Collision Repairs for Other Vehicles

The minimum legal requirement for auto insurance is liability coverage, which will pay for the cost of repairs to other vehicles minus your deductible in a collision you caused. If your vehicle was damaged, but the other driver was found at fault for the accident, then their insurance policy will cover your repair costs. However, if you only have liability coverage, and the accident was your fault, you’re on the hook for your entire repair bill. Liability coverage also pays for medical expenses for other drivers if anyone was injured outside your vehicle during an accident for which you were at fault. 

Collision Repair for Your Vehicle 

To ensure that your vehicle repairs are covered regardless of who is at fault in a collision, you should carry collision coverage. Not only will this cover repairs for your vehicle if you get in an accident with another vehicle, but it will also cover expenses if you hit an object like a tree, wall, or guardrail. 

Non-Collision Damage 

Auto body repair may be necessary when there is no collision at all in cases of hail damage, fallen objects, vandalism, or animal strikes. In these situations, you’ll need comprehensive coverage to ensure that your insurance provider pays for the cost of repairs. 

What Insurance Won’t Cover 

Even if you have full coverage with your auto insurance policy, there may be some circumstances in which your insurer may refuse to pay for vehicle repairs. For example, if you are using your vehicle for commercial purposes without upgrading from a personal insurance policy (such as driving for Lyft or Uber), your insurer will not cover the cost of an accident. Insurance companies may also refuse coverage if you were driving recklessly or committing a crime at the time of the accident, have deliberately damaged your vehicle, or have custom parts/upgrades to your vehicle that increase overall repair costs. 

At National Auto Collision Centers, we try to make the process of collision repair as simple and stress-free as possible. We have three convenient auto repair shops in Tucson staffed by ASE and I-Car Platinum certified technicians, and we know the process of working with insurance companies and helping you navigate your coverage. Contact us to schedule your collision repair services. 

The post Choosing the Right Insurance Coverage: What Vehicle Damages Does Insurance Cover? appeared first on National Auto Collision Centers.

Before Filing a Claim

Before filing a claim, you should call 911 to report the accident, even if there were no injuries. In some states, police won’t respond to an accident without injuries, but calling 911 will create an official record of the date, time, location, and circumstances of the accident. Next, take photos and video of the scene and the vehicles involved. Exchange insurance and contact information with everyone involved. If there are witnesses on the scene, get their contact information as well. Take photos of nearby security cameras and traffic cameras to document their presence. 

Collecting Necessary Documentation

You’ll need documentation to file an auto insurance claim. Ask your insurance company for a checklist of the supporting documentation they will need. You can also ask your claims adjuster about any deadlines you need to be aware of. 

Taking Legal Action or Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If you were injured in a collision and another party was at fault, you may have a case for a personal injury lawsuit. Check the statute of limitations in your state for filing a personal injury lawsuit. It could be anywhere from 1-10 years. Make an appointment with a reputable personal injury attorney in your area.

Finding an Auto Body Repair Shop

If your car needs minor or major collision repairs in Tucson, AZ, contact us at National Auto Collision. We can tow your car to one of our convenient locations and give you an estimate for auto body repairs. We’ll even arrange for a rental car or loaner car to use until your auto repairs are complete. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us today or contact us online.

The post How Long After a Car Accident Can You File an Insurance Claim? appeared first on National Auto Collision Centers.

Repair scratches quickly

One of the most important things you can do to protect your vehicle’s beautiful paint job is to make sure you are repairing even the most minor of scratches. One tiny scratch left untreated will deteriorate your car’s protective layer, risking additional chipping and eventually rust, costing you more money in extensive repairs down the road. The sooner you attend to minor scratches, the longer you can preserve your paint job.

Wash often

Dirt on your car may seem harmless, but that dirt could be causing miniature scratches or could contain chemicals that can slowly eat at the paint on your car. Regularly washing your car is one of the best ways you can prevent damage and maintain your paint job. 

Apply sealants

There are different types of sealants, but they serve one important purpose – to bond with and protect your vehicle’s paint from excessive heat and other environmental elements. Make sure you are applying sealant before you wax, or the sealant cannot bond with the paint.

Wax on, wax off

Wax also protects your car’s paint and will give your vehicle that dazzling shine, but it does not last as long as sealant and will need to be reapplied periodically, depending on the type of wax you use. Alternatively, you may find utilizing a detailing service works better for your lifestyle as they typically will wash, seal, wax, and polish your vehicle while you relax.

If you have had a minor accident, National Auto Collision Center in Tucson, AZ, is here to help. For more information on our repair services or to request an estimate, call our E. Broadway Blvd. location at (520) 760-5536 or send us a message here.

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Uneven Bends

Looking at your vehicle, you will notice the frame of the car has some curves and bends. This is normal if they are the same on both sides of the car. If you notice there are bends on one side but not the other, this is an indicator of damage to the frame, which may require repair.

Extremely Altered Alignment

Many alignment issues are barely noticeable, but in other cases, you may notice the wheels on the vehicle just don’t look right at all. This is a strong sign that there is damage to the frame of the vehicle and will not be fixed with a simple alignment.

Misaligned Suspension Components

Peek inside the wheel well. If you see components, such as shocks, that look out of place or that don’t match the axle on the other side of the vehicle, this could mean there is frame damage that is affecting the suspension system. 

Door Problems

Doors should be able to be easily and quietly opened and closed. A grinding or clicking sound when the door is moving or having to put effort into opening or closing the door means there is damage to the frame and the pieces are not fitting together properly anymore. 

Uneven Tire Wear

Regular wear and tear is normal for tires; they do not last forever. However, you should be paying attention to where the wear is on the tires. If the treads are all worn differently on the tires, chances are there is damage to the frame or suspension components.

Car Frame Damage Repair Services

Contact National Auto Collision Center in Tucson, AZ, for more information on our repair services or to request an estimate. Call our Broadway Blvd location at (520) 760-5536 or send us a message here.

The post Do You Know the Signs of Car Frame Damage? appeared first on National Auto Collision Centers.

Rust

When the exterior of your car gets dented, the paint becomes cracked, creating tiny gaps for moisture to enter. When water reaches the unshielded metal, it can oxidize the material and lead to rust. Not only will this damage be unsightly, it can also compromise the structural integrity of your car’s body. Get these dents checked out at National Auto Collision Centers right away to avoid dealing with rust later on. 

Paint Damage

In addition to creasing your car’s body, dents can also damage the paint job. The longer you leave the paint exposed, the more likely it is that weather and time will make the problem worse. Paint damage can be challenging to fix for amateurs, especially if they cannot match the color, leaving you with an unappealing flaw on your vehicle. 

Reduced Safety

The body of your car is designed to absorb the brunt of any impacts, protecting you and your passengers from injury. No matter how small a dent is, it can still reduce your car’s ability to keep you safe if you get into an accident or a collison. This goes double for dents that look unassuming on the outside but are actually covering up internal damage. Have one of our expert auto technicians take a look to ensure that your car remains as safe as possible. 

Contact National Auto Collision Center

National Auto Collision Center in Tucson, AZ, can quickly and effectively repair dents both large and small. For more information on our repair services or to request an estimate, call our Grant Rd. location at (520) 623-4959 or send us a message here.

The post How Small Car Dents Can Turn Into Big Auto Body Issues appeared first on National Auto Collision Centers.

Never Cut Off or Tailgate 18-Wheelers

If you need to get in front of a truck, make sure you have more space than you would give yourself when you’re merging in front of another car. The weight of 18-wheelers means it takes them much longer to slow down, so cutting them off could easily cause them to crash into you. Tailgating a truck is equally dangerous. There is an enormous blind spot for 18-wheeler drivers behind their vehicles, so if you’re close to the truck, they won’t know you are there. Also, debris can fall off the truck or get kicked up by the tires, which could damage your vehicle. 

Pass 18-Wheelers Quickly

Trucks also have large blind spots on either side of their vehicles, so riding next to them can be dangerous. If you need to pass a truck, do so as quickly as you can. Never ride side-by-side with a truck, which leaves you in the blind spot zone. If you can’t get past the truck quickly, slow down so you’re not riding parallel to each other. 

Be Aware of Drifting

It is common for the cargo area of an 18-wheeler to drift, especially if it isn’t carrying a full load and conditions are windy. The drift can carry the back of the truck into the neighboring lane, and the driver will have little ability to control it. Give trucks plenty of room to allow for inevitable drifting, and increase the space you give them in windy weather. 

It is not uncommon to see major body damage after an accident with an 18-wheeler, but National Auto Collision Centers can have your car looking like new again. When you need auto accident repairs in Tucson, no matter the size of the job, call our body shop on Broadway by dialing (520) 760-5536.

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Leave Lots of Space

Large trucks need ample room to turn, change lanes, and park. Be sure to provide them with enough breathing room to make these maneuvers without threatening your vehicle. Big rigs also have significant blind spots on both sides, so don’t make a habit of cruising alongside trucks on the highway. Remember the adage: “If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you”. 

Never Pass on the Right

Passing on the right is never a good idea, but it can be a disaster if you’re passing a big rig. Always wait until you have an opening on the left to pass a commercial truck. 

No Sudden Braking 

If you find yourself in front of a truck, be extra cautious about hazards in front of you, such as other vehicles or objects on the road. If you suddenly slam on your brakes, a big rig would likely not be able to stop in time and avoid hitting your vehicle. Trucks are big and heavy, so they need much more time (and thus, more room) to slow down and come to a full stop. 

After a major accident, your priority should be your personal recovery. Leave your vehicle repairs to National Auto Collision Centers, where our team of auto body specialists will restore it to pre-accident condition. We even have loaner vehicles available if your insurance won’t cover a rental, so you can keep getting where you need to go. Call our shop on Broadway Boulevard at (520) 760-5536 to schedule a repair estimate.

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Potential distractions in the car are everywhere, and there are different ways that these distractions can take your attention away from where it should be.

Manual Distractions

Manual distractions are those that take your hands away from the wheel of the vehicle. That may mean reaching over to adjust the radio, eating, taking a drink, or applying makeup. When your hands are off the wheel, you may have a harder time controlling your vehicle, and you may be more likely to sustain a collision if a sudden hazard appears on the road.

Visual Distractions

A visual distraction is something that takes your eyes off the road. This type of distracted driving is particularly dangerous, because you may cover a long stretch of road while looking away for just a few seconds. Cell phones are a common source of visual distractions, but your eyes might also wander to other passengers in the vehicle (especially if you’re driving with kids), nearby scenery, and maps or GPS systems.

Cognitive Distractions

Distracted driving involving cognitive distractions can be trickier to spot. Sometimes, you may have your hands on the wheel and eyes forward, but your mind has wandered into a daydream. This is likely to occur if you’re fatigued or stressed. Conversations on your cell phone or with other passengers can also take your train of thought away from what’s happening on the road.

Distracted driving can affect drivers of all ages, and it often ends with collisions on the road. If you’ve recently been in a car accident, don’t wait to call National Auto Collision Centers at our Grand Road location. Dial (520) 623-4959.

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Having a maintenance plan will minimize repairs. 

Staying on top of routine maintenance is a must if you want to keep your fleet’s vehicles in excellent condition. When you make sure that your vehicles’ maintenance needs—including tire rotation, fluid checks, and brake and suspension checks—are being met on a consistent basis, then you’re helping to ensure that your fleet stays safe. 

Having a maintenance plan will minimize downtime. 

When you have a fleet, you want all your vehicles to be operating at full capacity all the time. When you need to have vehicles repaired, it means that you’ll need to replace them or experience a delay in your schedule. When you have a maintenance plan in place ahead of time, you will be able to minimize the amount of time that your vehicles will be out of commission. 

Having a maintenance plan will help to increase safety. 

Safety should be a top concern for anybody who manages a fleet of vehicles. One of the key factors in reducing accidents and breakdowns is taking the time to make sure that all your vehicles are in good shape. If you can identify and resolve potential issues early, then they are less likely to put your drivers at risk. 

At National Auto Collision Centers, we are committed to providing the best possible repair services to all of our customers. Our shop is an I-CAR Gold Class facility, so our technicians have the certifications necessary to give you the high-quality repairs you deserve. We are a locally owned and operated body shop, and we have three Tucson locations for your convenience. If you have any questions, then you can always get in touch with us at (520) 623-4959.

The post Why Your Fleet Should Have a Detailed Maintenance Plan appeared first on National Auto Collision Centers.

Remember to avoid distractions. 

Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents today. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, but anything that takes your attention away from driving can put you at risk of an accident. Even glancing away from the road to change the radio station or pick up something that has fallen on the seat can be a dangerous distraction. 

Use a travel app for road trips. 

If you are planning a road trip over the holiday season, it’s a good idea to plot out your route using a travel app such as Google Maps. That way, you won’t have to worry about whether you’re following the fastest route to your destination. A good app can also identify congested areas or unsafe driving conditions and help you avoid them. 

Take your car in for service. 

If it’s been a while since your last service appointment, then you should have your vehicle checked out by a professional at the start of the holiday season. There are numerous small tasks, from rotating your tires to changing your oil, that will help to ensure that your vehicle is running at its best. In general, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle serviced every six to 12 months. If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident in the Tucson area, then it’s time to bring it to National Auto Collision Centers. We offer a lifetime nationwide warranty on all repairs, and we also offer free 24-hour towing services for your convenience. No matter how bad the damage may appear, our friendly staff is here to assist you. If you’d like to learn more about our auto services, then call us today at (520) 623-4959.

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