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There are many good reasons to choose Auto Collision Craftsmen to handle your auto repairs and painting needs. We could throw out words like experienced, honesty, and professionalism, but I would like to dig a little deeper. To begin, we know the collision repair and auto painting business inside and out. And, once you have a better understanding of how things work, with regards to accident repairs and filing insurance claims...you will discover that all shops are working for the same amount of money. This is regardless of where you have your vehicle repaired.

Auto Collision Craftsmen is not a high volume operation. We are more of a boutique, taking personalized care of your vehicle. All body and paint shops were not created equal. Some of the well know national repair shops like Maaco, run their businesses based on doing high volume. One of the major pitfalls of doing high volume is quality. It might be an acceptable practice to hire and train rookies in a fast food operation, but not a very good policy for repair and paint shops. So if you can take your auto anywhere you like, why not choose one that has a good reputation, honest, and does excellent work.

And, the most important reason to choose Auto Collision Craftsmen is we work for the customer, not the insurance companies. We do not cut corners, nor short change you...just to increase our profit margins. Our goal is to restore your vehicle back to the original condition, prior to the accident. And in turn, have another satisfied customer.

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Steps to Take Before Contacting Auto Insurance and Filing a Claim

Getting into an auto accident is no fun. With the heart racing and nerves on end, it becomes difficult to remember exactly what to do and what types of information to collect before contacting the auto insurance and filing an auto claim.

Tips for Being Prepared for an Auto Accident

Though drivers may not get into an auto accident or find a fallen tree crushing their auto every day, they should still take the following measures to be prepared should they find their car damaged:

• Keep an auto insurance information card in both glove compartment and wallet
• Keep a copy of the Auto Accident Hot Sheet Checklist below in glove compartment
• Keep two pens and a pad of paper in glove compartment
• Call police if necessary to determine fault
• Document everything

Getting in an auto accident or finding a tree on one's auto is no fun. That's why learning about auto insurance claims, how to file an auto claim, and how to be prepared for that day is important so the driver knows exactly what steps to take.

Auto Accident Hot Sheet Checklist: Steps to Take in the Event of an Auto Accident

1. Take a Moment to Calm Down. When the accident has just occurred, sit for a minute or so and take a couple of deep breaths.
2. Determine Damage and/or Injuries. Calmly step out of the car to inspect for damage and/or injuries. If it appears that injuries may require medical attention, call 911 immediately.
3. Determine Location. Look up at the street signs and determine the location of the auto accident. Write down the location and the nearest major intersection.
4. vObtain Auto Insurance and Contact Information. After inspecting the auto for damage and ensuring all parties are uninjured, exchange auto insurance and personal contact information.
5. Collect Vehicle Information. Write down the make and model of the car. Also write down the license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) located on the bottom of the driver's side windshield.
6. Do Not Discuss Auto Accident. Unless the auto accident is minor or fault is obvious, avoid discussing fault with the other driver. Discussions regarding the auto accident should be kept between the driver and the auto insurance, or the driver and police officer if the police are called to the scene.
7. Contact the Police. Unless the accident is minor, it may be a good idea to contact the police. A police officer will arrive on the scene of the auto accident, hear both sides, and file a legal accident report. This accident report could come in handy for determination of fault at a later date.
8. Take Pictures. Using a mobile phone or digital camera, snap pictures of the auto accident scene from various angles. This could help determine fault at a later date, and could aid in the auto claims process.
9. File Auto Insurance Claim. As soon as possible, contact auto insurance to file a claim. Typically this is done by phone. The driver can even file the claim at the scene of the accident; and if a police officer is present, the officer can speak to the auto insurance as well and clarify if necessary.

Drivers are supposed to feel safe in their cars, so it's a major shock to hear the dreaded "thud," the crumple of metal, and to see their car smoking. That's why it's important to be prepared so the driver knows exactly what steps to take in the unfortunate case of an auto accident.

What Is an Auto Insurance Claim?

An auto insurance claim is a communication between driver and auto insurance that damage to the driver's vehicle has occurred, typically as the result of an auto accident. However, an auto accident isn't the only scenario where the driver files a claim with his or her auto insurance.

Auto damage via natural disasters, theft, cracked windshields, hail damage, fallen trees, struck animals, and vandalism are also instances in which the driver must contact his or her auto insurance to file a claim.

How is an Auto Insurance Claim Filed?

An auto insurance claim is usually filed by contacting the driver's auto insurance by phone. However, some auto insurance companies allow drivers to file auto claims on the web, depending on the nature and complexity of the claim.

Essentially the steps to filing an auto insurance claim are as follows:

1. Determine whether to file a claim. Auto insurance keeps a record of claims and accidents and it may affect the driver's auto insurance rates regardless of fault. If the damage is minor or can be easily and cheaply repaired, contacting auto insurance to file a claim may be financially disadvantageous.
2. Exchange auto insurance information and personal contact info with the other driver.
3. Call the police. If there is a dispute as to who is at fault in the auto accident, call the police and state the location of the accident. A police officer will arrive on the scene of the auto accident, hear both sides, and will file a legal accident report.
4. File the auto insurance claim. Whether or not the accident is the fault of the driver, the auto insurance company should be notified immediately that an accident has taken place. This way, the auto insurance can help the driver through the claims process.
5. Document the auto accident. Although the claim has been filed with the driver's auto insurance, it's a very good idea to document the auto accident in detail. This way, the driver is prepared should the other party's auto insurance contact the driver to cooperate the details of the auto accident.

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We have two different types of customers that come into Auto Collision Craftsmen, Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Insurance Claim

An automobile policy has a fixed amount for the deductable, in which the person filing a claim is required to pay in order to get their auto repaired and painted. Each policy is based on your vehicles and the amount of insurance you agreed upon in your insurance policy. If you are unclear or confused about your deductable, contact your insurance agent and they should be able to answer any questions or concerns.

You should expect to pay your "deductable amount" when you vehicle has been repaired, and ready for pick-up. There are no up front costs to start your repairs.

Out-of-pocket Pricing

Due to the high cost of insurance, most people choose to pay cash for minor accidents which are their fault. This can be for one of their vehicles or someone else's vehicle. The advantage of going this route is to keep their insurance claims to a minimum. Most people don't realize that filing a claim goes on their insurance record. And, to most peoples surprise...the insurance company may raise their rates simply to recoup the money paid out for past claims. On the other hand, insurance companies periodically evaluate the policy holders to determine the risk factor and adjust rates. So either way, you loose. The only way to make sure that your rates stay as low as possible is by paying the out-of-pocket claims, if you can afford to do so. Most parents that have teenage drivers included on their family policy choose to always go this route and save the insurance claims for the major accidents. One last thing to keep in mind. If you have damaged someone else's auto, they may expect you to pay for a car rental. In most cases this is not an unreasonable request. After all, you did cause the accident and they may be without a vehicle while it's being repaired.

We offer a discount on our labor rate, for all out of pocket claims. You should expect to pay for the parts at the time of "Drop Off" and the balance due at time of "Pick-up".

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Before renting a car, check with your insurance agent to see if it's going to be covered by your insurance company. And, once you get past that conversation, may we suggest trying Enterprise. They have good rates, and offer free pick-up, depending on your location and time of day. So one way or another, you will be back behind the wheel in no time.

Enterprise
18540 Woodfield Road
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879
Phone: 301-948-8188
Fax: 301-869-3631
http://enterprise.com

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As mentioned earlier. Our reputation is founded on our commitment to your satisfaction. We believe quality workmanship must be combined with courteous and professional service. This is all a part of going the extra mile. Our management and staff are dedicated to meet and exceed all of your expectations. We just don't say this without any follow through. As a courtesy, we're more than willing to drop you at your home or place of business. After all, you have dealt with enough stress since the time of your accident.

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You can use your insurance company's recommendations on towing companies, or may we suggest SST Towing. We have always had good experience in working with them. You can contact them directly or have us take care of everything for you!

Scott Simpson Towing (SST)
Phone: 301-570-4487
Fax: 301-924-3673
They accept all major credit cards.
Provide Prompt, Careful, & Affordable Rates.

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Just in case you need to contact a local dealership, this happened to be a very good source.

Visit: http://www.edmunds.com/dealerships/all/Maryland/Gaithersburg.html It also allows you to search other cites on the same page.

Good luck on your shopping!

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We thought it would be helpful to give you links to all of the manufacturers.

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If you did or didn't like the way your Insurance Company handled your last claim, let them know. Check for automobile Insurance rates before your next renewal, from the many listed below.

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Auto Collision Craftsmen is run by Ernie Lanciano & Donna Hawkins. They are not only knowledgeable about the repair and paint shop business, but are extremely friendly and always helpful. Together they make the repair of your vehicle worry free.

Ernie Lanciano is the body shop Owner & Manager of Auto Collision Craftsmen. He leads his team of bodymen and painters in all aspects of repairs. He has over 30 years experience in body repair and painting, with over 17 years of managing body shops.

Donna Hawkins is the Office Manager & Estimator. She has over 25 years of customer service experience, and 10 years in the body shop business writing estimates and coordinating with insurance companies.

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"Auto Collision Craftsmen did such great work, I can't wait to have another accident. All kidding a side, when they said my car would be ready on Thursday, it was! Not only that. They did a great Job! I can't say enough about theses guys. Thanks Ernie & Donna."

- Tom & Bridget, Klein

"OMG, it was the least painful accident I have ever had. They walked me through the process, and told me just what to expect. I never thought they would make it look like new again, but they did. I have already told all of my friends about theses guys. Love all of the dog pictures on the wall. Donna & Ernie, you guys are the best!"

- Rita Storm

"The Best of the Best! I highly recommend Auto Collision Craftsmen for all your auto body work. The quality of their work is second to none. Unfortunately I have a couple teenage drivers that have had a few mishaps with our cars in recent years and have become familiar faces around the body shop. Because of their warm and friendly customer service I feel like I now have a friend in the auto body business. Thanks Ernie and Donna…"

- Pete

"Superior workmanship!! Best service and craftsmanship that you can find...friendly, dependable, and prompt service with reasonable rates; I would not take my vehicles anywhere else!"

- McAuduley Park, Potomac, MD

"Ernie and Donnas efficent craftmen have always given us back our vehicles as good as new. Ernies experience of over 35 years in every facet of this trade insures the quality control necessary for these repairs.They have acomplished repairs on a fleet I owned of over 60 vehicles. They know how to work for a contractor that requires quick turn around of vehicles with repairs done right the first time. In addition they have repaired my wife's and children's cars as well. I have had the privledge of knowing them for over 25 years and have found their integrity and abilities unique to their industry. I recommend them to all my friends and anyone needing their care repaired properly the first time and as quickly as possible while still maintaing the craftmanship that is true to their buisness name"

- Wayne Past, President and CEO

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Auto Collision Craftsmen
7865 Cessna Avenue
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879
In the Montgomery County Airpark
Phone: 301-216-0630
Fax: 301-216-2790

Website: AutoCollisionCraftsmen.com
Email: info@autocollisioncraftsmen.com

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If you're looking for good people to do business with, may we suggest the following:

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We are proudly serving the following areas:

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