How to Use Online Reviews to Select an Auto Body Shop

You rely on your car every day, so getting into an accident isn’t only scary – it’s inconvenient. That’s why it matters where you choose to get your repairs. You need your car back quickly, but you also need your car to be properly repaired and safe to drive. Who wants to risk another collision, right after having collision repair?

For this reason, you shouldn’t choose the first auto body shop that appears in the search results. But if you’ve never worked with an auto body shop before, how can you know who to trust with your vehicle? Beyond getting referrals from people you know, online reviews can be very helpful for finding more information to make the right decision. 

Vetting Online Reviews

The first place many people look for reviews online are sites like Yelp, Google, and Angie’s List. Although these are helpful to give you an overall idea about what to expect with service and customer satisfaction, it’s important to understand that not all customer review sites are the same. Some websites will let anyone post a review, regardless of whether they’re a legitimate customer or not. Other websites allow featured businesses to place ads sponsoring positive reviews to increase their visibility.

Another issue with online review sites is that it can be difficult to know if the reviews you’re reading are truthful. Statistically, customers who had a bad experience at a business are far more likely to leave a review than a customer who left completely satisfied. It’s also not uncommon for bad reviews to include some exaggerated points to make the experience with the business sound even worse.

A better option is to search for verified customer testimonial platforms, like Carwise or Auto Body Review. These are specialized sites that only allow real customers to post reviews. If you’re looking for accurate information about what to expect from an auto body shop, a verified customer testimonial platform is the best place to check out.

Websites that specialize in educating consumers are growing in popularity because consumers have shifted to using them to make their purchase decisions – and not just in the automotive industry. Today, nearly 90% of consumers look at online reviews before deciding whether to choose a service or purchase a product. In addition, 84% of consumers trust the reviews they read online – which means most people trust online reviews as much as they would trust a referral from friends or family.

Don’t Forget About Forums!

Keep in mind that forums can also be a reliable source of information that’s just as good as word of mouth. Comments in online forums tend to be a genuine reflection of a people’s experience with shops. Customer discussion forums can also be a channel for communication between an auto body shop and its clientele. Interaction between the two can give you insight into how well the shop stands by its work and how they interact with their customers.

Forums also present an excellent opportunity for the business to respond to customers that may have had a negative experience. Look for companies that obviously care about customer satisfaction and building a relationship with their customers.  

It’s also important to remember that with everything, there’s always room for improvement. Negative reviews aren’t going to be ignored by a reputable company that’s interested in customer satisfaction and improving their work; instead, they’ll take the time to listen to customer advice and complaints and use this feedback to provide better service.

Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips for finding reliable information about an auto body shop:

1.   Look into several different auto body shops in your area.

2.   Ignore posts that are poorly written or that tend to use a lot of capital letters or exclamation points.

3.   Skip reading the really short responses like, “They were great!” Brief reviews won’t give you enough information to understand the type of service and the repair quality you can expect to receive. Instead, look for longer, well-written reviews that include details.

4.   Try to find testimonials that are specific to the make and model of your vehicle.

5.   Do a search on information about the type of repairs you need, and check to see if the shop has a good track record fixing them.

6.   Keep in mind that businesses change over time. If a shop has reviews going back ten years, focus instead on the ones that are more recent – no more than a few years old.

How to Leave an Effective Review for an Auto Body Shop

If you’ve already had collision repair performed on your vehicle, you may want to consider leaving a review to help other consumers make their decision. Here are some things to remember when writing a review:

1.     Leave constructive feedback. Think about what you liked or didn’t like about the service; how can the shop make improvements?

2.     Clearly explain the reasons you were happy or unhappy, such as quality of the repairs, customer relations, policies, etc.

3.     Keep the tone of your review honest, but stay civil – even if you were unhappy with the service.

4.     Be sure to include the dates you had the services performed, along with the make and model of your vehicle and the type of work the shop carried out.

5.     Don’t include links to websites or any personal information.

6.     Read through your review before publishing it to make sure you’ve included all the important information and points you wanted to make.

7.     Update your feedback if needed.

Cline Collision’s Commitment to Excellence

At Cline Collision Center, our top priorities are customer satisfaction and providing safe, high-quality repairs. We value feedback from our customers and continually work to ensure we provide the best possible auto body repair in Sonoma County. From paintless dent removal to extensive collision repairs and aluminum body repairs, we handle it all – and we hold OEM certifications with many of the top automakers. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you have about your auto body repair or schedule an appointment with us today!

The Art of Paint Matching in Auto body Repair

After an accident, you want your car back in good-as-new condition. For an auto body shop, one of the most challenging aspects of that repair is paint matching.

The truth is that you should feel great about what your car looks like when you get it back from the shop. But perfect paint matching does more than make your car look good. It also adds to resale value and allows drivers to return leased vehicles to the dealership with no charge.

Poor paint matching is painfully obvious. A car that has one panel that is a different color from the rest of the vehicle stands out from the crowd—and not in a good way! The mismatched paint can actually make the vehicle look worse than the accident – not the outcome you wanted after paying for insurance and deductibles.

Why Is It So Hard To Match Paint?

There’s a reason that matching the color of your paint is so challenging. When your car was at the factory, the entire body was painted at the same time from the same batch of paint. Though that paint color has a code, there are thousands of variations and shades. Even basic colors such as black and red have dozens, if not hundreds of shades to choose from.

Making it even more difficult, your car’s paint is like skin. Although you don’t notice it until you see it from a new angle or perspective, paint ages a little bit each day. Over times, this adds up and the older your vehicle is, the harder it is to match the paint.

This is where the art comes in. Even if a new batch of paint is mixed to factory specifications, there may still be a noticeable difference. A good technician can change that shade just enough to match the paint as it is, not as it was.

The artistry doesn’t stop there. If, say, a door panel on an older car needs repair, a shop can use blending techniques like lightly overspraying new paint onto old paint to create an unnoticeable transition. In some cases, though, weathering and fading may make it necessary to paint the entire side of the car. Some insurance companies refuse to pay for this. You may have to make a case with your adjuster, or work with your repair shop to include this next step as part of making a quality repair.

What Can You Do To Make Your Car Look Good-As-New?

Of course, even the best shop can’t bring a car that has seen better days back into good-as-new condition without taking some extra steps. You may want to consider getting your car buffed, which will brighten the paint up. This will cost extra but may be worth the money if you want that new car feeling without that new car price.

Accidents are often, at best, unpleasant experiences. It can feel good to put it behind you with a properly repaired car from a professional, reputable shop. When you want to work with an auto body repair shop that stands behind their work, bring your vehicle to Cline Collision Center. We are ASE-certified, have OEM certification from Infiniti, Nissan, Fiat/Chrysler (FCA), Honda/Acura, Ford, Hyundai, and Kia, and have earned Gold Class status from I-CAR. For top-quality workmanship and customer service, including help with navigating insurance challenges, call 707-591-9909 or contact us online today!

Just Asking: Questions for Your Auto Body Repair Shop

Just Asking Questions For Your Auto Body Repair Shop

You just surfaced from the initial stages of an accident. First, the sudden realization of impact. Then, if there was another party involved, the exchange of information. Next, notifying your insurance company.

Now, it’s time to pick an auto repair facility to bring your vehicle to. Where do you go? How do you determine the quality of work and customer care you’ll receive?

Though we can’t promise how other shops run their business, you can get a sense of their commitment to best practices by asking some simple questions. We love it when clients take the time to research how seriously we take our mission to provide high-quality workmanship in a timely manner with 100% client satisfaction. Here are some questions you can ask:

How long will the auto body repair take? 

This is probably the #1 question we are asked. Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear answer because there are so many variables, especially the extent of the damage. Though the industry average is much higher, we take 3-7 days for the average repair. This is because we have built-in efficiencies with highly-trained technicians and advisors, fast parts procurement, and up-to-date tools and equipment.   

What kind of warranty comes with their auto body repair work? 

You need to feel confident the repair will last. For us, this is pretty simple. We warranty all repairs for as long as our customer owns the vehicle – anything less just won’t cut it!

How do I get around while my car is in the shop? 

We have a partnership with Enterprise to give our customers a discounted rate on rental cars.

Do you carry fire and theft insurance so that my car is covered by insurance while it is in your shop? 

Though not likely at our shop, you need coverage in case your vehicle is damaged, destroyed, or stolen while being repaired. We carry this coverage so you can rest assured.

Will the paint match the rest of my car? 

There is only one acceptable answer to this question—Yes! Our approach for color matching is to blend adjacent panels to the one that we’re repairing or replacing. Cars have a paint code that tells us the exact color of the carmaker’s paint, but there is an art to this, as well as science. We also have to account for fading and variations at the time of manufacture. At Cline, you will be 100% satisfied with your repair!

How soon can I wash my car after an auto body repair? 

Every auto body shop should return your car to you immaculately clean. But, you should be wary of a shop that tells you to hold off on washing it any time soon. We bake cure every vehicle that we refinish at 150 degrees, making it immediately ready for everyday use, including getting out the microfiber towels and giving it a good scrub.

Do you put everything in writing? 

Reputable shops provide an itemized written estimate for auto body repairs and, upon completion of repairs, a detailed invoice. The estimate and invoice must also identify all parts as new, used, aftermarket, reconditioned, or rebuilt. There should never be surprise charges for towing or storage services. We provide you with a detailed estimate before repairs and a detailed final bill once we complete repairs, including the written lifetime warranty.

Can I view repair updates online? 

Yes! We gladly supply our clients with ongoing information on demand at Check My Repair Status.

What is the payment policy? 

Reputable auto body repair shops post their payment policies. We accept credit and or cash from clients, as well as checks from insurance companies.

Conclusions

Of course, the recommendation of a trusted acquaintance or reviews can also help you make your decision. By any metric, we are sure you will find that we measure up. We bring a commitment to integrity, honesty, safety, and craftsmanship to our relationship with you. You are, after all, our friends and neighbors!

Repair of Aluminum Panels Shows Our Shop’s Commitment to Future

Fear. Determined Resolve. Resilience. The collision repair industry isn’t known for the sort of epic terms usually associated with sporting fields and social movements. Yet the introduction of the aluminum-bodied Ford F-150 caused a panic. The industry let out a collective moan. It takes too long. New equipment is needed. Technicians aren’t trained.

Repair of Aluminum Panels Shows Our Shop’s Commitment to Future

But that’s so 2015! Those issues were real and true enough, but shops like us that responded with determined resolve and embraced the change rather than resisting it, have thrived.

The heat needed for aluminum repair is a great example of this. Heat is required to soften damaged metal, to reform the metal. We then must allow the metal to cool and hold the forming. This process turns out to be an art, but an art that is worth learning. Repairing damaged panels costs customers less money than replacing them. What’s better for the customer is better for a shop that prides itself on long-term customer satisfaction.

What About The Cost?

The cost of equipment was another real concern. It turns out, though, those aluminum welders we had to buy produced quality welds in steel welding, emerging MIG brazing, and aluminum. Aluminum dent pullers were also expensive and required new training, but they save panels. Again, saving panels instead of replacing them is a win-win for the customer and the shop.

Technicians were required to open up to new techniques or be left behind. Different aluminums required different welding wire. Technicians had often used one wire for all types of metal and now were being asked to learn new techniques and be flexible. It turns out that this flexibility became increasingly important. Honda has produced a steel that requires a different wire and technicians and shops are now more open and ready for the challenge. The future is changing, and manufacturers are asking us to learn about corrosion control with adhesives, the limitations of blind rivets, and the use of epoxy primers. Having to make a seismic shift with aluminum gives us the resilience to meet these give you the service you need.

That’s why you need a team that is up for the challenge! At Cline Collision Center, we have kept our Ford-certified status because we are all-in on the training and equipment needed to work on aluminum-bodied vehicles. We’re also Gold Class-certified which tells you that we only use quality parts and offer superior craftsmanship. Contact us online or call us at 707-591-9909 today to bring your vehicle, including your aluminum-bodied car or truck, back to pre-collision condition!

Damage to Your Leased Vehicle? Make Sure You Get OEM Parts

So, you just got in a fender bender in your leased vehicle. What do you do now? Is it different than if it’s a vehicle you own?

First off, make sure you are in as safe a location as possible and call 911 and report it to the police. Do this even it’s a minor incident, no matter whose fault it is. Police reports will help you establish facts and resolve disputes. Insurance companies want police reports and it will make the process smoother if you have official descriptions of the accident.

Next, call your insurance company. Hopefully, you have appropriate insurance so you’re not out of luck even if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured. Your insurer can get involved in the process even if it wasn’t your fault.

Damage To Your Leased Vehicle | Get OEM Parts

Third, call the lease finance company, especially if the vehicle is totaled. It’s their vehicle, after all. They’ll want to know what’s up and expect a call from an insurance company. Most leasing agreements carry GAP insurance, meaning insurance pays the leasing company the difference between the “totaled” amount and market value. The money doesn’t go to you but ensures you won’t owe extra.

The last step is probably the most important. Take your vehicle to a repair facility that will return your vehicle in like-new condition. Make sure they use OEM parts, not cheap aftermarket replacements or junkyard parts. You will be charged for repairs that don’t meet OEM standards to restore your vehicle to acceptable condition.      

At Cline Collision Center, we will put your vehicle back into pre-collision shape. As a Gold Class certified shop, you can feel confident knowing that we only use OEM parts and hold ourselves to incredibly high standards. Our ASE certification lets you know we stay up with all of the latest developments, offering a full slate of state-of-the-art autobody services, from dent removal to high-end painting and auto detailing. Contact us online or call us at 707-591-9909 if your car is in an accident, leased or not. You’ll be happy you took all the right steps!

Auto Body Repair

When Bald Isn’t Beautiful

Auto Body Repair | Aging Tires

Going bald is not something most people hope for, but it’s a fact of life for many. Nearly two-thirds of men will experience significant hair loss by the time they’re 50 years old. It is also something that doesn’t have to get in the way of a healthy, happy life.

Unfortunately, the same is not true of bald tires.

Driving on worn down tires is downright dangerous. More than one-quarter of all auto crashes involve at least one car with tires that have treads of less than 1/16 of an inch.

Why Not Tread Lightly?

Your tires are engineered with specifically designed grooves or channels that grasp the surface of the road. They give you the traction you need to get a grip in rain, snow, ice, or mud. Slippery roads are manageable only because these channels force water and slick material away from the surface that contacts the road. Tread also makes sure steering remains stable so that you can avoid trouble in an emergency.

It takes a lot of friction to keep your car connected to the road. This friction causes heat. Tires with low or no tread cause heat buildup that can lead to a blowout. With enough tread, your tires stay cooler by allowing air to flow between the grooves. Further, when you have worn tires, water gets between your tire and the road leading to hydroplaning. Modern tread patterns are great at channeling water away from the tire surface. This can’t happen when there isn’t enough of a channel!

Hey Mister, Got a Quarter?

Regular inspections are a great idea. If you insert a penny into the tread and see the top of Lincoln’s head, you have less than one-sixteenth of an inch and should get new tires now. For those who want to error on the side of increased safety—try the same test, but with a quarter. You have 1/8 of an inch left If you can see the top of Washington’s head. This means you are within the manufacturer’s specs, but there might be some compromise on stopping distance and handling in difficult circumstances.  You should also look for sidewall cracks, bulges or blisters that can develop over time. All of these are serious and require immediate attention! At Cline Collision Center, we know it’s difficult enough to safely navigate your vehicle without making it harder on yourself. We don’t want you to get in an accident because your tires were going bald and needed to be replaced. However, we understand that accidents happen – and we are here for you when they do. Just call 707-591-9909 or contact us online for a full-slate of auto body repair services in Santa Rosa,  including auto detailingdent removal, and exact-match painting

Why is There a Dent in Accident?

Let’s face it, getting in an accident is no fun at all. But there are worse outcomes. That’s why we want to walk you through preparation and roadside safety for when you’re in a collision.

Preparation is important in all aspects of life; this includes accidents. Make sure you have your insurance information and a card with current relevant medical information about you and your family. You also need pen and paper, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, emergency distress indicators (road flares, warning triangles, or cones), water bottles, and a blanket. Lastly, do some research. Look for an autobody shop that is known for putting a premium on safety and quality—the Gold Class logo is an excellent sign that a shop has the right training, tools, equipment to get you safely back on the road again.

What To Do In An Accident

Car Dent From Accident

When an accident occurs, check for injuries. Do not move anyone who might have a serious neck or spine injury and call 911 if you’re unsure. If you can’t move your vehicle, and it is not safe to exit the vehicle, stay inside and with your seatbelt on.

Next, if it is possible, move your vehicle as far from traffic as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and set out any emergency distress indicators you have available.  

Contact the local police or highway patrol and follow their instructions about whether you have to stay at the scene. Exchange information with the other driver including their driver’s license number, license plate number, and the year, make, model, and color of their car. If there are any witnesses, get their information.

Use your phone to take photos of the accident at the scene if it is safe, and then to call up your insurance company.

Aside from your safety, the most critical step is next. Contact the Gold Class certified autobody shop— such as Cline Collision Center—you researched. We know how to find hidden damage that other shops may overlook. Like all Gold Class shops, we stay current with the latest repair procedures and technologies. There are numerous choices to make when repairing a vehicle. Because of our Gold Class certification, you can trust that we have your back when it comes to deciding which parts to repair and which to replace. With today’s high-tech, lightweight vehicles, you need to know that the integrity of all of your safety features, such as crumple zones and airbag timing, are correctly repaired.

Call Cline Collision Center at 707-591-9909 or contact us online for a free estimate to take the dent out of your accident!

Go for the Gold!

Most of us root for underdogs from time to time. But even though silver and bronze medalists are amazing athletes, we mostly remember those that win the gold. Why is that?

Being the best inspires us. It is something that, only if we work very hard and always perform at the highest level, we can achieve. That’s why we are so proud of being designated as Gold Class certified.

It is a testament to our commitment to quality and safety.

Over time, cars have become more and more complicated. The average vehicle today has thousands of features and technologies, tens of thousands of parts, and a mix of advanced lightweight materials.

Get A Team Of Highly Skilled Experts

To safely repair your car or truck, you need a team of highly-trained specialists. And because vehicle design changes faster with each passing year, this training is never-ending. When you see the Gold Class logo, you know that we have the up-to-date in-house knowledge to complete reliable repairs. If a collision repair facility has a lapse in its training, even for a year, it loses its Gold Class designation.

Repair shops that are Gold Class only earn this by training every technician at the facility. Because of this, you can trust that anyone who touches your vehicle understands all of the new technologies and repair procedures. Gold Class certified shops also train experts in each of the four key collision repair roles: Estimator, Non-Structural Technician, Steel Structural Technician, and Refinish Technician. With all of the areas covered, you can feel confident that your repairs will be performed at the highest level of quality and safety to get you back on the road with confidence.

Cline Collision Center continues to stand at the top of the podium and earn Gold Class certification each year. We are also FCA US Certified, which guarantees we use OEM replacement parts that fit and function properly. We are also certified by Ford, Chrysler-Fiat, Hyundai, Infinity/Nissan, Kia and Honda for services including auto detailingdent removal, and exact-match painting. Call us at (707) 591-9909 or contact us online if you want to go for the gold!

Your Auto Body Advocate

The Cline Collision Center process for repairing your vehicle.

Getting into an accident or damaging your car is one of the most inconvenient and stressful situations. It’s likely you won’t know what to do when it comes to dealing with your car insurance company and the auto body repair process.

That is where Cline Collision Center comes in. Our mission is to be our customer’s advocate. We know your situation is stressful and we understand the lingo and terminology your insurance company might be asking you. This is why we established a process for auto body repairs that removes the stress and delivers an exceptional finished vehicle for our customers.

The Cline Collision Center Vehicle Repair Process:

  1. File Claim with Insurance Company: Before Cline Collision Center can get started, you must file a claim and provide a statement with your insurance company.
  2. Call Cline Collision Center: Once you have your claim number you can provide it to us and we’ll get started.
  3. Estimates, Approvals and Loaner Car: Our Manager, Joe, will be the one who takes your claim number and begins working with your insurance company on an estimate for repairs. This will be the time that we also coordinate a loaner car to have during the duration of the repair.
  4. Prep for Repairs: Upon estimate approval, your car will be disassembled and repairs will be scheduled. OEM parts will be ordered, paint colors determined and repairs can begin.
  5. Structure Repairs: Our highly trained team will begin repairing your vehicle and bring it back to new.
  6. Body Work: Exterior panels and finishing will be replaced.
  7. Paint Shop: After the body work is completed, your vehicle enters our paint shop. We utilize only the best brands (Spies Hecker, Dupont and Axalta among others).
  8. Assembly: Our team will put all of the repaired panels back on the vehicle. Inspections are made to ensure every component is perfect.
  9. Detail: Upon sign off of repair, we then detail the car to make sure it looks pristine.

Communication is Key

We communicate with our customers through every step of the auto body repair process. We know how inconvenient it is for you and we want to make sure you feel at ease and informed. With Cline Collision Center being a Santa Rosa Gold Class Repair Shop by i-Car, and committed to only using OEM parts, you can rest assured your car is in good hands.

Get the best parts-and the best service at Cline Collision Center.

Schedule an appointment.

7 Things Auto-Body Shops Won’t Tell You

If you get into an accident, there are several things that are useful to know before you head to the body shop.

#1. A Fender Bender Can be Expensive to Repair

If you’ve gotten into a literal fender bender and it’s deemed that you’re the one at fault, you may be surprised at the cost of replacing a fender – even after the $500 deductible. The average fender replacement can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,600 after the costs of installation and painting. On vehicles with carbon fiber fenders, that cost can be as much as $5,000 to replace.

#2. Approved Shops are Often Obliged to Work on Behalf of Insurance Companies

Auto insurers contract with auto body shops to repair vehicles for a pre-negotiated rate; sometimes this includes practices like require low hourly labor rates, or making the shop pick up the cost of the rental car. Insurers often give customers so many discounts that it makes it impossible for shops to make much of a profit, causing some companies to feel tempted to cut corners.

#3. Not all Replacement Parts are Equal

OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are designed to match your make and model of vehicle exactly. Insurers generally prefer shops use generic, lower quality, or salvaged parts because they’re less expensive. If you’re at fault for an accident, you may be bound by your insurance policy to use these lower quality parts, however, if someone else is at fault be sure to tell your auto body shop to use OEM parts.

#4. The Due Date May Be Exaggerated

Mechanics often take on more work than they can handle but may blame it on things like parts being delayed. Before you choose a shop to do your body work, it’s always a good idea to check their online reviews to make sure that they deliver what they say they will.

#5. A Rental Car Can be Expensive

Renting a car is convenient if you’re going to be without your vehicle for an extended period of time, however, the costs can add up quickly. Renting a car for three weeks could cost $1,000 or more. Even if you have rental car insurance, your daily reimbursement may be limited to the cost of a compact car. Make sure your rental car insurance is comparable to the size of car you’re having repaired.

#6. Choose a Shop That Specializes in Your Type of Vehicle

Many European cars have precision parts and use types of metal that require specialized equipment to repair it. You should always take your car to a shop that’s certified by the manufacturer to work on your specific vehicle. Going to a manufacturer certified shop ensures the shop will understand your vehicle and have the right tools and parts to properly repair it back to manufacturer’s specifications. These shops do generally charge higher rates, so insurers won’t necessarily recommend them – but they should still be willing to pick up the tab.

#7. The Insurer’s Warranty Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Much

Insurers will sometimes exaggerate warranties on parts, for example, saying that they’ll be good for the life of the vehicle. This can be a tactic to urge consumers to go to a shop within their network. In reality, the body shop’s guarantee is the one that you should trust. Most shops guarantee their work, and most manufacturers guarantee their parts – those are the warranties that truly matter.