The Frustration of Not Sticking to an Estimate.

Is there anything more frustrating than a business or person giving you an estimate to have a job done and then changing it at the “moment of truth”?  It has happened to us all.  We just ask for fairness.  Give us your best price and stick to it!  It seems simple, but it takes a certain amount of integrity to do it time after time.

The word “estimate” by its very definition is not an exact science.  It is, however to be as precise as it can be when the final cost of a job is assessed.  In auto body repair, there is something known as the Mitchell System of estimating.  Do yourself a favor and look it up.  You will find that it is extremely customer friendly.

When you find the auto body shop that uses the Mitchell System you probably have found the right one.  Your friends at Arrow Body and Fender swear by it.  When you receive the estimate you will actually understand it!  See for yourself…call Chicagoland’s premier auto body repair shop for seven decades and make an appointment at (708) 456-9424.

Getting Estimates When Your Car Needs Repairing in Chicago.

We all hate to have to face this, but when your precious vehicle is damaged you must take time to get legitimate estimates to have it repaired.  When you embark on this task make sure that you try to get a proper and honest estimate.  Many times a body shop will quote a price and then later on you get a call that the actual job will cost much more.

Because it is an “estimate” the final cost may vary.  There are steps that you can take even through the frustration and stress to keep those estimates as close to the final cost as possible.  For one thing, it would be nice if the person giving you that quote is a licensed multi-line insurance estimator.  That sounds reassuring doesn’t it?

Arrow Body and Fender located in Elmwood Park gives you that reassurance.  Our man Joe Bellocchio is not only that, but he also uses the customer friendly Mitchell Estimating System.  When you combine that with over six decades of auto body service from their location at 7536 W. Grand Ave. how could you do any better?  Call Chicagoland auto body insurance estimator Joe Bellocchio of Arrow Body and Fender at (708) 456-9424.

Things You Need to Know About Chicagoland Auto Body Shops.

Like it or not the inclement weather of winter results in more fender benders and repairable accidents at slower speeds.  Arrow Body and Fender wants you to be armed with the proper knowledge if you need the services of an auto body shop this winter.

Understand that you will likely be responsible for your deductible wherever you decide to go.  Remember that those “approved” shops are beholden to very tight insurers.  Not all replacement parts are created equal.  Talk to Arrow Body about the best parts that you can afford.  Don’t let a shop delay YOUR repair because they have taken on more work than they can handle this time of year.  Your car needs a shop that speaks your language.  Listen and learn what you need to know to make the proper decisions about the repair of your vehicle.

Arrow Body and Fender located in Elmwood Park Illinois has been serving generations of auto body customers for going on 68 years.  You don’t survive that long in this competitive environment unless you have pleased customer after customer.  If you have had a winter fender bender call or drive in to Arrow Body and Fender today at (708) 456-9424 at 7536 W. Grand Ave. in Elmwood Park.

Be Careful on the Icy Roads of Chicagoland

Negotiating the highways and side streets of Chicagoland is a real challenge this time of year.  Not only will snowfalls slow us down, but that dreaded black ice is always a day away.  Please be careful.  This is the time of year that single car accidents are very prevalent.  Through little or no fault of your own you lose control of your vehicle, even at slower speeds and crash into something.

If that were to happen, stop and take a deep breath.  Assess the condition of everyone in the car.  The most important thing is to stay calm.  When it is safe to get out of your vehicle walk around and examine the damage.  In this day and age use your cell phone and take several pictures from every angle so there is no dispute as to what needs fixing.

If you are able to drive away, please call Arrow Body and Fender as soon as possible.  They will make every effort to make an accurate estimate of the cost of repairs the FIRST time.  That is so important.  They know what you have gone through.  They have been repairing vehicles in Chicagoland for more than 65 years.  Call for an appointment right away at their Elmwood Park Shop (708) 456-9424.

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.

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.

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.

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.