Compare collision centers before you need one!!!!

In addition to asking friends and relatives for recommendations on shops that have performed quality work for them in the past, check the shop’s qualifications by asking about advanced technician training by a national organization such as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

Verify commitment to ongoing training and customer satisfaction.
One way is to look for decals or plaques indicating the shop’s current membership status in industry associations, local business groups and consumer agencies such as the Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals (AASP), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), National Auto Body Council (NABC), and the Better Business Bureau. Verifying information on the BBB Web site at http://www.bbb.org/ will indicate whether the shop maintains a good reputation.

Pre-Arrange a Rental Car
Since the average car is in the repair shop for two weeks, ask if the shop can make recommendations for a rental car company and if they can arrange for a replacement rental car to be ready when you drop off your car.
Save on cost of replacement rental car.If your auto insurance policy includes replacement rental car coverage, which usually is only a couple dollars a month, you may get a rental car for little or no money while your car is being repaired. Many people are surprised that one full-year of replacement rental car coverage may be less than the out-of-pocket cost of a one-day rental car. See an insurance professional for details.

Get Everything in Writing Upfront
Price estimates for work and parts.Get a written repair and price estimate of the work to be performed, as well as an explanation of why specific recommendations are necessary to correct the collision damage before the job begins. Also obtain an itemized list for all parts and services, with prices, identifying any used or re-manufactured parts.

Ask about a warranty.
Professional, reputable repair shops will stand behind their repair work by offering a warranty. Usually this warranty is for a specific time – from 30 days to lifetime – and covers the labor, materials used and installation. The actual parts will be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Don’t shop by price alone.
The lowest estimate could indicate that the shop’s estimator has improperly assessed the vehicle’s damage or that the shop specializes in “quickie” repair jobs and poor quality. If you get a quote that is significantly different from another shop, ask the estimator to explain why the quote is so different before you make a decision about where to have the car repaired.

Customer satisfaction after repair.
Inquire in advance about the auto body repair shop’s policy in the event you are dissatisfied with the repair. Will they fix it at no additional charge and how long will the extra repairs take? Once the repair is completed, tell the technician or business owner before leaving the repair shop if you notice any problems with the body work of your automobile. It is best to bring up any concerns immediately in order to confirm a problem is a result of incorrect repair work. If you do happen to notice a problem after you get the car home, call the repair shop immediately and let them know that you will be returning your automobile for additional repairs.

"That's too far to take my car!"

Fifteen years in the auto body business and I still hear this on at least a weekly basis! As a favor to yourself please read and enjoy this blog. We as consumers are so easily led by sometimes foolish and unclear thinking. Your car or truck is the second largest investment you as a consumer will ever make. Homes are usually the largest. Your car or truck costs more than that fancy flat screen t.v., that super computer you use to check ever important emails, the fancy watch that sits in the drawer because it can't get it wet etc. Yet we tend not to give ol' faithful in the driveway it's long due respect. Would you leave the t.v. out in a blizzard? Would you put the PlayStation or Wii in the yard during a thunderstorm? We do it every day to our four wheeled buddies! When we shop for those neat electronic gadgets, even pizza for pete's sake we check out the best deals at the best stores right? Our hands tire from all the on line research that makes our fingers burn, our eyes blur. However when the vehicle breaks or is hit we take it to the closest place we can find. Our laziness can cause ol' faithful more than just a bad repair! Bad decisions equal bad things. Do yourself a favor, research your repair center. Even if it may be far it may in fact be the best deal. How many of us did not buy our car or truck from the closest dealer? We shopped around for the best deal as well as the best service right? Well now that the new car smell is gone we still owe it to ourselves and our vehicles to seek out the best.

West Loop does in fact offer FREE pick up whether it be a tow or drive in. We have traveled as far as Wisc. and Mich. to pick up a car for repair. Our techs are the highest trained in the industry. In fact West Loop recently signed an agreement with ICAR to pursue ongoing training for our production team. We may not always be the closest however we are the best! Just check Angie's List!

So next time you order that pizza from the place on the edge of town, or you shop around for the best deal on that new game system think about the way you get there to pick it up. Show "old reliable" a little love and choose West Loop for all the repairs your vehicle may need. Who knows, you may get a little smile from under that hood!

Please stay safe this holiday season, spend time with your families and by all means treat that sleigh in the driveway right and like a faithful friend it will give you years of comfort and reliability!

Ed Kowalski
Sales Manager
West Loop

West Loop Winter Driving Tips!!!!

1. Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
2. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
3. Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
4. Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
5. Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
6. If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
7. Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
8. Always look and steer where you want to go.
9. Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

THESE TIPS ARE ALWAYS IMPORTANT EVEN MORE SO IN WINTER TIME .