Month: July 2020

The New Ford F-150 Dazzles with its Aluminum Body and Advanced Technology

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Carmakers are beginning to note the advantages of aluminum over conventional steel, such as decreased weight and environmental impact, as well as increased rust resistance and durability during crashes. At Cline Collision Center, we have the technology, tools, and training to repair aluminum bodies.

This includes the Ford F-150, which just revealed the dazzling array of features available on its next-gen 2021 model.

Technology

Do you need access to the latest technology while driving a half-ton of payload down the road? The new F-150 will come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, it will be capable of receiving over-the-air software updates that are more than just infotainment improvements. The company promises that the updates will be bumper-to-bumper and support preventative maintenance, reduce trips to the repair shop, and provide improved performance, resulting in less vehicle downtime.

Advanced Driver-Assistance

The New Ford F-150 Dazzles With Its Aluminum Body and Advanced Technology

The hands-free driving feature, called Active Drive Assist, will make the F-150 one of the few vehicles, including the Mustang Mach E, in the US with hands-free driving. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to play Clash of Clans while driving just yet. Active Drive Assist will only be available on divided highways mapped by Ford. Customers must purchase extra software and hardware, including a driver monitoring system with an infrared camera to scan your face to ensure you’re keeping your eye on the road.

You don’t have to go all-in on hands-free driving, though. The standard Co-Pilot 360 driver assistance system comes with automatic braking and pedestrian detection. You can also add options such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering, post-collision braking, trailer backup assist, and more.

Hybridized

The hybrid version will utilize the company’s fourth-generation hybrid technology—a 47 horsepower electric motor that boosts acceleration and allows you to get around 23 miles per gallon. Ford will sell the hybrid F-150 in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, connecting electrical components to a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and recharged by the energy created when the truck engages its brakes.

As sophisticated as the vehicles of today are, especially aluminum-bodied vehicles, you need experts on your side when you are looking for autobody repair. Aluminum can’t be reshaped the way steel can, and we have the advanced factory-training and experience to do repairs right. It’s also important to note that steel dust corrodes aluminum, which is why we have a completely separate workspace and set of tools to work on your Ford F-150. For all questions about autobody repair, either aluminum or traditional steel, call Cline Collision Center at 707-591-9909 or contact us online today!

How Understanding Your Insurance Policy (Including the Fine Print!) Can Save You Money

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

If you own a car, you’re required by law to have a current auto insurance policy and keep proof of insurance inside your vehicle. Like many, though, you probably haven’t spent a lot of time diving into the details of your policy. Many people don’t understand even the basics of automobile insurance. Here’s a short course (not a crash-course!) to get you up to speed on what’s in your policy and how it affects you when you get in an accident.

Your policy usually consists of five different sections:

How Understanding Your Insurance Policy Can Save You Money
  • Declarations contain unique information such as the name and address for each driver in your household, the make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of each vehicle, the policy number, and duration. It also spells out the type of coverage you have, including policy limits and deductibles. You’ll want to make sure that the information you provide your insurer is accurate—they can deny your claim if you have misrepresented any key facts.
  • Coverage Parts/Insuring Agreement outlines the options and limits that you purchased, such as liability, medical, collision, and comprehensive. This section tells you what your insurance company promises you in return for your payment.  
  • Exclusions detail what is not covered. By highlighting the limitations of your policy, the insurance company tells you exactly what is covered when you make a claim. Knowing these exclusions allows you to make changes that strengthen coverage. 
  • Conditions are the legal responsibilities of the insured and the insurer, such as premium payment obligations, steps for filing a claim, and methods for resolving disputes.
  • Definitions, often referred to as the “fine print,” explicitly defines the terminology used in the document and include the rights of the insurer and the policyholder.

Making Informed Decisions

So, now that you know the building blocks of your policy—how does having a greater understanding help you make better decisions about cost and coverage? Here are just a few critical areas to examine:

  • Collision coverage covers the loss to your vehicle when it is in an accident. Choosing the correct deductible can be a real balancing act. You pay a lower premium for a higher deductible. This is great if you never or rarely get in an accident. On the other hand, it can cost you a lot of extra cash if you have a high deductible and find yourself with multiple claims. How many miles you drive, the kind of driving you do, and your ability to remain focused at the wheel can help determine whether you need a higher or lower deductible.
  • Liability covers the property and medical losses of another party if you’ve cause an accident, including legal fees. Bodily injury covers items such as medical costs and the lost salaries of someone you have injured, while property damage pays for repairs to vehicles and other property. In California, the minimum bodily injury coverage is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Property damage is $5,000 minimum. Higher amounts of coverage raise premiums but can protect you when damage is more costly. Remember, you’re on the financial hook when you cause an accident, and insurance can protect your assets in the event of a crash.
  • Coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists covers you up to the policy limits when you incur damages, and the driver either has none, or too little, insurance and limited assets that you can recover. Like every aspect of insurance, having too much insurance that you never use and having limited coverage when you need it can cost you.

Make sure to keep yourself adequately covered and read the fine print of your policy to make the best choices possible for you and your family. It is also critical to know where to bring your vehicle if you get in an accident. We use only high-quality parts and provide outstanding workmanship to return your vehicle to you in pre-collision condition. For the best choice for Sonoma County autobody repair, contact Cline Collision Center online or call us at 707-591-9909 today!

Can You Keep Your Car (and Yourself) Safe during a Pandemic?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

You need a dependable car but COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. How do you keep your family healthy and your car running safely? As car care professionals, we have some thoughts on how you can accomplish both of these as you navigate the new “normal.”

Let It Run

Can You Keep Your Car Safe During A Pandemic

Cars don’t do well when they are parked for long time-periods. Batteries lose their charge, tires get flat spots, and rubber components such as belts and wipers dry out. 

Take your vehicle for a 20-minute or longer drive at least once per week. This ensures the battery is charged, wears the rust off the brake discs, and keeps the calipers from seizing. It’s not just your car that can use a break. Getting away for a few minutes can improve your mental health, too! 

Lengthening Out Service Intervals 

If your engine light is on, bring it to a shop as soon as you can. But you can stretch out service intervals when you are not subjecting your car to harsh driving conditions.  

When you bring it into a shop, ask them about their coronavirus procedures. Are they taking it seriously – disinfecting surfaces and your key fob? If you can, wait three days before picking up the vehicle since the latest data show that the virus can exist on some surfaces for up to several days, depending on conditions. When you pick it up, wipe down the door handle, interior surfaces, and fob before driving home. 

DIY Service 

  • Oil Level: Check the level before you start your car, make sure that it’s on level ground. If the oil is low, go ahead and top it off. Just be sure you’re using the oil recommended by the manufacturer.

  • Tire Wear: Insert a quarter into the tread with Washington’s head upside-down. If you can’t see the top of his wig you are good-to-go. If you can it means you have less than 1/8-inch of tread and need to start thinking about replacement. Though tires must be replaced when tread dips below 1/16-inch, braking distances are significantly impacted once you have less than 1/8-inch.

  • Air Filters: These are easy to check and replace. Take a look under the hood for the air and cabin filters—use the owner’s manual if you can’t find them yourself. Changing these filters saves you money and allows the intake of healthier air, for the engine and passengers!

  • Wipers: Did you know that wipers are intended to last 6 months? You can get more service out of wipers by washing them with a paper towel moistened by glass cleaner. Why not check the windshield fluid level while you’re at it? If it’s low, you can purchase fluid at auto parts stores and most convenience and grocery stores.

At Cline Collision Center, we work hard to make sure you are safe. When you run into trouble—or, trouble runs into you—we offer superior craftsmanship and use only quality parts. This commitment to your well-being includes following the most up-to-date COVID-19 protocols. Call 707-591-9909 or contact us online for the very best in Sonoma County autobody repair!

How Can You Tell If It’s the Right Auto Body Shop?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

You have lots of automotive body shops to choose from. How can you sort out the good from the bad? Then, how do you choose between the good and the best?

How Can You Tell If Its The Right Auto Body SHop

Most people can’t tell a wire welder from a squeeze-type resistance spot welder, making it impossible for most folks to look at a shop to see if it is well equipped. But you should look to see if the shop is relatively clean and organized. Just because autobody work is messy and dirty doesn’t mean the work area shouldn’t look professional.

Are their plaques, certificates, or affiliations on the wall or website? Are they members of trade organizations and training programs? Here are some to look for:

OEM Certification 

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certification means that a body shop has been acknowledged to only use factory-approved parts. It also means that the facility has the correct equipment to install those parts, and uses only factory-approved procedures. OEM-certified shops offer high-quality repairs that have been approved by automakers, giving you the professionalism you need and the price break and convenience you want. Cline Collision Center is proud to say we’ve hard to get these designations, which include certifications from Infiniti, Nissan, Fiat/Chrysler (FCA), Honda/Acura, Ford, Hyundai, and Kia. 

I-CAR Training

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) is a non-profit training organization focused on improving collision repair. They make the necessary knowledge and skills to complete repairs accessible to anyone in the industry willing to work hard enough. We are proud to have earned Gold Class status from I-CAR, proof that we have achieved the highest level of training possible.

ASE Certified: The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests and certifies automotive repair professionals to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service. This takes the guesswork out of automotive repair. You don’t have to “hope” you’re going to a reputable shop. Instead, it lets you know you are going to a shop staffed with professionals committed to understanding your vehicle and keeping up with always-changing technology.    

Certifications and honors are all well and good, but you need results. That’s why, when you have autobody damage, you should come to the pros at Cline Collision Center. We  provide top-quality workmanship and customer service, including help with navigating insurance challenges. Call 707-591-9909 or contact us online today!

What Would Happen If Everyone Stayed Home? You Might Get A Car Insurance Rebate

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Covid-19 has had a profound impact on personal lives and budgets. Though there’s not much great economic news yet, one small glimmer of relief is the announcement that many auto insurers are providing refunds to their customers.

You Might Get A Car Insurance Rebate

Insurers base their premiums on the likelihood of claims, and, with drivers logging fewer miles, cars are less prone to crashing.

Most major insurance companies are passing at least some of this windfall to you. Rates and time windows differ, though, and you should contact your insurer for the most up-to-date information if you have questions.

The following are some of the larger companies and their proposed plans:

  • Allstate: If you’re in “good hands,” you can expect average refunds equal to 15% of premiums for April and May. They will deposit funds back to your credit card, bank account, or as a credit on your account.

  • Farmers: Farmers is offering a 25% discount on April auto insurance premiums.

  • Geico: The gecko is providing clients with both motorcycle and auto policies a 15% discount on six-month policies that renew between April 8 and October 7, 2020, and on 12-month policies that renew between April 8, 2020 and April 7, 2021.

  • The Hartford: If your car insurance policy was in effect on April 1, you’ll get a 15% discount on two months’ worth of premiums.

  • Liberty Mutual: Liberty Mutual is giving an automatic 15% refund on two months of car insurance premiums, via your most recent payment method or sent to your home by check.

  • Nationwide: Says it is “by your side” and customers will receive a one-time $50 refund for each policy they have.

  • Progressive: Progressive is providing a 20% credit on premiums paid in April and May, applied automatically to your account beginning in May or June.

  • State Farm: Offering its good neighbors an average national rebate of 11%, payable when policies renew.

  • USAA: Customers can expect a 20% rebate on two months of premiums if they had a policy in effect March 31.

Not all customers are receiving the same benefits. For example, some consumer groups have cited State Farm’s 11% offer as being less than generous. Also, some “non-standard” carriers, those used by low-income consumers, are refusing to provide relief, even though they will profit from the equation that fewer miles equal fewer crashes.

If your mileage has decreased significantly, contact your provider and ask for a rate that reflects that lower mileage. Didn’t get the refund you wanted from your provider? Make sure you don’t cancel without having another policy to replace it. Getting coverage may cost you more once you have been uninsured.

Fewer cars traveling fewer miles does not, unfortunately, mean there will be no accidents. If you find yourself in need of autobody repair, Cline Collision Center provides top-quality workmanship and customer service, including help navigating all insurance challenges. Call 707-591-9909 or contact us online today!