Dent Repair Dallas, Texas

Dent Repair Expert Shares Tips on Reducing Car Insurance Premiums

2010-01-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

Dent repair, scratch removal, auto painting and body work can involve your auto body technician and your insurance company. If you file a claim for minor collision repairs then your premiums could increase when it comes time to renew your auto insurance policy. Here are some tips from a local dent repair expert on getting a better deal on car insurance:

Get several quotes: Insurance rates vary among different agencies so it pays to shop around. Check the internet for sites with information about insurance providers, their prices and their reputation. The National Association of Insurance Carriers is a consumer guide for comparing insurance premiums and researching insurance companies.

Speed kills: Speeding and other moving violations that result in your getting a ticket will drive your rates up. The increase in premium for moving violations could be effective several years, so drive carefully!

Different rates for different vehicles: Factors used to determine insurance rates include the age, make and model of your car. New sports cars will cost more to insure than older family sedans.

Higher deductible means lower premium: If you agree to a higher deductible then you can save a bundle on your insurance premiums. Of course, this means covering more of the repair cost out of your pocket if you should file a claim.

PLPD on older cars: If your vehicle is old and has little cash value then there is no need for full coverage. All you need is liability insurance which is much cheaper than collision and comprehensive coverage.

Maintain Good Credit: Insurance carriers view people with good credit scores as being less likely to file claims; therefore, they get a better rate. Good credit implies responsibility.

Pay in full: Many insurance providers offer the option of paying premiums in 3 or 4 installments but they add a fee for this convenience. You can save money by paying the entire premium in full.

Ask about discounts: Some carriers offer discounts to drivers with low annual mileage. If your put less than 10,000 miles per year on a vehicle then you are likely to be eligible for this discount. Other discounts could include good grades in school (for teen drivers), good driving record, anti-theft devices, additional air-bags or other crash protection technology, senior citizens and more.

Compare discounts and rates: Some companies might offer great discounts, but charge a much higher premium. In this case, you could end up paying more in spite of discounts. Be sure you understand the bottom line premium you will be paying after all discounts are applied.

Keep policy active: Do not allow your insurance to lapse or you could end up paying a higher premium when you renew the policy. If you switch companies be sure the new insurance is effective when the previous insurance cancels.

Pay on time, drive carefully, shop around and research different companies to learn who has the best reputation for customer service and handling claims. Insurance companies are not all the same; one carrier can actually cost twice as much as another for a similar policy.

Jack Barker owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop. We come to you to perform minor collision repair, dent repair, scratch repair, auto paint repair, bumpers, fenders and doors. Repairs are typically done in one day or less and the cost is often less than your insurance deductible.

Jack serves homes and businesses in the North Dallas Metro area: Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties.

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Auto Mechanics: Friendly Neighborhood Mechanic versus the Dealership

2009-12-17T11:34:00.001-08:00

Auto repairs and maintenance must be performed to keep your vehicle in good condition. But it can be such a hassle, not to mention the expense. And where do take your car for the various services needed? The local mechanic seems honest and friendly; however, you understand that the dealership is likely to be more thorough. The dealership will probably be more expensive, but is that because they have better resources than the local garage?

The local garage is the smaller, independent auto repair shop; not a franchise like Midas or Jiffy Lube, that specialize in a specific area of the industry. There are often several of these repair facilities between you and your dealership, making location a factor in your decision as to who performs a specific service.

Expert Technicians – Manufacturer and ASE Certified Mechanics

Auto repair technicians at the dealership are specialists who are specifically trained to work on your make of vehicle. Their training program extends to the entire service staff, including the manager and support staff. Dealerships implement these programs to keep up with the latest in vehicle technology and repair techniques.

Experienced technicians with the specialized training are often more valuable; therefore, they are paid a higher salary. These costs must be absorbed by the customer in higher labor rates.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the auto repair technicians at the local garage are not educated. Many of the independent auto repair shops are owned by people who started out as dealership employees who continue to stay current with the latest advancements. They take classes and become both manufacturer and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified.

Professional Customer Care

Your mechanic is a lot like your family doctor. With the independent garage you are more likely to get to know your mechanic and he is likely to be familiar with your vehicle.

When you take your vehicle to the dealership you probably will not meet the mechanic and you are not likely to get the same person every time your car is serviced.

Dealership service technicians are encouraged to get consumers to spend more money by recommending maintenance procedures that you may have never heard of. Everyone knows to have the oil changed every 3,000 – 5,000 miles; however, some people never heard of fuel-injector service. This doesn’t mean they are dishonest; but many maintenance procedures are not as urgent as the technician may make them out to be.

Your friendly neighborhood mechanic will be more willing to look under the hood with you and show you something about how it all works and why a specific service is needed. This type of relationship between driver and mechanic helps consumers to be more confident in their decision as to which services to perform now and what to do later. In many cases the local mechanic can offer several options to help you save money while the dealership may be restricted to a specific set of rules that they must follow.

The decision is up to you, whether to visit the local garage or go to the dealership for different services. Some people swear by the dealership, claiming they will do a better job in all areas; therefore, reducing your chances of being stranded by a break-down. Others are happier working with the local auto repair shop that is known to the community.

Jack Barker owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to the consumer to perform minor auto collision repair, dent repair, scratch removal, bumper repair or replacement, auto painting and more. Repairs are typically completed in one day or less and the cost is often less than an insurance deductible. Collision on Wheels is a convenient and economical solution for those who need cosmetic repair work.

Jack Barker services the North Dallas Metro area: Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties. 75202, 75204, 75207, 75209, 75211, 75212, 75215, 75217, 75219, 75224, 75225, 75024, 75074, 75093, 75080, 75082, 75013, 75035, 75051, 75054, 75007, 75234, 76102, 76104, 76106, 76109, 76111, 76115, 76116, 76118, 76120, 76123, 76126, 76041, 76043, 76048

Getting the Most out of Car Insurance - Tips from a Dent Repair Expert in Dallas

2009-12-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

The law requires all drivers to maintain adequate insurance. Whether you carry full coverage or just liability coverage, the cost can vary depending on many different factors. Here are some things every driver needs to know when shopping insurance rates and coverage.

Maintain Good Credit for Reduced Premiums

Your premium rate is based on your insurance risk score which is a guide used by insurance companies based on several different factors. Your credit score is of these factors. Studies have shown that people with good credit are more responsible and less likely to file an insurance claim. Auto insurance companies offer a discount to people with good credit.

Pay in Full vs. Installment Payments

Some insurance companies offer an installment plan where you pay monthly or quarterly. In exchange for this convenience they will charge an additional fee. By paying the premium in full, you avoid this additional charge. Ask your insurance agent about fees for paying the premium in installments. You might be better off paying the entire premium up front to save money.

Different Rates for Different Models

All cars are given a rating; the higher the number, the higher your insurance premium will be. Some factors used to rate a vehicle include the cost of the car, crash test safety and likelihood of theft. A sports car or convertible will cost more to insure than a family sedan because of they way they are typically driven. Search online for the latest top 10 lists of the most expensive cars to insure or check with MSN Money’s comparison tool.

Bad Driving Habits will Cost You

Your insurance premiums can increase significantly if you are determined to be at fault in an accident or if you get many moving violations. If your rates are increased because of bad driving it usually takes 3 – 5 years for your rates to go back to normal. On the other hand, some insurance companies will reduce your rates if you have no moving violations or accidents resulting in filing a claim.

Be Careful of Who Drives your Car

Allowing others to drive your car can be risky. If a friend borrows your car and gets into an accident you will have to file a claim and pay any deductible that applies and your insurance premium will likely increase. If your friend is uninsured and causes damage that exceeds your policy limits then you could be held liable by the injured party.

Adding Teenagers to your Policy

You must notify your insurance company when your teenager has become a licensed driver. If you fail to report this and your teen is in an accident where you have to file a claim, your insurance company can charge you back premiums due from the date your teen received their license.

Your Car’s Value

Your insurance company has its own system of determining value if you total your car in an accident. They don’t use the standard Kelley Blue Book values; each company has its own list of car values or special software. There are several things you can do if you disagree with your insurance company’s opinion of value.

Insurers take into consideration mileage and condition of the vehicle before the accident when determining value. If you keep good records that show you have properly maintained your car with regular oil changes and routine mechanical check-ups, then present this evidence to your insurance company. If you have special parts or upgrades on your car be sure to show this to your agent as well.

Shop around for quotes on replacement cars of the same make and model from several dealers within a reasonable distance from your home. Insurance companies will often get quotes from out of town dealerships if it can save them money. Prices on vehicles in suburban areas may be less than those charged in the city. In many cases, insurance companies are quoted lower prices than you would be given if you walked onto the car lot yourself.

You can take the issue to court or go through a mediation or arbitration process if you are not satisfied with the insurance company’s valuation of your vehicle.

Of course, you can avoid this hassle by getting gap insurance. Gap insurance coverage pays the difference between what your policy covers and what you owe which can be thousands of dollars.

Claim for Diminished Value

If you have been in an accident and had your vehicle repaired, its value may be diminished. Some states allow you to file a claim with your insurance company for the lost value. If you were not at fault you can file a claim against the insurance company of the driver who was at fault.

Jack Barker owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop. They come to you to perform minor collision repair, dent repair, scratch repair, auto paint repair, bumpers, fenders and doors. Repairs are typically done in one day or less and the cost is often less than your insurance deductible. In the event that repairs are extensive, making it necessary to file a claim, Collision on Wheels is compatible with most insurance companies.

Jack Barker services the North Dallas Metro area: Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties. 75201, 75203, 75205, 75206, 75208, 75210, 75216, 75218, 75220, 75223, 75226, 75023, 75025, 75075, 75094, 75081, 75002, 75034, 75050, 75052, 75006, 75010, 75244, 76103, 76105, 76107, 76108, 76110, 76112, 76114, 76115, 76117, 76119, 76040, 76042, 76044

Dent Repair, Scratch Removal: Dallas, Fort Worth Expert Provides Auto Body Maintenance Tips

2009-11-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

Dent repair, scratch removal and auto paint repair prolongs the quality of your car’s finish, preventing rust and corrosion. If your vehicle is well maintained, mechanically, but is covered with dents, scratches and paint damage, then it will be harder to sell or trade-in for a good price. How many times have you seen a for sale sign on a car that read, “Looks bad; runs good?” Here are some auto body maintenance tips that will keep your car looking as good as it runs.

Wash your car Monthly

Dirt, road salt, bird droppings and bugs leave permanent stains on your vehicle and cause corrosion. Washing your car at least once a month helps to prevent rust and corrosion. When dirt is allowed to build up on your car, it traps and hold moisture which is damaging to your paint surface.

A good pressure washing will remove dirt from areas that are difficult to reach. Pay special attention to the windshield to remove debris caught under the wiper blades that can scratch the glass when operating. Pressure wash the under-body to remove dirt and mud that builds up, causing corrosion.

Wax your car Quarterly

Waxing your car regularly maintains a shiny look and helps to shield the paint from the hot sun and harsh environment. A good quality car wax will protect the car for three to four months. Don’t be fooled by products that claim to last longer; a car should be waxed 3 to 4 times a year to protect and maintain the quality of the paint.

Extra Protection

If you live in an area where the climate is very humid or where salt is used on the roads in the wintertime, undercoating and rust-proofing helps prevent rust and corrosion. In addition to maintaining the paint, undercoating also helps protect areas like the brake system and steering parts. Excessive rust can cause deterioration of brake parts causing brake lines to burst. Undercoating and rust-proofing prolongs the life of your vehicle.

Dent Repair and Scratch Removal

Dents, scratches and stone chips should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent rust and corrosion caused by exposed, bare metal. You can order touch-up paint from the dealership to fill in small scratches and stone chips.

Some abrasions will require sanding and polishing. Being careful to avoid damage to the clear coat, gently sand the marks with wet sandpaper until they are gone. Use a fine-abrasive, polishing compound to restore the shine then buff the area with car wax.

Professional Auto-Paint Restoration

Though you may not be completely satisfied with the results you get when you do it yourself, know that you are preventing further damages to your auto paint surface. Eventually, you will want to consider leaving your vehicle at the auto body repair shop for professional auto painting and restoration…or will you?

Dent Repair, Scratch Removal and Auto Painting is Easier Today

Imagine the convenience of having the body shop come to you and fix your car right in your driveway or in the parking lot of your work place? Good news! This type of service does exist. New trends in the auto body repair industry include a mobile auto body shop that comes to you and completes minor auto collision and paint repair in one day or less.

Jack Barker owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to your vehicle to perform cosmetic auto body repairs, dent repair, scratch removal and paint repair. Jack Barker services the North Dallas Metro area: Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties.

75202, 75204, 75207, 75209, 75211, 75212, 75215, 75217, 75219, 75224, 75225, 75024, 75074, 75093, 75080, 75082, 75013, 75035, 75051, 75054, 75007, 75234, 76102, 76104, 76106, 76109, 76111, 76115, 76116, 76118, 76120, 76123, 76126, 76041, 76043, 76048

Dent Repair Expert in Dallas comments on Cash for Clunkers and the Used Car Market

2009-11-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), also known as Cash for Clunkers, was a $1 Billion government program designed to replace older cars with newer vehicles that are more fuel efficient. The program offered a cash incentive to buyers who trade in their less fuel-efficient vehicle for a more fuel efficient vehicle.

Eligibility requirements for trade-in vehicles included:

• Cars and light trucks – 1984 model year or newer
• Vehicle must be drivable and get 18 mpg or less
• Vehicle must be insured and plated for the entire year before trade-in

Eligibility requirements for work trucks differ slightly. All trade-in vehicles were required to be scrapped and never driven again. One of the goals of the program was to remove 250,000 gas hogs from U.S. roads.

Cash Incentive

People bring their vehicle, title, registration and proof of insurance to the dealership where they are trading in their car for a more fuel efficient model. The amount of the incentive depends on the improved efficiency of the new vehicle.

For passenger cars, the rebate was $3,500 if the new vehicle gets at least 4 mpg higher than the trade-in. If the new vehicle gets at least 10 mpg more than the trade-in then the rebate was $4,500.

For light trucks, new vehicles with at least 2 mpg more get $3,500; those with at least 4 mpg more get $4,500.

A lot of people made out pretty good with this program; they got rid of their old vehicle and are now driving a more fuel-efficient car. There is also good news for those who didn’t qualify for the program.

The Resale Value of Used Cars

Now that the Cash for Clunkers program has come to a close, and a lot of used cars were removed from the market, the resale value of used cars will increase slightly.

If you are putting your used car up for sale then you will be competing with everyone else who also wants to sell their car. People who contact you will often have a list of others they are looking at before making a decision to buy one. For this reason, you want to be sure yours stands out from the rest.

No matter how well you have kept up with oil changes and other recommended maintenance, your car could be starting to show wear in fading, chipping paint, dents, scratches and abrasions. The cost of repair was once expensive and inconvenient because you had to leave your vehicle at the body shop for days. For this reason, you would advertise your car as “looks bad, runs great.” This is not a great way to make your use car stand out.

New Trends make Dent Repair, Scratch Removal and Auto Painting Easier

Dent repair, scratch removal and auto painting are now more affordable; a mobile auto body shop comes to you and completes the repairs in one day or less. While you go about your work at the office or take care of business at home, the technician comes fully equipped to restore your auto body to like-new condition within hours. Mobile auto body shops are professionals; the results of their work are as high-quality as you would expect from an auto body shop; however, the cost is significantly less.

This is a good time to consider sprucing up your used car and marketing it for sale. The supply of used cars is down; therefore, the resale value is up. Dent and scratch repair and auto painting are affordable and convenient for improving the resale value of your car.

Jack Barker, owner and operator of Collision on Wheels, We Come to You, Mobile auto body repair shop. Jack specializes in dent and scratch repair, auto painting, bumpers, fenders and doors. Jack Barker serves consumers and business owners in the North Dallas Metro area, Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrolton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Garland and neighboring cities and communities in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties.

75201, 75203, 75205, 75206, 75208, 75210, 75216, 75218, 75220, 75223, 75226, 75023, 75025, 75075, 75094, 75081, 75002, 75034, 75050, 75052, 75006, 75010, 75244, 76103, 76105, 76107, 76108, 76110, 76112, 76114, 76115, 76117, 76119, 76040, 76042, 76044