1. Choice: Remember, it is your choice as a policyholder and the owner of the vehicle to choose which body shop repairs your damaged vehicle. First, do not let the insurance company tell you where you have to take the vehicle repaired. In most cases, they have contracts with the shop, which will save them money in return for sending them your vehicle. In this case, the insurance company saves money; the body shop gets the work, but has to cut corners to keep the costs down for the insurance company. After paying the insurance company all the inflated premiums and your deductible to the body shop, you stand the possibility of getting a substandard repair. If the insurance company tries to force you to go to a certain body shop, you can be sure they have an agreement called "a direct repair program"(DRP) with the body shop for discounts and control. We have DRP's with several insurance companies. The only difference is that they do not want any discounts, just a competively priced quality repair and outstanding customer service.
2. Warranty: If the insurance company tells you they will not warrant the repairs of the shop of your choice, you need to know that the insurance company does not provide the warranty. All quality body shops provide a warranty for as long as you own your car.
3. Customer Service: A good body shop will fix your car back to pre-loss condition. A great body shop will make it seem as if the accident never happened. You will not be treated like a number and they should be more interested in your needs and concerns than their own gross profit. Find a shop that makes you feel comfortable.
4. Estimate: Be aware that all estimates are not the same. Some shops have sales people write a low estimate to get you into the shop while others use qualified personnel who have been involved in the repair process who can explain the repair who complete a thorough estimate. Equally important, the highest estimate is not always the best.
5. OEM, Aftermarket, or Used Parts: OEM=original equipment manufacturer, Aftermarket=parts manufactured by other than OEM, Used=salvage parts. Make sure you understand what kind of parts are to be used in the repair. All insurance policies include the ability to use aftermarket or used parts when available. On older cars, this may be acceptable, but on a relatively new vehicle, this may not be an acceptable option. Some insurance companies offer a policy which includes only OEM parts.

1. Stop your vehicle if it safe, clear, and legal.
2. Move you vehicle out of the traveled roadway if it is safe, clear, and legal.
3. Turn off the ignitions of the cars involved.
4. Make a first aid check of all individuals involved in the accident.
5. Call the Police and, if necessary, emergency medical services.
6. Mark the scene of the accident with flares or reflective markers.
7. Gather all the names of individuals in the motor vehicles and people who witnessed the accident.
8. Make a quick diagram of where the vehicle occupants were seated and indicate the vehicles direction of travel and lane. Also note the date, time. And weather conditions.
9. Ask to see the other driver's license and write down the number.
10. Exchange insurance company information. Do not discuss "Fault" or make statements about the accident with anyone except the Police.
11. Get a copy of the police report of the accident from the local precinct.

1. If your car needs regular maintenance, get it done now…before winter is here. It is no big deal in the warmth of summer, but it could be a disaster in the cold of winter waiting for a tow truck.
2. Check tire pressure often. Under inflated tires do not wear properly, and wear out prematurely, they affect the handling of the vehicle.
3. Check your battery and your charging system. Have you battery tested to make sure it is not about to leave you stranded. If it is a little weak in the summer or fall, it will surely fail you at the least appropriate time in the dead of winter. Replace it with the best battery with the most CCA(cold cranking amps) that will fit in your car. If your do not have gauge on your dash for the charging system, then have your charging system professionally checked.
4. Check the cooling system. Have the cooling system flushed and antifreeze replaced. Use only a 50-50 mix of water to antifreeze because it is better at transferring heat away from the engine than 100% antifreeze. Check the hoses for leaks and if any hose is soft, replace it. Check the hoses for leaks and if any hose is soft, replace it.
5. Wiper blades are very important. If the wiper blades were not the best during the summer month, they will certainly be much worse trying to move the sleet, snow, and freezing during the winter. You should change you wiper blades every six months.
6. Make sure your washer reservoir is full. During normal wintery weather, you have to have a clean windshield to be able to see to drive.
7. Keep a relatively full tank of gas if you can. If you get stranded or stuck, you can use the engine for warmth.
8. Know you car. Know its driving abilities and what kind of driving it is capable if doing in the snow or ice.
9. Carry some basic supplies. Water, a blanket, old clothes, snacks if possible.
10. If you do not absolutely have to go out in the snow and ice, then don’t.

On October 9, 2010, The Body Shop Collision Center assisted in sponsorship and participated in the car show held in Concord known as the "Cruising for a Cause". The proceeds of this charity event benefited a dear friend who is suffering from MS. The weather was sunny and 80 degrees with a breeze. Punchy's Diner supplied the food and refreshments.

Entertainment was provided by the band. Who could ask for more? KMART was kind enough to let us use a portion of their parking lot where we had 67 registered vehicles and many more unregistered outside the arena. There was every kind of vehicle from a T-Bucket to an all original 1941 Cadillac Deville to a "General Lee" from the "Dukes of Hazzard". There were also motorcycles and even a 1958 homemade racing boat and trailer to match.

There were 15 trophies to be awarded and it was tough Judging. The Concord Fire Department was present to show their support and display their tool of the trade for everyone to see and learn. We were able to raise almost $1000 and as you can see by the pictures, there was a good time had by all. See you next year!