Sometimes a collision with another car, deer, or a light pole could really ruin your day. With your busy life, some things can slip under the radar. Here are a few things that are forgotten about:

1. A small dent or light scratch can be fixed fairly quickly with the help of YouTube. A deep scratch, chip or large dent could create issues. A deep scratch could expand as other pieces of the clearcoat break off, leading to a larger, more expensive repair. Chips are the same way. A large dent, especially in a key area, like a door, could break welds that would harm the integrity of the door and put you and your passengers in danger in an accident. These are the most important to have a qualified auto body collision repair shop look at.

2. Avoid working on key components of your vehicle unless you are qualified. Suspension, cooling system, brakes, and door/window damage (to name a few) could have serious safety consequences if not repaired properly.

3. Don’t do a digital estimate with your insurance agent. This could leave out key repairs not visible and will delay the repair of your vehicle as additional work takes longer to approve over the initial estimate.

4. Don’t take cash from someone in a collision. Auto body repairs are expensive, and they likely will not pay close to the actual amount of the damage, leaving you on the hook for the remainder.

5. Don’t take your car to the first auto body collision repair shop you see. Ask friends for referrals and do research online to find shops with good reviews. A poor-quality shop could leave you with mismatched colors, cheap parts, or paint that fades or chips easily in the future.

These tips are not an all-inclusive list, but are meant to provide some easy pitfalls to avoid when looking at Auto Body Collision Repair.

When you’re in need of Auto Body Collision Repair, several factors are important in choosing the right auto body shop. Many times, insurance providers will suggest shops they know are cheaper or will use cheap parts and paint to repair your car. It’s important to be informed and educated about how to find an auto body shop to repair your vehicle using high quality parts, and to ensure the proper care is taken in fixing your vehicle. Things to look for in a repair shop:

1. Testimonials from past clients. Do you know any friends who have used the same auto body shops for years? They likely found one that delivers exceptional quality and can do the same for you.

2. Free loaners. Shops with free loaners can provide you with a cost-effective way to get around while your vehicle is being repaired.

3. Quality paint. Ask your body shop if they spray a good quality paint like Sikkens for your vehicle.

4. Professionalism. When you walk into the shop are the employees polite, uniforms clean, pleasant to speak with? This indicates the shop cares about its presentation and indicates a dedication to quality.

Picking the right Auto Body Collision Repair is important to reduce the stress of the experience and to ensure the highest quality repair for your vehicle. It’s not an easy situation as your vehicle is likely needing repairs, but ensuring the best quality is very important so your vehicle lasts well into the future.  

You hit a deer, someone backed into you in the Costco parking lot, or a slight fender bender outside of Target has set your day off on the wrong foot. At Bob’s Auto Body Collision Specialists in Boscobel, WI we are here to help. Follow the below steps to get your ride back on the road:

1. Call 911 if you or anyone else is or could be injured.

2. If another party is involved, gather their personal contact information, and their insurance information. Often, a quick photo of their insurance card will get you all the information you need!

3. Contact your insurance agent and let them know you need to file a claim. This is an important first step because it starts the claim process right away, preventing any delays further down the line in getting your vehicle repaired.

4. If another party is involved, give their information and their insurance information to your insurance agent.

5. Bring your vehicle (and any parts) to your preferred Auto Body Collision Repair shop and get an estimate. A good repair shop can then send the estimate directly to your insurance agent with the existing claim number and will fight for the best parts for your vehicle.

6. Once insurance approves the claim, the Auto Body Collision Repair shop will order parts and schedule the repair. Many shops will offer free loaner vehicles, so be sure to ask about this when you schedule the repair.

7. The Auto Body Collision Repair shop will keep you in the loop as they work on the vehicle and communicate any delays in parts from the vehicle manufacturer.

8. Once the vehicle is complete, bring your deductible, loaner car, and check from your insurance agent to pick up your vehicle!

Depending on the insurance, parts suppliers, and the Auto Body Collision Repair shop, this process can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to complete. Most jobs when done the proper way, and with no parts delays, can be completed in 2-3 weeks. Regardless, getting your car repaired after a collision is a stressful experience, and knowing how to navigate the process can make it faster and less stressful.

Some of the best maintenance tips for a car’s exterior are also the ones that are most likely forgotten about in our busy lives. This article will help with some of the best ways to protect your vehicle’s exterior and keep it looking great even as the mileage accumulates.

1. Regular Washes: It is important to wash the vehicle weekly. Washes remove dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the paint of the vehicle that could damage it. The best washes are by hand, as touch-free washes don’t work as well for physically removing the contaminants, but soft-touch washes cause paint swirls as time goes by. In areas with snow and salt on the road, it is very important to make sure the wash covers the underbody of the vehicle entirely. This removes the salt that can cause rust on the underbody, a very expensive repair.

2. Waxing and Polishing: Applying wax to the exterior of the vehicle after a thorough wash is a great way to ensure the paint stays protected. Waxes should ideally be done every 6 months, in the spring and the fall if you live in an area that experiences snow in the winter. Make sure the car is thoroughly washed and free of dirt and dust before applying the wax.

3. Fix Scratches and Chips: Scratches and chips can damage the clear coat applied to the paint. Damage to this coat can allow contaminates to infiltrate past the clear coat and cause damage to the paint and the surrounding area. Fixing these promptly and professionally can prevent damage and preserve the integrity of the car’s paint.

4. Always Use Proper Chemicals: Make sure the cleaning chemicals are approved for use on the vehicle, and if you don’t have a proper way to dispose of them, please ensure the chemicals you purchase are biodegradable.

5. Clean the Glass: This is often overlooked. Cleaning the inside of the windshield, windows, and rear window or tailgate glass removes dust and streaks. This allows for clearer glass that is easier to see through in the sun or extreme weather, protecting you, your passengers, and your ride by giving you better visibility when it matters most.

These tips will help keep your car looking sharp for years to come, and keep it protected and safe from the environment.

Getting your car repaired after a collision is important and often time sensitive. However, it’s important to get your car ready for both an estimate and the repair. Some insurance companies write their own estimates, and others rely on your chosen Auto Body Collision Specialist to write an estimate. Regardless, it’s so important to make sure your car is ready for an estimate and repair.

1. Remove personal items from the car as you may need them while the car is under repair. These could be garage door openers, pens, handy wipes, or any work related items.

2. Bring any large parts from the collision (the bumper, a mirror, door handle, etc). This will help either the insurance company or your Auto Body Collision Specialist to put together the best repair estimate for you to maximize quality and minimize cost.

3. Call your insurance agent before you go to get an estimate. This is especially important if you are going to go through insurance, as having a claim number ready when you go to get an estimate will speed up the process.

4. Call your preferred Auto Body Collision Specialist to ensure a free loaner car is available for you to use so you can avoid any inconveniences and go on with your busy life.

These tips can help make the process as quick and as painless as possible to ensure that you get back on the road soon. Avoiding any forgotten items can also make sure you don’t have to go back to the Auto Body Collision Repair shop until your car is ready for pick up!

Getting in an accident, hitting a deer, or any number of things could call for a conversation with your insurance agent about car repairs. Giving your insurance agent an overview of the damage and starting the claim filing process right away will speed up your repairs. It’s important to remember that your agent will need certain details when you call for the first time, so make sure you have a general description of the damage and tell them you would like to initiate a claim to get the damage repaired. The following are some tips on dealing with the insurance company to get your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible:

1. It is important to make sure that you do not send photos or a digital estimate to your insurance agent. This could complicate the repair process. Instead, tell them you will take it to your trusted Auto Body Collision Repair shop who will provide photos and an estimate of the repair needs. This is important because it will help ensure that your car gets repaired properly, and timely. Sometimes, an accident or deer collision can leave damage beneath the exterior body panels of the car. Photos and digital estimates may not capture this fully, leading to the insurance company approving the claim for far less than is needed to properly repair the vehicle. This will slow down repairs, because when you take it into your trusted Auto Body Collision Repair shop, they will need to wait for the insurance company to revise their claim information and reapprove it (much harder to do than just starting with the accurate damage claim) before they can fix your vehicle. This could lead to 1-2 weeks of additional wait time for you.

2. You don’t have to let the insurance company total your car and send it to salvage. For some cars, they hold a special place in our hearts. Maybe they were a gift, a fun sports car, or a vehicle you bought new and took meticulous care of. Sometimes, these older vehicles may not be worth much to an insurance company in terms of dollars, but they hold sentimental value or are so well cared for its impossible to replace. From here, negotiating with the insurance company on the value of the vehicle can allow you to buy it back and fix with some of the money that they send you when they total the car. This can be a great way to hold onto meaningful vehicles. A trusted auto body collision repair shop can then repair your vehicle, even if it’s just making it drivable again.

3. Once you have initiated an insurance claim, brought your car to a trusted Auto Body Collision Repair shop for an estimate, and dropped it off for work, you can relax. A great Auto Body Collision Repair shop will take great care of your car and call you when its repaired. When your car is finished, bring your insurance check and your deductible to the auto body collision repair shop. They will collect your deductible and the check from insurance and hand over the keys to your ride, all repaired!

These tips will hopefully help guide you through the collision repair process. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to your trusted Auto Body Collision Specialist for more information.

This time of year, between the snow, cold weather, deer, and holiday travel, it’s the perfect time to ensure your vehicle is prepared. Each season here in Wisconsin brings different challenges, but November through March arguably brings the most! That’s what makes this time of year the perfect time to check out your ride and ensure it’s ready to go. Here are some of the most important things to remember:

1. Oil Change: If your oil is more than 12 months or 6,000 miles old, now may be a great time to treat your car to an oil change. Fresh oil will help ensure your engine components, and some suspension components, are well lubricated with no contaminants. *Please see your specific vehicle’s oil change schedule for the exact recommended oil change interval for your car.* This can be done by yourself or by a trusted auto repair shop. If you do this yourself, ensure you have the:

o   Proper weight oil,

o   Filter (this should come with a rubber seal as well),

o    Wrench/socket for your specific oil filter/oil plug,

o   Ramps or a properly maintained and safe jack,

o   Blocks for behind your wheels, or a jack stand if using a jack.

2. Wiper Blades: With snow coming this winter, ensure you have new wiper blades to keep your windshield clear. RainX makes a great wiper for a reasonable price.

3. Tires: It is important to have the right tire depth (4/32” or more). A rotation every 10,000 miles, or every year, is important as well to prevent the tires from wearing unevenly. Michelin makes a great all-weather tire for the Midwest weather.

4. Brakes: Brakes should be inspected by a certified professional yearly to ensure that they are in good shape and can protect you as the roads get slippery.

5. Headlights and Body Repairs: Loose body pieces (fenders, under guards, etc.) can be caught and ripped off by snow, ice, or severe weather. Additionally, damaged body pieces can suffer further damage, and your car can suffer internal damage if not properly repaired before snow and ice fall on the vehicle. Cold and severe weather can turn a minor body repair into a much more expensive and time-consuming repair. Get your car checked by an Auto Body Collision Repair Specialist if you have any existing damage.

Proper care for your vehicle can ensure a smoother, and more stress-free winter season. Drive carefully in severe weather but do it in confidence with the completed checklist above.

*This list is not exhaustive. Get a professional opinion on your personal vehicle.

Maintenance is a key part of vehicle ownership. It often includes surprise repairs and large bills. However, with the right preventative measures, you can minimize the chances of a large, unexpected repair and keep your car in great condition for many years to come.

1. Car washes: Routine car washes, especially in the winter, will help remove dirt, salt, and other things from your car’s paint job ensuring it stays looking new.

2. Oil changes: Oil changes at the proper interval (in your vehicle owner’s manual) combined with the proper type of oil can increase the life of your vehicle’s mechanical parts and keep it running smoothly.

3. Wiper Blades: Replacing wiper blades when they no longer work can increase visibility and reduce your chances of an accident. RainX makes a great wiper at a great price, and will make for a good replacement wiper.

4. Tires: Making sure your tires are rotated every 10,000 miles and have at least 4/32” of tread left will ensure you have the traction you need in rain, snow, or ordinary braking. Michelin makes a fantastic all-weather tire for here in Wisconsin.

5. Coolant: Coolant flushes according to your vehicle’s proper interval (in your Owner’s manual) are important to ensuring your motor stays cool and parts remain intact.

6. Brakes: Having your brakes checked yearly by a qualified mechanic will ensure you can safely stop when needed, and that your calipers don’t get damaged.

This is not an exhaustive list, and your vehicle’s owner manual will have a detailed list on what your vehicles maintenance needs are. However following these maintenance tips can ensure your car stays on the road with minimal large repairs.

Technology such as paint matching cameras, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) have changed the way we repair body damage to vehicles.

Paint matching cameras have mostly replaced paint decks from paint manufacturers. These cameras take several images of the paint to determine the best way to mix it for a perfect match in collision repair. This often starts with prepping the site. It’s important to find a section of the car that doesn’t have damage, clean and sand it, then use the camera in a well-lit area. The camera takes several images of the paint, and then provides the computer with a mix that will replicate the paint perfectly. This is extremely valuable with older vehicles that may have faded paint, or with newer vehicles for the perfect match.

AI in auto collision repair assists estimators with their writing process. The systems typically use a tablet’s camera to look over the vehicle’s damage. Combine those hundreds of images with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the system generates an estimate on the damages. This process takes just a few minutes, and saves service writers lots of time in estimations, allowing for more people to get estimates done in a day. Then, the service writer can apply their knowledge to add some of the final touches to the estimate. This is an important part of the process as the camera doesn’t always catch everything or see how deep the damage goes. It does allow for a baseline estimate and frees up the service writer’s time to look at the specific details of a specific job for a quicker and more exact estimate.

PDR technology helps significantly with small door dings and hail damage. PDR tools will “pop” out the panels using specially designed pads and suction systems. These systems will pull the panel out to where it needs to be and in the case of hail or small dings, it’ll look new without needing to paint the panels. This speeds up hail repair and is a great advancement in the industry.

These technologies and others like them will continue to revolutionize the industry. Ensuring your ride is repaired by an Auto Body Collision Specialist with these tools can go a long way towards the proper repair of your vehicle.

When your car is in a collision, or just needs some repairs to keep it looking new, an Auto Body Collision Repair Specialist can get you back on the road. While the thought of getting your ride back to new is exciting, thinking of the logistics of the repair is very important.

One of the benefits of a great auto body shop is they will typically offer free loaner vehicles while your car is under repair. If you don’t have rental coverage on your policy, a free loaner offers transportation while your car is in the shop so that you never lose mobility. This can keep you mobile without a huge cost as rental vehicles can often cost $50 or more per day. Additionally, the inconvenience of getting to and from the rental car agency can be a challenge. Having a free loaner available at your auto body collision repair center can provide a hassle-free experience and remove the stress of finding a ride.

Check with your preferred Auto Body Collision Repair Specialist to see if they offer free loaners and make you next auto body repair as stress-free as possible.