Your Auto Body Advocates: How Cline Collision Center Differs from Insurance-Recommended Shops

Your Auto Body Advocates: How Cline Collision Center Differs from Insurance-Recommended Shops

Getting into an accident is extremely stressful, so when it comes to getting your car repaired and back on the road, your insurance company may seem like a reliable guide. However, here at Cline Collision Center, we take a different approach—one that puts your needs above all else. 

We Work for You, Not Your Insurance Company

When you call your insurance company after a collision, they provide a list of shops to go to get your vehicle repaired. Although this may seem convenient at the time, it’s important to understand that this list isn’t for your benefit—it’s all about the insurance company’s bottom line. Insurers partner with auto body shops that can save them the most money. 

As a result, these shops always have work coming in, but it’s all a numbers game; insurer-recommended shops care about quantity, not quality. They don’t need to advertise or spend the time and money needed to get Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified because they already have a built-in clientele that’s funneled through insurance providers. Many of these shops are still using the same repair methods as they were 30 years—which simply doesn’t cut it given the exponential advanced in automotive technology over even the last decade. 

In contrast, Cline Collision Center is not affiliated with any insurance company. We work for you, not your insurer. 

Quality and customer service are our top priorities, and we take pride in advocating on your behalf to ensure you get the repairs you need and deserve. We invest in OEM certification (we’re now certified for 19 makes) to ensure our team is up-to-date with the latest factory-recommended repair procedures and that every vehicle that passes through our shop is repaired safely and correctly. As with any business, making money is still important—but quality and customer satisfaction always comes first. 

Cline Collision Center is an Independent Auto Body Shop

Unlike other auto body shops, we’re locally and independently owned and operated. We’re not a chain or corporation, which gives us the freedom to truly put our customers first. We don’t cut corners, use aftermarket parts, or rely on insurance companies to get business. 

Every member of our team is passionate about offering high-quality OEM-like repairs. For every vehicle that comes in, we look up the guidelines on how to repair it exactly like the manufacturer. We don’t pay our technicians on commission as the insurer-affiliated shops do, so there’s no motivation to complete a job quickly in order to move on to the next one. Instead, every member of our team takes the time needed to complete the work properly and ensure high-quality repairs. 

Our Commitment to Using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts

When it comes to repairing your vehicle, we stand firm in our commitment to using OEM replacement parts. OEM parts are designed to the exact same specifications as the original parts installed in your vehicle. Not only do they offer superior quality and fit over aftermarket parts, but you can trust them to fit and perform as they were intended. Manufacturers have a reputation to uphold, so they have a vested interest in producing reliable parts that are meant to last.

In critical systems like brakes, suspension, and airbags, using OEM replacement parts is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s safety standards. Aftermarket parts, which may be made of cheaper materials or lack the proper fit, often don’t meet the same safety and quality standards. Using OEM replacement parts ensures that your vehicle’s warranty remains valid. Some manufacturers even offer to warranty the replacement parts themselves for additional peace of mind. 

In addition, if you plan to sell your vehicle in the future, having OEM replacement parts can often enhance the resale value. If you go to an insurance-recommended shop, there’s a good chance they’ll use aftermarket parts in able to keep their costs (and those of the insurance company) as low as possible. 

In-House ADAS Calibration

Approximately 9 out of 10 vehicles manufactured after 2017 have cameras, sensors, and other delicate equipment located throughout the windshield, bumpers, and side panels; in the not-so-distant future, every car on the road will be equipped with them. These delicate and sensitive components are part of what’s known as the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which includes safety features like adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and more. 

When you get into an accident, these components are often damaged or knocked out of place and will need to be replaced and/or calibrated to keep your safety features functioning properly. Take the lane departure warning system (LDWS), for example. This technology uses cameras and sensors to monitor the vehicle’s position within the lane and alerts you if you start to drift out of the lane without using your turn signals. 

If the LDWS isn’t calibrated properly, the system might detect lane departures inaccurately or with a delay. This could cause it to provide false alarms that make you think you’re moving out of the lane even if your vehicle is still within it. On the flip side, it could fail to detect a legitimate land departure and you may not receive a warning, which increases the risk of unintentionally leaving the lane and getting into a collision. Proper calibration is essential to ensure these vital safety features work properly. 

Typically, you would need to visit the dealership for ADAS calibration, which can take 3 weeks or more. If you had to get your car repaired at an insurer-recommended body shop and then visit the dealership for ADAS calibration, the entire process would take even longer. To help save you time and streamline your repairs, we’ve invested in the equipment we need to complete your ADAS calibration in-house. 

We’re a Full-Service Auto Body Shop

As a full-service auto body shop, our service goes beyond simply ensuring you receive high-quality repairs. We understand that dealing with the insurance company directly can be overwhelming, especially after the stress of getting into an accident, which is why we offer complete insurance coordination. We’ll handle all the communication and paperwork on your behalf. 

Our goal is to be as helpful as possible during the repair process—from answering questions about the repair process to driving you home or to the rental shop. While we don’t provide loaner vehicles, we do offer deductible rebates for clients who don’t have rental car coverage on their insurance policies. We’ll waive a portion of your deductible to help free up money for rental cars or other alternative transportation, and we’ll even help you make arrangements for a rental. 

We stand by the quality of every repair with our lifetime warranty. If you ever have an issue with any of the work we’ve completed, you won’t have to deal with a bunch of back-and-forth with us. If you have any questions or concerns, we’ll have you come into the shop. Any work that’s needed to resolve the issue will also be made a priority. Your vehicle will go to the top of the list, so we can have it back to you ASAP. 

Additionally, we throw in several courtesy services with repairs. We’ll go around your vehicle and remove any scuffs we see and thoroughly clean the exterior and interior. If we notice your headlights are showing signs of oxidation, we’ll also throw headlight restoration (sanding and polishing) free of charge. These are all benefits you simply won’t find at an insurance-affiliated shop. 

We Care About Our Customers

If your insurance provider tries to steer you to one of their shops, it’s important to understand that you ultimately have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. Choosing a shop outside of your insurer’s network won’t affect your warranty or any other benefits. 

At Cline Collision Center, we truly care about your safety and satisfaction. In fact, our goal isn’t just to provide the best collision repairs in the area—it’s to exceed your expectations at every step in the repair process and earn your business for life. Whether it’s addressing minor scratches or significant structural damage, our dedicated team works diligently to provide the quality repairs and service you deserve. To schedule an appointment or request an estimate, contact us today at (707) 591-9909