Month: April 2019

Does my windshield need to be replaced or repaired?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Ouch! A rock just hit your windshield, leaving a chip right in front of your face. Let’s hope it doesn’t spread. You’re probably wondering, does my windshield need to be replaced or repaired? Windshield repair or replacement depends on the size, location and severity of the damage. Most windshield repair shops can repair quarter-sized rock chips and cracks up to three inches long. There can be exceptions, so don’t assume the worst just yet if your rock chip is slightly bigger.

A windshield repair involves injecting a premier resin right into the chip or crack to fill the crack, so it does not progress. This injection also makes the chip or crack less noticeable as well. Make sure your vehicle is checked out by a certified repair and/or replacement facility. We find nowadays those that are not certified, often do not have the trained eye to steer you in the right direction. For example: you’ve seen those glass repair pop ups in parking lots from time to time, right? They only do windshield repair, not replacement. They’ll likely “repair” your windshield because they do not want to lose your business by recommending what you actually need. Which is a replacement. Make sure any repair or replacement facility is certified. We recommend doing your windshield repair or replacement as soon as possible. The longer you let your windshield sit (even if you’re not actually driving the car around town), the more likely you are to need a replacement.

Windshield repairs are much less expensive than replacements. There are unfortunate circumstances where you do everything right yet still need replacement. However, your auto insurance company may pay for either entirely. Many policies cover windshield damage 100% without even meeting the deductible. Broken or damaged windshields are the most common reason for pursuing an automotive insurance claim in the U.S. Many auto claims start with a baseball hitting the windshield, or destructive hail. Just remember, the most important thing to do after your vehicle’s windshield has been struck by a rock is to take it in to your local auto glass expert. Or, give them a call and ask if you can email them photos, so you’re not out driving around and making the damage worse.

Cline Collision Center is an auto body repair facility located in Santa Rosa, CA. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give us a call at 707-591-9909 to learn more about what we have to offer you and your vehicle, today. Or, stop by for a free estimate!   

Is it better to repair or total a car?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

This question all depends on your specific situation. For this post let’s assume your vehicle is borderline total loss. We’ll run through some scenarios to help you decide, below.

1. I am upside down on my car loan

In this case it makes more sense to repair your vehicle. Nobody wants to pay for something they no longer own. The downfall here is when you try to sell the vehicle after it is paid off you will not be able to sell it with a clean title. However, you might make up for it with how great the vehicle looks after it has been transformed by a professional body shop.

2. I just spent thousands at the automotive repair shop

Since you just put a lot of money into it mechanically, depending on the wreck it may still be a mechanically sound car. If you were rear ended this car would need some mechanical help, but not nearly as severe as if the whole front was smashed in. This is one you want to keep driving to get your money’s worth since you likely won’t make up for it selling it with a salvaged title. Plus, if you were to sell this one, you might end up with a used vehicle with thousands of dollars of problems. You should keep the one you know is running well in this scenario.

3. I love my car

This is a reason you should keep your vehicle. Repairing your vehicle is cheaper than taking out a loan or paying monthly payments on a brand-new vehicle. It is often in the best interest of the insurance company to total a car, so you will need to look out for your own best interests.

4. I do not love my car

This goes back to would you rather pay to fix it, or have monthly payments for a new car? Another option is to take the buyout of your old vehicle and put it towards another used vehicle. You might be thinking, well my buyout will be minimal. Always keep your receipts from repair shops. You can give this information to the adjuster and they will take it into consideration when determining the settlement you get for your total loss. If you do purchase a used vehicle, make sure you take it in to a trusted repair shop for a pre-purchase buyers’ inspection. The last thing you want after getting in an accident is to purchase a vehicle with thousands of dollars in problems. Cline Collision Center is a 5-star auto body repair facility located in Santa Rosa, CA. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give us a call at 707-591-9909 to learn more about what we have to offer you and your vehicle, today. Or, stop by for a free estimate!