Useful Infos
Tips on Buying a Used Car
With the cost of the average new vehicle soaring above $19,000, it often makes sense to purchase a used or “pre-owned” later model vehicle. But how can you tell if that used vehicle has been in an accident or had other major repairs? Take the time to inspect the vehicle closely and beware if you find any of the following red flags!
1. Paint color differences between adjacent panels indicate repair or replacement of those panels.
2. Unevenly worn tires may indicate an out-of-alignment situation due to damage to the vehicle and/or improper repairs.
3. A variation in gap sizes between exterior body panels may be a sign of sloppy repair work.
4. Doors, hoods, and trunk lids that don’t open and close smoothly or require a lot of effort to latch could signify that they are not original to the vehicle.
5. Small hash marks on the sill areas underneath the doors are a sign that the vehicle has been clamped onto a frame straightening piece of equipment.
6. ID decals, VIN tags, and emission labels are affixed at the factory to various points on the vehicle. If these items are missing, it’s an indication that some parts have been replaced.
While many of the above warning signs are easy to spot, others can be well hidden or camouflaged. Quality Auto Body provides a very valuable service to our customers. We’ll inspect the used vehicle that you are considering for purchase and identify any prior collision repairs, frame or unibody damage, or other structural defects. There is NO FEE for this service and it is well worth the peace of mind it provides about the history of the vehicle–and whether or not this particular used vehicle would be a good choice for your family. Call to schedule an appointment today!
I just got into an accident. what’s my next step?
What to do after an accident
An automobile accident is a stressful situation. But repairing your car doesn’t have to be:
If you are uncomfortable driving the vehicle, call Quality Auto Body and Paint for 24 hour tow service.
You may simply drive in to Quality Auto Body and Paint and we will assist you in making your insurance report. We are professional insurance claims handlers. You may leave your vehicle at that time or you may schedule it in at your convenience.
If you make your own insurance report, obtain a claim number and contact Quality Auto Body And Paint. We can handle all facets of the claim from there, including setting up a vehicle rental.
Give Quality Body Shop a call at (760) 947-8777 and make an appointment to bring in your vehicle for an estimate. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your vehicle the staff at Quality Auto Body and Paint would be glad to help answer them.
Very important – remember – you need not run around for multiple estimates. California law states that you only need one estimate and Quality Auto Body and Paint will negotiate that estimate on your behalf with your insurance or fleet company to ensure a fair and proper repair to your vehicle. California law also states that you may have your vehicle repaired at any repair shop you choose. Do not feel pressured by any insurance company representative to bring your vehicle to any repair facility in which you are not comfortable. Although Quality Auto Body and Paint proudly networks with many better insurance carriers, we firmly support your right to choose your own repair facility.
Insurance claims
Insurance companies are an important part of the collision repair process. Quality Auto Body and Paint works closely with all insurance companies to make your auto body repair as seamless and worry free as possible.Quality Auto Body and Paint handles all the details of the claim process and negotiates with their appraisers to get you reimbursed for the highest quality repair possible. California drivers pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country and we feel you deserve the best possible repair for your money, not the cheapest.
When filing an insurance claim, your insurance company may suggest taking your car to another auto body shop that is on their “preferred list”. Their suggestion might even sound like you have no choice but to take it to the shop they recommend. This practice is calling “steering” by the insurer and it is against the law. Insurance companies are only allowed to recommend a shop if you ask them for a referral. You always have the right to utilize the shop of your choice, especially a shop that you used before and are happy with.
In most insurance referral programs the insurance company becomes the primary customer to the referred shop and the insurer’s best interests are considered first, not yours. Many insurance companies try to pay for the cheapest repair and require their preferred shops to make repairs using cost-cutting repair techniques, low cost parts and discounts back to the insurer. You pay full price for insurance and assume you will receive a quality repair when using it. At Quality Auto Body and Paint insure you do.
Quality Auto Body and Paint several insurance relationships with insurers that we feel pay for a fair & reasonable repair. If you are having difficulties with you current insurance company, let us know. We know firsthand which companies take care of their policy holder’s better when making a claim and will happy to offer a recommendation.Quality Auto Body and Paint earned our great reputation by always putting our customers first. YOU are our customer, not the insurance company.
A Typical Auto Body Repair Process
