Stay Safe this Holiday Driving Season.

There are so many places to go.  So many people to see.  I’ll wager you will be traveling to places you normally do not frequent.  You know, of course that when you do so in the Chicago area in December there will be potholes and cones and detours everywhere.  It seems that way every holiday driving season whether it is around the malls or on the tollways.

Please be careful.  Slow down.  Arrow Body and Fender wants to be there for you 12 months a year, but we would just as soon have you enjoy your holiday without us in 2015.  You know the drill…eliminate the alcohol if you are the driver and cut 5-10 miles an hour off of the accelerator.  Whoever is waiting for you will still be there when you arrive.

Whenever you need us we will be there in 2016 specializing ONLY in collision repair.  We don’t do oil changes.  We repair damage to the outside of your vehicle.  And we have been doing it in the same location for generations since 1948.  Have a wonderful and safe holiday season from our family at Arrow Body and Fender in Elmwood Park to yours.

A Spectacular Celebration of the Season

ZooLights Presented By ComEd and PowerShares QQQ

Enjoy the brilliance of this fun, free, family-oriented holiday celebration, featuring luminous displays and holiday-season activities throughout zoo grounds.
Lincoln Park Zoo, 4:30–9 p.m.
December 4–6, 11–23, 26–31; January 1–3, 
Free ! Don't miss the other Festive Activities taking place!
Happy Holidays!  

 

How Insurance Companies Should Work with Auto Repair Companies

You would think that insurance adjusters would work with auto body shops to make sure that you get the highest quality parts at the best prices.  In a Utopian world it might work that way.  It is important to be diligent to make sure that your vehicle receives the best possible care after an accident. 

First of all, find an auto body shop that has been in business for over 7 decades.  That is a pretty good place to start right?  Now, can you find an auto body shop owner who used to be an appraiser for insurance companies before he decided to devote his life to repairing vehicles to make them look like new again? 

Don’t let your insurance company send you to THEIR auto body shop.  Call Joe at Arrow Body and Fender serving Chicagoland out of Elmwood Park.  With Joe on your side you will get the best deal possible on your auto body work.  Find out for yourself before someone else makes that decision for you.  Call Arrow Body and Fender today at (708) 456-9424.

The Best Way to Find a Reputable Auto Body Shop.

There is one sure way to make sure that you choose the right place to have your vehicle brought back to new after an accident.  Just read the reviews.  When you see that independent people have had a great experience with an auto body shop in Chicagoland it gives you the ultimate peace of mind.  Your car is your baby and you want it to look better than ever!

We invite you to visit the website www.arrowbodyandfender.com and click on the testimonial page.  There you will see comments such as “thanks again for the excellent service you provide” and “I don’t think you realize how grateful I am for your kindness…and taking the time to work with me”.  This includes the simple testimonial that says it all…”Thank you for fixing my car and doing such a great job”.

We at Arrow Body and Fender know that you have dozens of choices after a car accident.  We are fully aware that our reputation is our most important product.  It would be an honor and a pleasure to help you get your vehicle back on the road looking better than ever, as we have done for nearly 70 years.  Call us today at Arrow Body and Fender of Elmwood Park IL to make an appointment at (708) 456-9424.

Chicago's annual Thanksgiving Parade takes over State Street

Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday, November 26, 2015 - 8am

 

Good Business Stands the Test of Time.

It is commonly understood that nine out of ten businesses fail after one year.  Statistically, about 50% of those that remain are still viable.  In this day and age a small business has to adapt to an ever-changing competitive environment to be able to survive.  And not just survive, but prosper because of the trust that people have in them.

What if you had your car repaired after a mishap at the same shop that your grandfather went to?  Now we are talking about generations of trust.  This bond not only comes from the families who have used this business for decades, but just as importantly the family that has carried on the tradition of great service at competitive prices for all of those years.

Arrow Body and Fender of Elmwood Park has been serving Chicagoland for SIXTY-EIGHT YEARS.  That defies expectations!  It goes without saying that you better be 100% customer focused to survive and still be going strong as a company since 1948.  Joe Bellocchio carries on the family tradition today and will continue to do so.  If your vehicle needs repair you know that Arrow Body and Fender is always there.  Call them to arrange an appointment at (708) 456-9424. 

13th Floor Haunted House

13th Floor Haunted House
JOIN THE FUN!!

Wed., Oct. 28, 7 p.m. - Nov. 7

The country’s largest professional haunted house production company comes to Chicago in the form of 30,000 square feet of horror entertainment. 

Beware the Pothole!

We are about to head into pothole season in Chicago.  You know it well as the coming inclement weather starts to render its wear and tear on the busy byways of the city and the suburbs.  Not only to you risk vehicle damage if you hit one, there is a fair chance that you may have a collision trying to avoid a pothole.  Remember to drive defensively and beware of what’s ahead.

• Leave enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you – you will be able to see the oncoming pothole before striking it.

• Always beware of other traffic or pedestrians on the roads before swerving to avoid a pothole.

• Lower your speed on pothole filled roads. More damage can be incurred to a vehicle striking potholes at higher speeds, and effect the handling of your vehicle.

• This is a tough one, but VERY important – DON’T apply the brakes when driving over a pothole. This tilts the vehicle forward and places the amount of stress on the front suspension, which is the first part of the vehicle to strike the pothole.

Sometimes body damage to your car is unavoidable.  Whatever the case may be Arrow Body and Fender Service is standing by to bring your vehicle back and better than ever.  We have been in Elmwood Park serving Chicagoland since 1948.  Your grandfather trusted us and you can too.  Call Arrow Body and Fender at (708) 456-9424.

Refinishing Your Vehicle

During the fall in Chicago you are showing off your vehicle before the salt and the snow wreak havoc on your car’s finish.  Do you want to be the envy of people who see you driving down the road? Of course you do!

At Arrow Body and Fender Service, serving Chicago from their home in Elmwood Park, we want your car’s finish to last.  We use only top of the line DuPont/Axalta refinishing products and do not substitute any product for what's on sale or try to save by using less expensive inferior products. We specialize in collision refinishing.  Your car is your 2nd most precious possession after your home.  It deserves a little TLC.

We have a chromavision color scanner on premises to ensure that your automotive refinish is an exact match to your vehicle’s original color. We provide expert tinting services.  If your beloved vehicle has been compromised in an accident, restore it to its pristine condition.  Call Arrow Body and Fender your Chicagoland choice for auto body repair for nearly 70 years at (708) 456-9424.

Family Weekend Fun!

Family Weekend Fun!
October 10, 11, and 12, 2015
11am - 3pm
The Morton Arboretum

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident.

It is something that no one wants to contemplate, but we should all be prepared to avoid panic at the accident scene.  If and when you are in an accident there are important things to do at the scene.  You may even want to print out this information and keep it in your glove box.

Never leave the accident scene until it is 100% handled.  If someone involved has injuries YOU could be facing criminal charges for a hit and run.

Check on every driver and passenger immediately instead of focusing on the material damage.  If someone is unconscious or has any sharp pains DO NOT TRY TO MOVE THEM unless an impending hazard requires you to do so.

Follow these next steps…1.) Call the police.  2.) Exchange information.  3.) Talk to witnesses if there are any.  4.) Inform your insurance company, and 5.) Take pictures.

When you have done your due diligence please remember to contact Arrow Body and Fender, your premier Chicago auto body shop at (708) 456-9424.  Your friends at Arrow will get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Berghoff's Oktoberfest in Chicago

Berghoff's Oktoberfest in Chicago
30th Annual Berghoff Oktoberfest, September 16 – 18, 2015 (Wednesday – Friday).
Be part of Chicago’s largest, longest-running Oktoberfest celebration with free daily admission from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., at the John C. Kluczynski Federal Plaza.

Auto Frame Repair

After a car accident the first thing you and your trusted auto body shop need to consider is what is involved in the overall repair of the frame of the vehicle.  Think of it like building a house. You start with the frame and build out. It is imperative that the mechanic you trust does the same with a collision repair job.  If the job is not done correctly additional parts or repairs may be required.

At Arrow Body and Fender we use our Star Liner frame unibody rack to reshape your frame back to its original dimensions - before parts are removed.  Then and only then we confirm that it meets the exact structural dimensions required by the manufacturer.

Remember…start with the frame and work your way from there.  For over 65 years Chicago has trusted Arrow Body and Fender of Elmwood Park.  They have repaired just about every make and model of vehicle over that time and you most certainly can trust them with yours.  Call Arrow Body and Fender at (708) 456-9424.

An Auto Accident Has Many Layers of Responsibility.

The first thing you do after colliding with another vehicle is check to see if everyone is unhurt.  Upon finding out that the only damage that has been done is to your vehicle then you may need a fast and efficient towing service.  Remember that the ultimate objective is to be back on the road with your fully repaired vehicle as soon as possible.

Arrow Body and Fender serving Chicagoland out of Elmwood Park will help you achieve that goal.   Call one of our approved companies and get it to us. In many cases we will even cover the towing cost.  We offer 24 hour towing to our facility with this ICC authorized, licensed and insured company:  Mandy's Towing - (708) 906 - 6754 (ask for Larry)

Again, you may qualify for free towing AND free storage.  Please visit our website for more details at www.arrowbodyandfender.com or give us a call at (708) 456-9424.  And above all else stay safe while driving during this vacation season.

The Cost of Auto Parts.

Auto parts can be very expensive as we all know.  When an accident occurs you may think well that’s just a fender or that was only a tail light.  In this day and age the parts that have been damaged and need to be replaced may entail far more than what is visible to the naked eye.

The last thing you want to do is incur the cost of an auto part and THEN have to turn right around and pay for the part AGAIN because that one was defective.  Arrow Body and Fender of Elmwood Park Illinois encourages you to use new OEM parts in returning your vehicle to pre-accident condition.

If you wish, we will also price out less expensive value line parts to help you with any budget restraints you may have.  We will be happy to even install used parts IF they pass inspection.  In the final analysis, Arrow Body and Fender will serve greater Chicagoland by working within your budget and do our best to make sure that the part and the repair will last.  Give us a call today at (708) 456-9424.

Auto Repairs and Your Insurance.

Here is one of life’s oldest conflicts…your need to have your vehicle repaired after an accident balanced with what and where you need to have it done as dictated by your insurance company.  Anyone who has been through this knows how stressful this can be.  Wouldn’t it be nice if your mechanic and insurance company worked together in your best interest?  Arrow Body and Fender serving Chicagoland for 65 years is the next best thing.

The boss, Joe worked as a physical damage appraiser for insurance companies before he devoted his life to repairing vehicles.  You will not find a better auto body shop in Chicago that knows more about the ins and outs of the insurance game (and, believe me it IS a game sometimes) than Joe does.  He will always help you get a fair deal.

Don’t let your insurance agent send you to their repair shop. Get Joe on your side. He’ll use his years of experience to get you the best deal possible.  See, you are less stressed out already.  Call Arrow Body and Fender of Elmwood Park at (708) 456-9424 for peace of mind when you need auto repair.

Auto Repair Estimates.

What a frustrating topic this is.  You are already shaken up due to an auto accident and now you need to call around and get estimates for your insurance company as to the amount of the damage and the time it will take to repair it.  There is little in life that is more frustrating than getting a call that the price you were originally quoted is nowhere near the actual cost that it will take to fix your vehicle.  An estimate is what it is…an estimate.

Your Chicago auto body shop Arrow Body and Fender has some solutions.  They take extra steps to make every effort to make those estimates come as close to the final cost as possible.  They use something called the Mitchell estimating system.  Customers have raved about this system for years.  You can actually read and understand the estimate that has been handed to you.  How about that! 

The head honcho of Arrow Body and Fender, Joe, is a certified multi-line insurance estimator.  He was an insurance appraiser so he can help you deal with the process.  You simply won’t do better than that in all of Chicagoland.  Whenever the need arises do not hesitate call Arrow Body and Fender at (708) 456-9424 to get the same honest and thorough service that Chicagoans have expected for over 65 years.

Choosing a Body Shop for Your Car.

When choosing a place to have your car repaired from the outside your choice should be as carefully considered as your auto mechanic or your dentist.  It has to be someone that you can trust not only this time, but in the future if you need their services again.  One of the most annoying things about so many auto repair companies is that they repair the outside of your vehicle then they try to sell you add-ons like oil changes.  That is NOT what you came there for.

Arrow Body and Fender Service of Elmwood Park Illinois will never ask you to do more than is needed.  Their one and only specialty is collision repair.  Owner Joe Bellocchio worked for years as an insurance adjuster.  That experience comes in mighty handy when dealing with insurance companies - saving you a lot of time and money.

For nearly half a century Arrow Body and Fender has been serving Elmwood Park and the surrounding area with their state-of-the-art facility.  Their technicians treat you like family and your vehicle as if it were their own.  For bodywork you can be proud of for years to come call Arrow Body and Fender today at (708) 456-9424.

Tips to Know Before Having Auto Body Repair.

Auto body repair can be a small fortune.  Here are a few tips to know BEFORE you have an accident.

1.  Make sure you are comfortable with the current deductible that you have on your auto insurance policy.

2.  If your insurer directs you to a prepared list of shops - beware.  They may be tempted to take shortcuts to save THEM money.

3.  Get more than one estimate.  Take careful notes of what each shop will offer for the price.

4.  If the accident was not your fault, insist on original equipment manufacturer parts to get higher quality than salvaged parts.

5.  Check the shop’s reputation and complaint history…easy to do in the internet age.

There are other tips to follow, which we will discuss in the future.  Please know this - for honest, quality work at the fairest price possible trust Arrow Body and Fender repair located in Elmwood Park.  Chicago has been counting on them to repair its vehicles since your grandfather drove an Edsel.  Give Arrow Body and Fender a call at (708) 456-9424.