their work. Typically, a post-repair inspection is completed by the shop that completed the work, but, in some cases, you may need a third-party assessment. If you suspect your car was not repaired correctly and the autobody shop you used for repairs disagrees, a third-party shop can complete an inspection. 

When Should You Ask For a Post-Repair Inspection? 

If you notice that the paint on your car doesn’t match, that the paint is starting to flake, that a ding or dent is still noticeable or that your car does not drive as it should after bringing your car in for auto body repairs, you may need to have a post-repair inspection completed. It is important to note that an autobody repair shop is tasked with getting your car back to pre-accident status. They do not have to make your car brand new, only in the same condition it was prior to an accident. If you feel your car is worse now than it was prior to an accident, you may benefit from a post-repair inspection. 

Will the Insurance Company Cover a Post-Repair Inspection? 

Unfortunately, your insurance company typically will not cover a post-repair inspection. However, most reputable autobody shops will offer a free post-repair inspection if you have concerns about the work you completed. Additionally, if you bring your car to a third-party repair shop, and they find problems that the original autobody repair shop missed, your insurance company may reimburse you for the cost of the post-repair inspection. 

If you have been involved in an automobile accident or need autobody repair, Certified Collision Center is here to help you. With locations in Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Oakdale, Modesto, South Sacramento, Lodi and Galt, we are sure to have a location that is convenient for you. We also warranty all of our work, so you can rest assured that the work will be completed correctly. Contact us to schedule an appointment to obtain an estimate for auto bodywork. 

When you take your vehicle to an autobody repair shop following an accident, you expect your vehicle to be repaired and for it to be in pre-accident condition. Unfortunately, things do not always go to plan, and not every autobody repair shop is the same. If you have found that your car is not up to your expectations after an accident, you may be wondering what to do. Here is some information that should help you if your car was not properly repaired after an accident. 

Signs Your Vehicle Was Not Properly Repaired

Prior to signing for your car at an autobody shop, walk around the exterior of your car and inspect it. If you notice that the paint color does not match, if you see any dings or dents, or if something simply does not look right, bring it to the staff’s attention immediately. Once you begin driving your car, you may notice other signs that the vehicle was not fixed properly, such as your car pulling to one side instead of driving straight, hearing grinding, squealing, or squeaking noises, or seeing fluid under the car in your driveway. 

Request a Post Repair Inspection

If you suspect your vehicle was not repaired correctly, you should request a post-repair inspection. You can have this done by the autobody repair shop who completed the work or another repair shop. A repair shop will take a look at the work that was done and tell you if the work was done correctly or not, and what work still needs to be done. Most people go back to the shop that originally did the work, but then go to a third-party shop if they want a second opinion. 

When You Can Take Your Car to Another Auto Repair Shop

If the work was not correctly completed on your car, you may be wondering when and if you can take it to another autobody repair shop for further repairs. Unfortunately, there is not a straightforward answer to this. In many cases, the insurance company will require you to try to work out the issues with the original body shop. However, if problems persist, you may be able to convince the insurance company to let you go elsewhere. If you hit a standstill, you can file a complaint with the Bureau of Auto Repair who can assist you with getting the repairs you need, either from the original body shop or a completely different one. 

If your car has been damaged in an automobile accident and you are in need of autobody repair, Certified Collision Center is here to help. We guarantee all of our work and we have high ratings from our customers. You can trust us to get the job done. We have eight convenient locations throughout the central valley, including Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Oakdale, Modesto, South Sacramento, Lodi, and Galt. We also work with your insurance company to authorize the repairs and get the work done quickly. Contact us and let us get your car back to pre-accident shape. 

It is a mistake to believe everything you hear about autobody repair unless the individual doing the talking is an experienced autobody repair specialist.  Though you might have heard something interesting about autobody repair in passing or overheard someone discussing autobody repair, there is no guarantee the information is actually accurate.  Below, we provide a quick look at some of the top auto repair myths.

DIY Auto Repairs are Just as Good as Mechanic Repairs

Even if you have performed auto repairs on your own, it is a mistake to assume you can repair every car component exactly right on the first try.  The sad truth is plenty of DIY auto repairs end up taking up much more time than anticipated and also prove that much more expensive.  Do the smart thing by taking your vehicle to an autobody repair shop so it can be repaired the right way.

If a Certain Part is Failing, You Will Know

If the part is bad, it is not an indication that it will set the fault code.  There are plenty of processes in place, meaning figuring out exactly what has gone wrong might not be easy.  It might appear that one part is at fault when a different part is actually the underlying issue.

Car Warranties are Voided When Relying on an Independent Mechanic

Your car’s warranty will remain fully valid even if you bring it to an independent mechanic for work.  There are laws on the books that legally protect car owners if they have their vehicle repaired at an independent mechanic.  So don’t worry about voiding your vehicle’s warranty for simply taking it to an independent auto repair specialist.

Reading the Check Engine Light Fault Code is all That is Necessary

Do not believe people who insist reading the check engine light fault code is all that is necessary.  Reading the check engine light code is only one piece of the puzzle.  The code states where the vehicle has failed yet it does not state why the failure occurred.  Replacing the part in question is insufficient.  You still need to determine why the light came on in the first place with a professional diagnostic.  Let the experts handle your check engine light and you will ultimately save that much more money and time.

Over-the-counter Parts are Perfectly Fine

Though some car parts available over the counter are helpful during emergencies, they also have the potential to damage the vehicle.  This is precisely why it is better to perform a lasting repair rather than merely use a temporary solution.  When in doubt, lean on our experienced auto repair specialists for guidance as to whether an over-the-counter part will suffice.

Contact Certified Collision Center Auto Body Today

Reach out to us today at (209) 836-4893 to schedule an appointment with Certified Collision Center Auto Body.  Our team is here to repair your vehicle and get you back on the road.  You can also reach us online through our convenient contact form.