If you’ve been putting off getting your car repaired, summertime is the perfect time to start thinking about collision repair. At Suburban Auto Body in St. Paul, our certified automobile repair team has been repairing Minnesota cars for more than four decades. Here’s why we think summer is the best time to get your car repaired.

1.      Don’t Procrastinate.

The biggest reason to get your car back on track is simple. The longer you put off a repair, the more you invite additional damage. Dirt, grit, and grime can get into the damaged metal on your vehicle. This can end up causing rust and additional problems. The trick to making a minor problem into a more serious one is handling it before it gets worse. Besides, a minor repair means a quick fix, so what are you waiting for?

2.      Warmer Weather is the Perfect Time to Key Swap.

Sure, our team makes things easy no matter what time of year it is with our Suburban EZ services. And yes, that means we’ll come to you and trade keys so you don’t have to spend a single day without your car. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of the warmer weather to use our key swap service. After all, even the simple act of trading cars in the bitter cold of winter can be unpleasant.

3.      Get Your Car Repaired Before Winter.

Winter can be incredibly tough on your vehicle, especially up here in Minnesota. If your vehicle needs paint to be touched up, dry and warm weather is much better for facilitating the repair process. That’s why it’s not a bad idea to take care of minor car repair problems before winter sets in.

4.      Take Advantage of a More Flexible Schedule.

If you’ve got school-aged kids or you’re in college yourself, you probably know all too well how busy things can get once fall classes begin. It can be tough to work out time to bring your car in when you’re running kids to ballet and Taekwondo. Fortunately, you won’t have to be without a car once you bring yours in for repair.

Are you getting tired of looking at that bent-up bumper? Are dings from hail stealing your car’s style?

At Suburban Auto Body, our certified vehicle repair technicians can connect with your insurance company to make your repairs go as smoothly as possible. We also offer online and text updates so you know exactly what’s going on with your wheels. Connect with our auto repair team 651.633.8900, or contact us to get your vehicle’s free estimate.

At Suburban Auto Body in St. Paul, our automobile repair experts do everything we can to get you back out on the road fast after you’ve been in an accident. That includes working with your insurance company. In today’s post, we share our best tips for navigating insurance claims after a collision.

1.      Take Pictures Right Away.

One of the first steps you should take after you’ve been in an accident is to take pictures of your vehicle and if necessary, the surroundings. This could help in the event of trouble with an insurance claim. During the inspection and repair process, our team will also collect images of your vehicle. You’ll be able to view them online to check on the status of your repair.

2.      Select the Auto Body Shop that Works Best For You.

If you’ve never been in a vehicle collision, it can be hard to know what steps to follow.

Your insurance company may make recommendations. However, ultimately, choosing an auto body repair shop is up to you. You have the right to pick any shop that is licensed to perform auto collision repair.

3.      Get Your Inspection Right Away.

Your insurance agent will direct you to bring your vehicle in for an inspection to assess the damage and determine how extensive it is. Before you bring your car in for an inspection, they may check out your car at your home. However, many will stop by the auto body shop while it’s here. This is how your insurance company creates an estimate for what the repair should cost.

4.      Ask About Your Deductible.

When it’s time to pick up your car or truck, you’ll need to pay the deductible to the auto repair shop. The rest should be covered by your insurance company. It’s a good idea to find out what you’ll be responsible when you drop off your vehicle. This will help you avoid any unexpected surprises down the road and be completely prepared when you pick up your car.

It can be a little scary when you’re involved in a collision. But there’s no need to be afraid of working with your insurance company when you have a great automotive collision repair team behind you.

Our team at Suburban Auto Body has more than forty years of experience connecting with insurance companies and helping drivers get back on the road after a collision. Speak to a member of our certified collision repair team at 651.633.8900, or contact us to schedule your free estimate.

When Should You File A Claim?

It’s not always easy deciding whether or not you should file a claim. There are numerous factors you’ll have to consider such as accident severity, injuries, expenses, your deductible, and your claim history. Here are some reasons why you should consider filing a claim:

The Damages are Substantially Higher than Your Deductible

Your insurance premiums may increase after filing a claim, but the rates might not cost you more than the difference than if you paid out of pocket. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the accident is $5000 in damages, you can either pay the $5000 out of pocket or pay your deductible and take the higher insurance premium. If your driving record is fairly good, then it may not cost you as much as paying out of pocket.

Bringing your car to a certified repair shop can help determine what the cost would be to repair the damages. Sometimes newer vehicles are made with different technologies and metals, which makes repairing them more costly.

Another tip to keep in mind is that some insurance companies have a threshold before they raise their rates, make sure you contact your agency to see if this is the case.

If the Accident Includes Other Vehicles and Drivers

Sometimes the damages may be more than you expect, and you don’t want additional expenses to come back and haunt you. You can file the claim and let your insurance handle the liability and injuries. Otherwise, if you pay for the costs yourself, you could risk further complications and be at the mercy of the other driver.

Someone was Injured in the Accident.

Filing a claim could help protect you from a potential injury lawsuit, which can be a severe problem for you in the future.

If Your Policy Includes Accident Forgiveness

Some insurance carriers have a policy add-on that prevents your rates from rising after an at-fault accident known as accident forgiveness. So, if your policy includes it, you should use it! Then you won’t have to suffer the consequences of an increased premium.

When Should You Pay Out of Pocket?

It may be better to consider paying out of pocket for these situations:

You’ve Recently had an Accident or Ticket on Your Driving Record

The more recent claims you have on your record, the more likely your insurance will increase your premiums. Sometimes after one claim, your premium could increase, so adding another one will justify the insurance company’s rate increase. Accidents and tickets stay on your record for about three years, so if you’ve already had a claim within this time frame, you might want to pay for the accident yourself.

The Accident Only Involves Your Car

It might be better to take your car to a reputable collision repair or auto body shop for a repair estimate. If the cost is less than your deductible, it’s better to just pay for the damages yourself. Some auto repair shops may even offer financing if you’re paying out of pocket.

You Just Have a Minor Fender-bender

If you just have a small dent or a broken tail light, it may be cheaper to just pay for it out of pocket. There may be spare parts available in a salvage yard that are inexpensive. However, we do suggest taking steps to minimize liability, such as photographing the accident scene and having both parties sign a waiver. This can protect you in case the other driver decides to file a claim due to the accident.

In some states, you may be required to report an accident that is over a certain amount. If you fail to do so, that may be more damaging than an insurance increase. But filing a police report doesn’t mean your insurance has to be involved.

Filing a claim should not be taken lightly, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons of whether or not you need to file a claim. A good first step is to take your car to a reputable auto body shop or collision repair, as they are well versed in assessing damages to the car and the costs to repair it. If you’re ever in doubt about how severe the damages are or if someone is injured, it may be in your best interest to file a claim. It may be better to deal with a potential rate increase rather than additional legal issues from the matter.

At Suburban Auto Body in St. Paul, our automobile repair are proudly certified in Mazda collision care. Here’s what that means and why it’s important to use a certified Mazda collision care center when your car needs to be repaired.

Like all vehicles, Mazdas have unique manufacturing that requires specific knowledge to repair. That’s why Mazda USA recommends getting all Mazda repairs done through a certified Mazda collision repair center. A certified Mazda collision repair center will have the right training to understand the unique issues that can arise with Mazda vehicles. They also have access to the latest information and the best equipment to get the job done right so you can feel safe and your Mazda’s quality will not be compromised.

If your Mazda is still under warranty, you may be required to visit a certified collision center to avoid having the warranty voided. A certified repair center will only use Mazda-recommended OEM or Genuine Mazda parts. Using a dealer that isn’t certified in Mazda collision may mean you could end up with parts for your vehicle that are not recommended or void your warranty. They also may be lower quality parts. However, a certified Mazda collision repair shop will understand exactly what to do to preserve your warranty.

At Suburban Auto Body, we offer certified Mazda collision care combined with our comprehensive service plan, Suburban EZ. You’ll be able to monitor the progress of your repair online or receive text message updates.

We also offer the following:

●        A point person to help you through your repair

●        Key hand-off

●        Help navigating the insurance process

If you’re a Mazda owner, you want to keep your car looking great for many years to come, and you want the best possible collision repair. You also need a team that will walk you through the repair process so you know exactly what’s happening with your vehicle. 

Whether you’re in need of bumper repair or paintless dent repair, we can help get your Mazda looking great again and keep your warranty intact. Speak with a Mazda collision expert by calling us at 651.633.8900, or contact us for a free estimate.

At Suburban Auto Body in St. Paul, we provide certified automobile repair for a wide range of vehicles and understand the importance of keeping your warranty intact. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between OEM and after-market parts.

OEM parts are Original Equipment Manufacturer parts or parts that are manufactured by the original manufacturer of your vehicle or to the specifications your manufacturer directs. They are specifically made to fit the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle. Your manufacturer will recommend these parts because they are usually the best option for keeping your car operating at its recommended specifications.

They can be a little pricier than non-OEM parts, but they also may be required per the terms of your car’s warranty. If you’re unsure if your warranty requires OEM parts, it’s a good idea to read over its terms before making a collision repair decision.

A certified collision repair center will offer OEM parts in keeping with your manufacturer’s specifications. They will also have the training to understand specific issues to your vehicle’s make, model, and year.

At Suburban Auto Body, we offer certified collision repair for these manufacturers:

●        Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, and GM

●        SRT, Jeep, and Fiat

●        Acura and Honda

After-market parts are basically generic parts. That means rather than being sourced from the vehicle’s original manufacturer, after-market parts are manufactured by a third party. They’re usually designed to fit the specs of a wide range of vehicles rather than a specific make and model, which means they’re not always the best fit. However, they may be a good way to save a little money if your vehicle is no longer under warranty.

At Suburban Auto Body, we offer both OEM and after-market parts. Our certified vehicle repair technicians can work with you to help you make the best decision for your vehicle.

We can also work with your insurance company and provide updates throughout the process by text message or online. Collision repair can be frustrating, but we’ll work to make the process a little easier. Give us a call at 651.633.8900, or contact us for a free estimate.

At Suburban Auto Body in St. Paul, we know what it’s like to have a busy life and plenty of obligations that can lead you to put off getting your automobile repair. That’s why we offer a wide range of services aimed at working around your busy schedule. Here’s how we can help you get your ride repaired and get back to handling your business fast.

1.      Use a Courtesy or Rental Car

What’s the biggest reason car owners postpone repairs? They don’t want to go without a car. After all, who has time to miss work? That’s why we offer key-to-key service with our Suburban EZ option.

A member of our team will come to you and trade keys so you don’t have to worry about a thing. That way, you won’t have to interrupt your busy schedule to send your car to the shop.

2.      Connect with Your Go-To Guy

Handing off your keys is one thing, but how can you keep track of your repair when you’re busy working? That’s why we assign a point person to help every client with their repair.

Every car owner who uses our automotive repair service gets assigned a “go-to guy.” That means you’ll have your very own contact on our team to keep you in the loop throughout the process.

3.      Let Us Help With Your Insurance

Even with all the help of our go-to guy and key trade, you might still be hesitant to initiate the repair process because of the hassle of dealing with your insurance. We’ve all been stuck on the phone and experienced the frustration of trying to get something covered by an insurance company.

That’s why our automotive repair team works with all insurance carriers to help you. We understand what insurance companies need to make things go smoothly. Our team will provide all estimates and images in a simple file for your company to simplify the process.

If you’ve been putting off your auto body and collision repair because you’re too busy, our team of auto body and car crash repair pros is here to help. Let us streamline the process so you’ll barely realize your car was gone.

It can be frustrating to be without a car, but fortunately, you don’t have to be. Contact us to set up your Suburban EZ auto body repair. Connect with our team by calling us at 651.633.8900, or contact us for a free estimate.

If you’re thinking of scheduling your auto body repair, you may have questions about caring for your paint job afterward. With the right care, your car will continue to look great for many years to come. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to walk you through taking care of your paint job after we’ve finished repairing your vehicle.

1.      Take a Break from Wax and Polish

It may be tempting to give your newly repaired vehicle a little polish now that it’s looking great again. But if you’ve recently had your car repaired, it’s important to avoid adding extra substances to your paint job that could damage it.

That’s why we recommend taking a three-month break from polish and wax. This gives your paint time to cure so it won’t discolor. Once you’ve waited the appropriate time, you can get back to waxing your car so it will shine.

2.      Wash Your Car By Hand

In general, it’s probably a good idea to avoid automatic car washes as they can damage or even scratch your paint. Those automatic brushes can be tough on your car under any circumstances.

But if your vehicle’s new paint hasn’t had enough time to cure, you risk causing damage to your car’s new paint. Instead, wash your car gently with a mild cleaning solution for at least three months after your car repair.

3.      Park in the Shade

Until your new paint has had plenty of time to cure, it’s a good idea to park in the shade. If you have a carport or garage, it’s your best bet for at least three months after your repair. This helps protect your vehicle’s paint from damage from the sun’s UV rays.

Whether you’ve got a few dings from hail damage to repair or you’re in need of a new door, we can help you get your car back in business fast. We’ll restore your car’s body in line with manufacturer specifications and offer SuburbanEZ service to make the entire process simpler and easier.

Our professional Twin Cities auto body and paint team can restore your car back to its original beauty after a collision. Speak with a member of our team by calling us at 651.633.8900, or contact us for a free estimate.

At Suburban Auto Body in St. Paul, we’re committed to doing everything we can to keep our planet a place future generations will thrive and grow. That’s why we use sustainable practices whenever we can. Here are a few of our top Earth-friendly practices:

1.      We recycle.

At Suburban Auto Body, we understand that minimizing our waste is the first step. But for the things we can’t live without using, we recycle everything we can. When it’s time to update electronic and computer equipment, we make sure to recycle the older items like monitors and terminals. We also recycle batteries, printer/toner cartridges, carpet, metal, fluorescent tubes, paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic. We even recycle oil!

2.      We minimize chemical exposure.

We understand that chemicals can impact the environment significantly, and it’s hard to run an auto body shop without chemicals. That’s why we use biodegradable cleaners whenever possible. We also clean up spills immediately to minimize environmental exposure through rainwater. When we store hazardous materials, we take extra precautions to limit environmental exposure.

3.      We use a green paint system.

When we say we use a green paint system, we don’t just mean the color. Volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, are typically released into the atmosphere when using solvent-based paints. Waterborne paint technology is a better option for the planet because it reduces VOC emissions. That’s why we’ve converted our paint booths to a waterborne system.

4.      We practice the Three ‘Rs’ when repairing vehicles.

Auto body collision repair is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to landfills. Before we recycle, it’s important to reduce our waste output. Repairing vehicles rather than replacing them reduces that waste output. But if a part does need to be replaced, we try to recycle everything we can.

Green Twin Cities Car Accident Repair

While it’s true that auto collision repair can take its toll on the environment, a conscientious repair shop can find many ways to prioritize eco-conscious efforts. That’s why we’ve tried to use eco-friendly options whenever possible to minimize our footprint.

Whether you’re in need of GM collision repair or you need an Acura certified body shop, rest assured we’ll do everything we can to protect the planet during your repair. Connect with a member of our eco-friendly team by calling us at 651.633.8900, or contact our shop for your free estimate.