Expert Advice

Expert Advice

Italy A & F Auto Repair Inc. has been serving its customers since 1987. We are experts and one of the most preferred and reliable businesses in and around NYC. As automobile experts, we are here to give you a few suggestions and dos and don’ts to be followed, especially when you are involved in an automobile accident.
Here are a few tips which will help you choose the right auto body repair facility.

Prioritize

Good value for money is what everyone wants.
First try to decide the most important aspect like price, quality, and delivery, but do not compromise on your safety or the future value of your car. When you are involved in a serious accident, ask for an "itemized estimate" rather than a "price quote," which is a more detailed breakdown of what's wrong with your car, rather than how much it might cost you.
All the automobiles today have Unibody, which means the workshops need to have sophisticated equipment and need to use the latest technologies to pinpoint the exact place of damage and fix it with minimal damage.

Italy A & F Auto Repair Inc

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The important thing is you must trust the repair shop and be comfortable in communicating with them. Always make sure that your car is in the workshop while it’s getting repaired.
If you ask the right question, any reputable garage will be more than happy to explain the process in detail and make sure you are satisfied before you can commit.
Care about quality and conduct careful inspections and test drive before accepting the delivery.

Do's and Don’ts - If you are involved in an Accident

Do's

  • Be reliable. Try to make sure everyone involved are alright. Do not delay to notify the police and emergency services as appropriate.
  • Identify yourself. Show your driver's license and registration to the other driver, the injured persons, and any police officer.
  • Act as soon as possible, and give a complete description of the accident because a delay might cause a loss of a few key details. Take pictures, if possible, even if it means returning to the scene of the accident later.
  • Notify your insurance company immediately. Do not procrastinate thinking it is a small job or if there are no apparent injuries. It might cost you a lot in the longer run.
  • Never settle the claim yourself. Always follow all prescribed procedures.
  • Make sure you report the accident to the DMV (Department Of Motor Vehicles) within 10 days, especially if the damage exceeds $1000.00. You can find the accident-report from any police station. You can fill it out and mail it to the DMV.
  • Store a copy for your records for yourself. The "appraisal clause" in your insurance policy could provide a means for a fair settlement, in case the insurance company and the body shop cannot agree on what the repairs should cost or get insured.
  • Do not let your car go unrepaired or uninspected even if the damage is minor. It can cost you in the long run.
  • Dents and rust spots bring down the resale or trade-in value of your car. Also, they might cause "invisible" structural damage making it unsafe to drive. You will pay for it eventually, so drive a car that's in the first-class condition now.

Don’ts

  • Avoid discussion about responsibility.
  • Avoid discussion about the circumstances of the accident with anyone except the police and a positively identified representative of your insurance company.
  • Make sure your car is towed to a repair shop you are familiar with.
  • Be clear that you want to repair your car in the shop your car is being towed. Do not sign towing release or authorize repairs before that.
  • Read and understand all the papers present to you before you sign them.
  • Unless you are injured and removed from the scene by ambulance, a towing company must take your car to your chosen location. This is a mandate in most states.
  • Never give a signed statement or allow someone – even over the phone – to adjust your claims. This information may be used against you in court.
  • Make sure your repair has covered all necessary repairs and do not accept a check for the repair unless otherwise. As the owner of your car, you are responsible for having your car repaired to your satisfaction.
  • Choose a quality workshop – one which assures you complete satisfaction.
  • A low bid could reflect an incomplete job, be aware and do not get carried away by the "lowest estimate."
  • Some items (such as alignment) are overlooked on a repair and the consequences could be serious. An improperly repaired car is like a time bomb waiting to go off.
  • It is your right to determine which shop will repair your car and make sure you exercise it. Before the delivery, make sure every detail has been attended to and repaired to your complete satisfaction. Only then sign the insurance release.

You can call us on (718) 823-1313 for 24 hour towing services. They will transport your vehicle to our facility safely and efficiently.
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