Can You Keep a Totaled Car?

If you got into a recent car accident with no injuries, then that’s great news! However, how much damage did your car take? If you have full collision coverage, your insurance will take care of the repair costs and your car will be as good as new.

Still, what if you really want your car? Can you keep a car that is totaled? Fortunately, you may be able to save your car from the salvage yard and take care of its repairs yourself, keep it for parts, or do whatever else you wish. For our customers near Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton, keep on reading to find out more! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out our team at Collision 24.

What Does “Totaled” Really Mean?

Insurance companies label cars a “total loss” if the cost of repairs exceeds the worth of the vehicle. This term varies based on different states or insurers, but it generally comes down to its cash value and the estimated repair total.

Another situation that could result in a totaled vehicle is when your car can’t be repaired safely. Regardless of what the costs would be, an insurance company won’t pay to repair a vehicle that may never be safe again. If this applies to your totaled vehicle, you’re better off letting go and getting a new car.

Once your insurance company brands your vehicle totaled, it’s deemed a salvage vehicle, and you’ll get the cash value of your car at that time. This includes the make, model, current mileage, options, condition, and any alterations. They’ll send you a check, and they’ll auction your car off as a salvage vehicle.

Can You Keep a Totaled Car? Should You?

If your car isn’t totaled because of a safety issue, there are many reasons you may want to keep it. You can salvage it for the parts yourself, which may leave you with more cash than the total loss check from the insurance company, or you may want certain parts for other reasons.

The most common reason to keep a totaled car is repairing it yourself. If you believe you can restore the vehicle to a safe condition and get more use out of it, then this would be a possible option for you.

That being said, there are a few things to consider:

  • Find out the repair costs and decide if it’s actually worth it.
  • Make sure you can pass the DMV inspection for a “rebuilt” title so you can legally drive your car.
  • Make sure you can find an insurance company willing to insure a salvage vehicle after the repairs.

If you do your homework and still want to keep your totaled car, you can arrange with your insurance company. It’ll be processed like any other accident claim, but you’ll get a lower settlement amount than the salvage price would be.

Visit Collision 24

The answer to, “Can you keep a totaled car?” is yes, you might be able to, but do you want to? If you’re in Brockton, Randolph, or Stoughton and you want to repair a salvage vehicle, Collision 24 is here for you. Our technicians have years of experience working with damaged vehicles, so contact us to see what we can do to help you keep your totaled car!

Brake Lights vs. Tail Lights

Schedule Service

When people refer to automotive lighting, some make the mistake of using the terms “brake light” and “tail light” interchangeably. These terms actually refer to different types of rear lighting, both of which are important but serve separate functions.

Knowing the difference between the two can be important when discussing repairs and damage with servicemen and insurance companies. Collision 24 of Brockton, MA, provides a simple explanation below.

Brake Lights

brake-light service Brockton MA

Brake lights are designed to light up automatically whenever the brakes are used. This is understandably critical to safe driving conditions because it gives drivers behind you a distinguishing warning for when your speed is about to change. Driving behind someone with broken or malfunctioning brake lights is both frustrating and dangerous because the extended delay between their change in maneuvering and your comprehension of this change greatly increases the likelihood of an accident.

Several things can affect your brake light effectiveness. Dirty lenses, dim bulbs, and faulty wiring are just a few reasons other people may be unable to register your braking as quickly.

Like any other car parts, brake light parts will need to be replaced or repaired eventually. Routine inspections will give you plenty of time to foresee and address problems with your brake lights, helping you avoid accidents.

Tail Lights

Tail lights are the red lights that activate when the front headlights are turned on. Because of this, they are typically inactive during the day. They shine less brightly than brake lights because they’re only designed to be active in dim conditions, such as nighttime or heavy rain. These lights exist to indicate other drivers of your presence on the road when visibility is impaired.

Tail Light Service Brockton MASimilar problems may impact these lights as they do brake lights. Broken bulb filaments and cracked lenses are common issues requiring service. Cheap, quick, and easy to fix, there’s little reason to ignore tail light problems. Collision 24 will provide efficient service on these and brake lights, which are commonly damaged in rear end collisions.

Center High Mount Stop Lamps

Quite a few drivers wonder what the importance of the third brake light is, since two other lights already perform the same function. Located much higher and in between the left and right rear brake lights, these center lights are meant to help drivers distinguish a braking vehicle when the bottom left and right lights are obscured. Whether the bottom lights are obscured by another vehicle, seating position, or some other factor, these lights have been shown to reduce collisions and are so affordable to include that they have become an automotive standard.

Get Your Rear Vehicle Lighting Repaired near Brockton, MA

Choosing to drive a damaged vehicle after an accident increases your chances of being involved in another accident or being issued a citation by a police officer. Collision 24 provides quality service to Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton and accepts all major insurance.

To request service or information, call 508-586-2010 or contact us online.

How to Obtain Compensation After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be harrowing experiences. Fortunately, if the accident was the fault of someone else’s carelessness or negligence, all of your injuries and property damage can be compensated. The compensation comes from a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company or, less frequently, through a lawsuit.

accident_22Collision 24 wants you to know how to ensure that you receive your due compensation from a car accident.

Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly

1.    Talk to a Witness

Ask any witnesses questions about the events prior to, during, and after the accident. Gather as much detail from their memories as possible and ask if they’re willing to make a written or verbal statement. Make sure that you also obtain their contact information.

2.    Call the Police

Though the at-fault party in the accident may ask you not to involve the police, if you’ve been injured or your property has been damaged, you need to get police documentation of the accident. Police reports are highly persuasive with claims attorneys and insurance adjustors. These reports often carry evidence of fault for one party, and they add a valuable layer of documentation to your case.

3.    Photograph the Scene

accident_3Use any camera you have available to take photographs of the accident scene. If you don’t have a camera, ask to borrow one from a witness. Make sure that a date is included with the picture for authentication. Photograph the general scene, including faulty street lights or poor signage, any property damage, and any visible injuries you sustained.

Obtain Medical Attention Immediately

Treatment records, medical bills, and doctor’s notes are crucial evidence for proving you’ve been injured and incurred financial damage. You should provide these materials to your own insurance company as well as the at-fault party’s company. Providing a thorough archive of medical issues can reduce administrative costs in reviewing your case, will provide air-tight evidence of your physical injuries, and will lay a strong basis for your settlement demand.

Additionally, it’s important to follow the medical recommendations of your doctor carefully. If you’re documented engaging in physical activity that the doctor advised against, you can weaken your injury claim in the eyes of the insurance adjustor or claims attorney. Further, your claim could be flat out denied on the basis that you’re malingering.

Get Your Property Damage Examined and Procure an Estimate for Repairs

Once you’ve documented the accident scene, spoken with the police, gathered medical records for your injuries, and sent all your claim evidence to the insurance carriers, your next step should be getting repair estimates for your damaged property. You shouldn’t stop at one estimate, either. Aim to get 3 or 4 estimates that point out the repairs you need and provide an expected cost. The insurance company will do an independent inspection of your vehicle, but having your own estimates can help prove the actual cost of repairs to the insurance company so you aren’t shortchanged.

Collision 24 Is Happy to Provide Expert, High-Quality Repair Services

If you’ve recently been in a car accident and followed the above steps toward making an effective compensation claim, remember that you can rely on Collision 24 to both make a repair estimate and bring your damaged vehicle back to pristine shape.

Clickhere to contact Collision 24 and learn more about the excellent services available.

What is Collision Insurance?

While nearly every beginning driver understands that car insurance is legally mandated, the different types of insurance and specific terms can get confusing quickly. Not every type of insurance is required or even recommended in some cases.

To help you sort through the confusion, Collision 24 of Brockton, MA, explains collision insurance below.

What Does Collision Insurance Cover?

car-accident-callWhen people think of the car insurance they’re required to have, they’re thinking of liability insurance. Liability insurance covers accidents where the insured person is at fault.

Collision insurance, however, covers all types of collisions and accidents regardless of fault. This is usually an optional type of coverage, but it comes highly recommended for many reasons. After all, even if you’re the perfect driver, you can’t always avoid drunk or distracted drivers, faulty traffic lights, dangerous conditions, or vehicle malfunctions.

Because of this reality, many car leases require collision insurance in the terms and conditions. While some drivers may think optional insurance coverage is a luxury they can’t afford, the financial losses that stem from an accidents are far less affordable than wider coverage.

What Does Collision Coverage Insure?

Collision insurance has the primary goal of getting your vehicle replaced or repaired in the event of an accident involving an object or another vehicle. While accidents can damage a person and their property along with the vehicle, that’s the subject of other types of compensation or insurance.

Institutions that lend car loans tend to require a driver to purchase collision coverage so their assets are protected. Accidents can cause devastating losses, particularly financially. This risk is reduced when collision insurance is involved, as a driver will then only have to pay their set deductible and any surplus charges instead of all expenses involved in repair or replacement.

What Affects the Price of Collision Insurance?

car-accident-frustrationWhen calculating your monthly premiums and your set deductible in the event of an accident, insurance companies evaluate the risk you pose as a driver. The age of both you and your vehicle, your driving record, your car model, average distance, and driving conditions all affect how much you will pay. Even sex and marital status are a factor, as statistics show that these demographics influence how risky a driver is to insure.

Obviously, if you’re judged to be a higher risk to the insurance company you’ll pay more. New drivers or drivers who have been liable for previous accidents will pay more, but consistently good driving will reduce the price over time. Newer cars and models with recognized higher safety records tend to lower insurance rates. It’s important to consider these factors when searching for a car.

Collision 24 Accepts All Major Insurance

Residents of Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton don’t need to worry about paying for their repairs at Collision 24. If you’re covered by a household name in insurance, Collision 24 will repair your vehicle and work with your company.

For more information, call 508-586-2010 or contact us online today.

What is a Car Insurance Claim?

If you own a vehicle, chances are you’ll eventually be involved in an accident or have some kind of damage inflicted on your car. This can be an extremely stressful experience, but your insurance agency and Brockton, MA, collision center are there to help you to pick up the pieces and repair the damage. Filing a car insurance claim is the first step you should take after your vehicle has been damaged in any way.

accident_1What is a car insurance claim exactly? This is a report of the incident that you file with your insurance provider. Starting a claim lets your provider know what happened so they can investigate, help you to make settlements that involve medical expenses and bodily injuries, speak to other providers if there were multiple vehicles involved, as well as make the necessary arrangements to have your vehicle towed, thoroughly inspected for damage, and repaired. Depending on your policy, your insurance provider can also hook you up with a rental car.

When Should I File a Claim?

As soon as your vehicle is damaged, you should contact your insurance company. They’re there to help you in your time of need.

Making a claim isn’t just for post-car accident purposes. You may also need to call your insurance company if your vehicle was vandalized, stolen, involved in a minor fender bender, if you need towing services, or if your vehicle was impacted by a weather-related incident.

Since you may find yourself needing to file an insurance claim at any time, you should always keep the contact information for your car insurance company on hand. Keep copies of your policy in your vehicle that includes the company’s phone number and keep the number in the contacts of your cell phone.

What Will I Need to File an Insurance Claim?

accident_4You’ll need a good bit of information on hand when you call to make an insurance claim. It can be difficult to remember it all, especially during an emergency situation, so go over this checklist and write all of the information down. Keep that paper in your purse or wallet so you can get to it fast when you need to file a claim.

  • Your insurance policy number and the full name of the policy holder if you it’s not you
  • The date that the policy begins and ends
  • The phone numbers, addresses, names, and insurance information of other drivers, witnesses, or passengers
  • The license plate numbers and driver’s license numbers of all vehicles and drivers involved

You’ll also need to give specific details of the incident to the best of your ability.

Repairing the Damage

In many cases, the damage that you report when you file a car insurance claim can be repaired. This is when we step in to help you to pick up the pieces. At Collision 24, your local Brockton, MA, collision center, we use our knowledge, special skill sets, and expertise to get your vehicle back on the road quickly.

For more information, visit our services page or contact a representative with our shop today.

Texting While Driving Collision Statistics

Collision 24 in Brockton, MA, excels at repairing rear-end collision damage. However, we’re also committed to building a safer world to drive in. One of the growing concerns of modern driving is the impact that texting has on drivers and collision risk.

Distracted driving, such as that caused by texting, increases the likelihood of a rear-end collision and other types of accidents. What follows are quite a few shocking statistics about the realities of texting and driving. Read ahead to learn more!

Demographics

People tend to associate frequent texting with just teenagers. Surprisingly, it’s drivers between 16 and 24 years old who are most likely to text and drive, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Drivers in their 20s constitute 38% of drivers involved in fatal crashes who were using a cell phone at the time.

However, it seems that this isn’t just a generational problem. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported in 2013 that 82% of adults between the ages of 25 and 39 and 72% of drivers between ages 40 and 59 have admitted to using their phones while driving.

Risks

Texting while driving is illegal in all but three states. This means that in every state other than Arizona, Montana, and Texas, you can be arrested and/or fined if you’re caught texting and driving. This means texting while driving doesn’t increase your chances of an accident but heavy fines or even jail time as well.

However, that risk is much less startling than the fact that 11 teens die every single day as a result of texting and driving, according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Fatality Facts. It’s estimated that 25% of all vehicle crashes, fatal or otherwise, involve a cell phone.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates that you’re 23 times more likely to crash if you’re texting while you’re driving. This is because a driver can safely glance away from the road for about two seconds, but the average amount of time a driver takes to read or send a text is five seconds.

These statistics convey the powerful message that distraction while driving is causing losses of property, finances, health, and, most importantly, life.

Prevention

Campaigns have cropped up all over the nation and the world with the shared mission of exposing the devastating effects of texting while driving. Final messages sent by drivers before their collisions are shown to the audience as an example of just how unnecessary the loss of a driver was.

No message is worth risking your life on the road. Questions, fights, and jokes can wait. Hundreds of people die in texting accidents every year, some for nothing more than a word or phrase. Before picking up your phone while driving, remember these facts.

Involved in a Collision?

We hope this informational guide has opened your eyes to the risks of texting and driving. However, even if you don’t text and drive, you can unfortunately be involved in a rear-end collision. If you’re in need of rear-end collision repairs or any other repairs, whether it involved texting or not, we’re here to help.

Serving Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton, Collision 24 provides top-notch service and collision repairs of all kinds. To schedule a service appointment or for towing services, give us a call today!

 

Car Towing Plymouth MA

Between its beautiful scenery and rich history, Plymouth, MA, fascinates tourists and locals alike. Founded by the Pilgrims in 1620, Plymouth is known as America’s Hometown and is one of the oldest municipalities in the United States. Sites such as Plymouth Rock, the Plimouth Plantation, and Pilgrim Memorial State Park offer a fascinating slice of American history and are some of the most popular attractions to visit in New England.

Towing Services Around Plymouth

Accident_1No matter how cautious you are when driving around Plymouth, emergencies can arise at a moment’s notice. That’s why it’s important to have a towing company like Collision 24 in your corner. We proudly serve communities in Stoughton, Randolph, and Brockton, and we’re available whenever and wherever you need a tow truck.

Collision 24 is located right around the corner from Plymouth in Brockton, and we’re there for you round-the-clock anytime you need to tow your car. Whether your car broke down or you’ve been in an accident, we strive to make our services as prompt, convenient, and helpful as possible.

Collision 24 has a several kinds of tow trucks in our inventory, depending on what your situation requires. After assessing the situation, we’ll pick you up, hook your car to the truck bed, take it to our shop in Brockton, and make any repairs or restorations that it needs.

It’s unnerving when you’re stranded on the side of the road, especially at night or during inclement weather. No matter the situation or time of day, Collision 24 will tow you and your car back to safety.

Make Collision 24 Your #1 Choice for Towing Services

Women Car TroubleWhether your car broke down or you’ve been involved in an accident, our body shop is here for you 24/7 the next time you need a tow truck. Call us at 508- 586-2010 anytime you need a tow truck in Plymouth.

Collision 24 is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm.

Driving Directions from Plymouth to Collision 24 in Brockton, MA

Collision 24 is conveniently located at 97 Manley Street in Brockton, MA, roughly a half hour from Plymouth.

In Plymouth, head northwest on Court Street toward Chilton Street. Turn left onto Samoset Street then use the right lane to take the US 44 West ramp.

Merge onto US 44 and take exit 7 for US 44 West toward Taunton/Providence, RI. For 14.6 miles, continue on US 44 West.

At the traffic circle, take the second exit and stay on US 44 West. Turn right to merge onto I-495 North towards MA 24/Marlboro/Boston and follow for 4 miles.

Take exit 7A and merge onto MA 24 North toward Boston for 8.6 miles. Take exit 17A to merge onto MA 123 East/Belmont Street toward Brockton.

Merge onto MA 123 East/Belmont Street and turn right onto Manley Street. Collision 24 will be on your right.

4 Tips to Extend Your Battery’s Life This Winter

After a cold snap, we at Collision 24 repair dozens of dead car batteries at our location in Brockton. That’s because frigid winter weather causes their charge to drain, especially if certain parts are wet, corroding, or uninsulated.

Dead car batteries may be a common result of cold temperatures, but you can take some simple steps to keep yours charged and healthy this winter. Here are a few ways that you can prevent your car battery from draining in Randolph or Stoughton when winter weather is at its worst:

1.       Keep Your Battery Clean

battery-replacementCorrosion tends to accumulate in certain spots on your car, including its battery terminals. Rust or debris around the terminals prevents the electrical current from passing to the cables, which reduces the amount of power certain car components receive. Using a screwdriver to clear away rust buildup allows these electrical currents to flow freely, decreases damage from building up inside your battery, and improves your car’s performance.

Dirt, grime, and dust can also get on your battery’s casing, which quickly drains its battery. Using a damp rag to clean your battery in Stoughton, Randolph, or Brockton will keep it running properly and prevent its charge from deteriorating.

2.       Turn Off Non-Essential Accessories

CarBattery_88255579This is especially important if your battery charge light appears on your dashboard. Some of your car’s favorite accessories, including the radio, infotainment center, and heated seats, use a significant amount of electricity to operate. Shutting off these components can conserve power in the long run and save your battery from draining when it needs to be recharged.

3.       Avoid Short Driving Tips

Starting your car puts extra stress on its battery during frigid conditions, which means shorter, more frequent driving trips force your battery to work double duty. To prevent stress and damage from accumulating on your battery this winter, avoid short driving trips during the winter. Combining your errands into a longer trip saves energy and prevents your battery’s charge from depleting.

4.       Install an Insulation Blanket

We all put on extra layers to keep warm during the winter, and putting some on your car battery can be beneficial. Plastic insulation blankets are a great way to extend the life of your battery in cold climates, as they prevent its fluid from freezing. If you’re replacing a dead car battery, talk to a mechanic about installing an insulation blanket.

Service Your Battery at Collision 24 in Brockton

If you’ve ever dealt with a dead battery, you know how inconvenient and costly repairs can be. Luckily, these simple steps can extend the life of your battery and prevent its charge from depleting.

Collision 24 has everything you need to keep your battery running properly. Whether you need an inspection or a new battery, schedule a service appointment at Collision 24, conveniently located at 97 Manley Street in Brockton, MA, today! We’re open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm.

Car Parts to Check Before Winter Brockton, MA

When winter approaches, you may invest in a new parka, a wooly sweater, or an impenetrable set of snow boots to trek through New England blizzards and ice storms.

Like your winter wardrobe, your car may need a few new pieces to improve its performance in snow and frigid cold. Here are five car parts you should inspect before winter hits Brockton, Stoughton, or Randolph.

1.     Tires

winter-tire1Worn-out tires and black ice is a recipe for disaster, especially with New England’s harsh winter weather. To prevent skidding and sliding, check your tire treads for damage and replace them when necessary. Doing so significantly decreases your chances of colliding with other motorists, improves your overall handling, and increases your fuel economy.

We also recommend investing in winter tires, which are made with an elastic rubber compound and deeper tread depths for extra traction control. Designed to dispel slush and remain flexible in frigid cold, winter tires are your best defense against sliding on snow-covered roadways.

2.     Wiper Blades

Once snowflakes start falling, so do visibility levels while driving. That’s why it’s important that your windshield wipers are prepared for the next winter storm. Any smears, streaks, or spotting from your windshield wipers indicate that their blades are worn down and should be replaced as soon as possible.

close up windshield wiperIf you need to change your windshield wipers, consider trying a pair of winter blades. These come with an added layer of rubber and are better at clearing winter elements from your windshield than regular blades. They also prevent ice from building up over time to maintain a clear, unblemished view of the road ahead.

3.     Belts

Worn-out belts beneath your hood can cause your engine to overheat, the battery to drain, or the power steering to fail. Cold weather is notorious for damaging your belts or exacerbating any existing issues they face, so be sure to inspect them before winter hits.

Frayed, cracked, or splitting accessory belts could leave you stranded on a cold backroad this season, and a tow truck would be your only way out. Luckily, belts are easy to replace before the winter weather sets in.

4.     Battery

brakesCar batteries, especially when wet or dirty, drain quickly once temperatures drop. According to AAA, car batteries lose approximately 60% of their strength at 0oF and 35% of their charge at 32oF. Be sure to keep your car battery clean, dry, and charged throughout the winter to prevent costly and inconvenient repairs from adding up. You can read more about extending the life of your battery this winter here.

5.     Brakes

No matter how cautious you are during a snowstorm, accidents can still happen. Brakes are your best defense against collisions in Stoughton, Randolph, and Brockton, which is why it’s important they are working properly this winter.

Faulty brakes are a major hazard during snow squalls or blizzards. Brakes help you regain control on icy, slick roads, so you can drive with confidence in spite of the elements.

Check Your Car Before Winter at Collision 24

Winter weather can take a toll on your car if you’re not careful. Luckily, Collision 24 in Brockton has everything you need to winterize your car this season. Schedule a servicing appointment with us today to inspect your car’s parts before winter hits.

Why it’s Important to Check Your Tail Lights

The operation and safety of your vehicle is vital to you and those around you. Every device on a car has a purpose, whether it is for operation, safety or comfort. Taillights are no different. Taillights are an extremely important part of a vehicle.

It is important that the taillights are inspected regularly and replaced as needed. The proper care and routine inspection will not only keep your vehicle running the way it was meant to, but will ensure safety of you and those around you, as well as help reduce the possibilities of accidents.

Safety is the number one reason for taillights

The whole reason for taillights is to relay to others what you are doing. The taillights indicate to the drivers behind you several different things—they tell a driver whether you are turning, preparing to stop, stopped or backing up.

Also, if you are in distress on the side of the road, you are more visible to traffic if your hazard lights are on. It allows drivers to know they should proceed with caution. All-in-all, drivers who are behind you are able to better predict your actions on the road through your taillights.

The proper way to inspect the taillights

The best way to know how to change your lights is to check with your owner’s manual. Your vehicle will have its own light requirements unique to its make and model. The manual usually gives you simple instructions on inspecting and replacing your taillights.  The steps for checking your taillights are fairly simple. You can perform the check and it should only take you a few minutes. Here is what you will need to do:

  • You will be checking the running lights, the turn signals and the brake lights
  • You may want to have someone assist you in checking the taillights
  • If you need to check the lights by yourself, back the vehicle up near a window and look at the refection through your back window
  • Tap your brakes
  • Switch on your right turn signal than your left
  • Switch to night time running lights
  • Turn on your hazard lights

If there are any lights out, check your fuses. If the piece of metal in the fuse looks broken or fractured, the fuse is blown and will need to be replaced. If the fuses look good you may need to replace one or more of the blubs. You can replace the fuses and light bulbs yourself; you will need to know the proper bulbs for your make and model. You can take them with you for assistance.

If you need to, seek the help of professionals

There is no need to stress if you have trouble with the taillights in your car. There are many professionals that can help you with the inspection and replacement of the taillights. A professional can tell you what needs replacing or what products are best suited for your car. They can also perform the replacement for you. Just contact a professional near you.

Collision 24 is a full service, state-of-the-art repair center located in the Brockton area of Massachusetts. Our services extend to the surrounding areas, and we will gladly help you with your car repairs. No matter what the reason or the need, you can count on it being stress-free with Collision 24. If you need a repair or service, contact us at Collision 24 or schedule an appointment.