When is a car considered totaled?

Getting into a car accident is scary and worrisome in itself- the insurance claims process should not be another worry! Watch this video to find out what to do and some best practices to make sure your claims process goes as smoothly as possible.

Beaux Knows Insurance - Reed Insurance

The History of Automotive Repairs - Why We Need Trained Technicians in the Collision Repair Industry

Vehicle History Overview

* They don't make them like they used to.

The First Cars

* The first motor cars were nothing more than a buggy and engine (Generally repaired by blacksmiths and carpenters. These cars were very expensive, which only the wealthy could afford)
* Model T was the first car mass production on an assembly line in 1908 (Ford's Vision was to produce an affordable car the average person could purchase)
* Model T's came in black only to keep the costs down. (The price came down once the assembly line was streamlined, but in 1908, the cost for a Model T started at $825. By 1913 the cost of the car reduced to $550)

Cars in the 1960s

Cars were made the same basic way up through the 60s

* Body Over Frame
* Rear Wheel Drive (Same concept, but the cars were very big, bulky, and heavy)

Except people in the 60s wanted SPEED! They achieved this with Big Block Motors, which created a lot of Horsepower. (The Birth of Hotrods, Rat Fink, Flames, and Pin Striping).

Cars in the 1970s

* The government place strict fuel economy and emissions control laws
* Customers demanded cars with increased fuel economy
* New laws and customer demands started the automotive explosion of engineering ideas and changes in the automotive industry

Changes to comply with Demands and Laws

* Smaller bodied cars and smaller engines
* Aerodynamics (Increase Fuel Mileage)
* Lighter cars by using different materials and designs
* More work-hardened areas created during formation of panel (Body Lines)
* Safety

Construction of Interstate Highways + Higher Speed Limits + More High Performance Cars = Accidents and More

Deaths from Auto Accidents

Federal Laws were passed to regulate safety. These laws included:

* Installation of seatbelts
* Safety glass windshields
* Head restraints
* In 1979, the first driver side airbag was introduced
* Airbags are mandatory in motor cars produced after 1990
* Unibody Torque Boxes: Allow controlled twisting and crushing
* Crush Zones: Made to collapse during collision (To act as an absorber, absorbing the impact)

Modern Day Cars

* Carbon Fiber Parts
* Aluminum Parts
* More Plastic Parts
* High Strength Steel
* Boron Steel
* Unibody Construction
* Space Frame Construction
* Computer
* Hybrid Cars

Now they even have cars that will tell you when you're lost, where to turn, Parallel Park for you.

Conclusion

While the modern day cars appear to be made cheap and unsafe, they are actually designed to crush or collapse, while transferring the energy around the stronger passenger compartment to protect the passengers from injury.

There is considerably more damage to modern day cars during a collision than the older vehicles, which gives the perception that "they don't make them like they used to". However, in reality the cars are taking the impact instead of the passengers.

The lesson was designed to give you a little history, but to also emphasize that just a hammer, dolly and a few wrenches are not going to repair today's cars. We need highly trained collision repair and automotive technicians to repair today's vehicles.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4210770

The Importance of a Properly Installed Windshield

Did you know up to 30% of your vehicle’s structural strength is derived from your windscreen? Or that the windscreen supports the airbag or airbag cover when activated in an accident?

The vital role a windscreen plays in the safety of your vehicle cannot be overstated. Every time we turn the ignition we place our trust in our vehicle. Our safety and that of our passengers, other motorists and pedestrians is reliant on our vehicle’s components meeting all necessary safety standards.

Windscreens form a key part of your vehicle's safety restraint system (SRS).

SRS has been developed to keep the driver and passengers inside the vehicle during an accident. Provisions for seat belts and air bags are found in the SRS, and each component within the SRS must be functioning for the vehicle to be deemed safe.

Occupant ejection and head injuries account for a large proportion of fatalities in road accidents. Maintaining the integrity of the windscreen is integral to the prevention of such occurrences as the windscreen helps keep passengers inside the car while supporting the roof and the airbags when activated.

For optimal safety, always repair a windscreen as soon as the damage occurs. Repair can save the windscreen and in doing so maintain its original factory seal, which will help reduce the risk of air and water leakage.

Hiring a trained specialist to fix your windscreen is paramount, which is why it pays to use an AGA member who understands the standards, has access to the latest technical advice and abides by a code of practice. Click here for a list of auto glass technicians because

when it comes to safety, there should be no compromise.

A word on wiper blades…

Who has waited for the next rainy day before remembering their wiper blades need changing? Even though maintaining vision in inclement weather is critical, for some reason wipers aren’t seen as a priority. The AGA recommends wipers are changed regularly, at least twice a year.

Source: https://www.autoglass.org.au/Safety

Tips For Avoiding a Rear-End Crash

You might be able to prevent a rear-end crash if you apply a little technique to how you handle following distance.

Nine facts on road safety explained

Wen Injuries occur the obvious answer is speed management 30 K should be the maximum speed where cars cyclists and pedestrians mix but there are more tools than speed limits how we train drivers inverse rules and design roads roundabouts force drivers to slow down for instance they also have fewer points flict and make collisions at dangerous angles almost impossible there is now ample evidence to show but a reduction of just 1% in the average speeds of vehicles lead to a reduction of 4% of in the number of fatal crashes 33% of a scooter crashes end with head injuries twice as many as with bicycles according to a recent US study the bicycle has long been a favorite for shorter trips recently electric bikes scooters and also more exotic devices have become hugely popular are they the future of urban mobility or safety risks on wheels innovations in micro mobility may bring new crash risks but if we understand those risks we can counter them 8 out of 10 fatal crashes with micro vehicles involve cars so micro mobility requires protection its own protected Street space or traffic calming where all vehicles must sharethe space street design must also serve the safety of do's using micro vehicles if we can make it safe micro mobility rhymes with opportunity that of shaping a sustainable urban mobility landscape zero deaths on our roads Easter vision we must aim for it is unacceptable that anyone should lose his or her life a the price for other people to get from A to B or zero that's possible it's a vision and I am optimistic a vision makes us think about what needs to actually happen so we get there it changes our mindset and the truth is we have become far too complacent about road safety we have accepted it as normal that people die in traffic bu our starting point should be that ttcrashes must never be deadly even if someone makes a mistake if it transform our human mobility based on this idea what now seems utopian comes into reach you

  

What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents?

What are the most common causes of auto accidents? Safety experts agree that the number-one cause of accidents is human error.

Almost all crashes can be prevented by more careful behavior and responsible conduct and driving habits. In more recent years, this is commonly known as "Distracted Driving" and it takes on many different forms.

The most common mistakes drivers make include drinking and driving; speeding; drag racing other vehicles; driving while fatigued; and distractions involving applying make-up, talking, singing, passenger misconduct or immaturity, eating or drinking, texting, browsing social media sites or other activities involving smart phones. But in many cases, simply not paying attention and being mentally distracted by personal matters can cause drivers to drift out of the lane, run red lights and stop signs or break other basic traffic rules.

These "Distractions" and many others have caused many, many terrible, needless and life-changing accidents that were otherwise avoidable or preventable.

Should I Have My Car Repaired?

After an accident, consumers often wonder if having their car repaired is worth the time, money, effort and risk.

• "Won't my insurance rates go up?"
• "The damage isn't that bad... Can't I just wait and have it done later?"
• "I'm selling the car soon anyway so why bother?"

Recognizing that there are inherent costs of time and money it is still usually advisable to have vehicles repaired unless they are deemed a total loss by a qualified and trusted body shop or insurance adjuster. 

In a nutshell our typical advice is this: Have it repaired, via an insurance claim, at a trusted body shop. Have it repaired. First, unless it's deemed a total loss, have it fixed. Repaired cars retain their value when it comes time to sell. You might save money in the short run but lose even more when you go to sell it. Un-repaired cars typically deteriorate after an accident. Remember the second law of thermodynamics from science class? Unchecked everything tends toward greater disorder. Cracked paint allows for rust. Broken parts strain adjacent parts and can cause further damage or even make the car unsafe. In short, repaired cars hold their value and are safer for you, your loved ones and other drivers.and Via insurance Second, it is almost always better to run it through insurance - yours or the other parties - if at all possible. Many people fear making a claim thinking there will be a premium increase. Typically that only occurs if there are multiple claims in a short period of time. (And even then it usually takes months before the increase goes into effect.) Many companies now offer accident forgiveness which allows you a certain number of claims before the rates are at risk of going up. Your agent can typically tell you case by case the impact a claim will have on your premiums. It's at least worth a phone call to your agent. Since you pay for insurance you might as well use it. Think about your monthly premium more as an investment in your car that will allow you to get your vehicle fixed right when you need it. If you're not at fault your insurance company can fight for you better than you can fight for yourself. Yes, you'll have to pay your deductible after the repairs are completed but they can often recover that money if you're not at fault. In the auto body business we see this happen all the time. Insurance companies have the skills, knowledge and attorneys most of us couldn't afford. This is one of the reasons we pay them, right? If for any reason you are unable (or decide not to) use insurance many shops have an "Economy Repair" option. This is case by case and depends on the body shop but it never hurts to ask. After getting an estimate simply ask if there is any cheaper way to get the repairs done since you are not going through insurance. They may be able to find aftermarket parts or extend a self-pay discount.

Use a trusted body shop Lastly, for the repairs find a reputable body shop to perform the repairs. There are a few things you can do to determine if a shop is reputable. I suggest you use all of these together rather than rely on just one. First, ask your insurance company who they recommend. Shops on insurance preferred repairer lists tend to be better monitored and have a longer track record of quality repairs. Second, check for reviews to see if the shop has good recommendations from other consumers and even consumer advocates like the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). Typically there are also reviews online of reputable shops at sites like Google and Yelp. Just type the name of the shop into a search engine and reviews will typically be available for shops with a long track record of quality repairs. You can also get reviews or recommendations by asking friends of their experiences with a body shop. Finally, visit the shop, request an estimate and take the opportunity to simply look around. You will need to trust your gut on this one but shops that are clean, professional and orderly are more likely trustworthy than ones that are dirty, in disarray and have a rude staff. Hopefully you will not need the advice this article offers but if you find yourself in a collision I hope you will consider having your car repaired, via an insurance claim by a trusted body shop. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3798181

If your car has been damaged in an accident bring it in to Corby's Collision! We have been in business for 47 years in Vacaville, California. When you do business with Corby's Collision you will not only deal with their qualified and professional staff but, also with Paul himself. He is an Owner/Operator and likes to be "hands on" with everything that goes in and out of the shop.

707-448-1696

Preventing Teen Car Accidents: 5 Tips Every Parent Should Know

Teen car accidents are the number one cause of teenage deaths in the United States. Every year, nearly 6,000 teenagers are killed in an automobile accident. Given this frightening statistic, it's important for you to take an active role in improving your kids driving skills.

Here are 5 simple tips that you can use to keep your teenage drivers safe:

1. Gradually Increase Their Driving Experience
Most teen car accidents happen because kids make bad driving judgments. This is because your teenage driver simply lacks the same level of driving experience that you have.

Teaching your kids how to manually drive a vehicle is the easy part. Teaching them how to deal with difficult driving scenarios, is a bit more challenging.

You can improve your teenager's driving skills by gradually building their experience with different real world conditions. For example, the next time it rains, take your teenager out for a drive. See how they handle driving a vehicle in slightly more challenging weather conditions. This can help you correct any weaknesses in their driving. Later on, you can incorporate other driving scenarios, like driving at night or on the highway.

By gradually exposing them to different driving scenarios, you can help build your kids confidence, improve their driving skills, and most importantly keep them safe.

2. Share Your Car Accident Experiences
Most teenagers don't like to be told how to drive by their parents. A good way to indirectly teach your kids about safe driving is by sharing your own car accident experiences.

Perhaps you, or someone you know, were in a car accident once. Talk to your teenager about what caused the accident, how you felt afterwards, and which consequences you had to deal with. Try to paint a vivid picture in their mind about the dangers of reckless driving.

Sharing a personal story can be a better approach than simply telling your teenager to be a safe driver. Kids often hate getting another "lecture" from mom or dad. By sharing your driving experiences, you are implicitly sharing your knowledge. This approach can make your kids be more open to your advice and have a bigger impact on improving their driving habits.

3. Reduce the Number of Passengers
Most teenager drivers are very eager to drive their friends around. However, statistics on teenage car accidents have shown that the number of teen accidents increase with each additional passenger.

To reduce the risk with your teenage driver, you should initially limit the number of allowed passengers in the vehicle to 2 or 3. Let your kids know that once they become comfortable driving with a small number of people, you will gradually allow more passengers.

This is a good compromise since your kids can still drive with their friends and you can limit the number of passenger distractions.

4. Use Seat Belts
Wearing a seat belt is often the simplest way to prevent serious car accident injuries, yet most teenage drivers ignore it. Why? The simple reason is that it is a bad driving habit. The best way to correct this bad habit is to replace it with a good habit; wearing a seat belt at all times while driving.

You should also make sure that your kids wear their seat belts before starting their vehicle. Many teenagers start to put on their seat belts after they have begun driving. This of course creates a distraction and puts them more at risk of getting into an accident.

Just like changing any habit, this can take some time to develop. However, if you consistently remind your kids to wear their seat belts, pretty soon it will be ingrained in them.

5. Be a Good Role Model
The most important thing you can do to keep your teenage driver safe is by setting a good example.

If you are unwilling to practice the safety driving tips, so will your teenager. For example, If you are unwilling to wear your seat belt while driving, what makes you think your kids will wear one?

Kids learn more from what you do, not what you say. By saying one thing and doing another, you send your kids mixed signals which can make them more prone to car accidents.

Preaching, "do as I say, not as I do" rarely works with teenagers. If you want your teenage driver to be a more responsible, it all starts with you setting a good example.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6025350

Happy Customers are Corby's Collision's Top Priority!

"Hands On" Owner / Operator, Paul Troutner, of Corby's Collision in Vacaville,  California discusses happy customers and alignments.

For more information, please visit http://corbysvacaville.com/

Top 10: LUXURY Car CRASH TEST ! ! !

Hey guys, In this video I've shown you the Top 10 Luxury cars crash tests. Enjoy :) Don't forget to share this with your friends ;)

India Sonic

India Sonic

Old Car vs Modern Car during Crash Test / Evolution of Car Safety

The first models and designs for automobiles were created in the 15th century by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, and the state of the global auto industry has evolved significantly since. First steam, to electric, gasoline, and today’s hybrids, the evolution of safety features in cars plays an essential role in reducing the once overwhelming number of injuries and damages resulting from auto accidents. Auto manufacturers have come a long way over the history of auto safety, paving the way for improved global safety standards.

Unfortunately, as a vehicle ages, a number of factors come into play that reduce the automobiles safety, aside from mechanical wear and tear. According to statistics, a driver is 10 times as likely to suffer fatal injuries in a collision while operating a 30-year-old vehicle versus a late model. The auto industry is continually working to improve the safety of current mechanisms, as well as developing and testing new ideas for safer vehicles. Developments in driving technology and new types of airbags have been prevalent just this year.

While the ultimate safe vehicle may be a long way off, American auto manufacturers have made significant strides in improving the overall security and protection a vehicles structure provides. Over the past 3 decades, fatal accidents in the U.S. have decreased by more than 1/5, a substantial decrease demonstrating immense progress in terms of the safety features in cars.

The need to revolutionize auto safety was not fully realized until the 1950s, when the first usable airbags were developed, among other safety mechanisms. Then, in 1970, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was created. The organization still uses the same name today, and continues its role in promoting and effectively executing driving safety regulations throughout the U.S. Whether creating new policies or revising existing regulations (at the state and federal level), the NHTSA and the United States have been true catalysts in the history of car safety.

TESLA COLLISION REPAIR : CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN

In this video you will see the process required to repair a damaged Tesla quarter panel and rear bumper. A few tips and tricks along the way, Enjoy!

AutoBodyDoctor

1.12K subscribers

Tesla Cybertruck Crash Test – Frontal Impact (Full Width Rigid Barrier)

The Tesla Cybertruck underwent a 35 mph frontal crash test to assess its safety and passenger protection. The windshield remained intact, and the doors stayed functional after impact. The vehicle received an overall 5-star frontal crash rating, with 5 stars for the driver and 4 stars for the front passenger. The video includes pre- and post-crash images, dummy acceleration data, and battery close-ups. Watch to see how the Cybertruck performed in this safety evaluation.

Yes This Car (YTC)

Source: NHTSA #Tesla #Cybertruck #CrashTest #TeslaCybertruck #VehicleSafety #CarCrashTest #FrontalImpact #ElectricTruck #EVSafety #AutoTesting #CarSafety

Garfield and AAA : Keep Your Children Safe in the Car

Garfield shares an important safety message from AAA on keeping your children safe in the car. For more information about child passenger safety, contact your local AAA club or visit www.AAA.com/safeseats4kids for fun safety activities.

AAA

Good Headlights Mean Fewer Crashes - IIHS News

                                     Good IIHS headlight ratings linked to lower crash rates

The headlight ratings program developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is reducing dangerous nighttime crashes in the real world, a recent study shows.

Nighttime crash rates per mile are nearly 20 percent lower for vehicles with headlights that earn a good rating in the IIHS evaluation, compared with those with poor-rated headlights, the study found. For vehicles with acceptable or marginal headlights, crash rates are 15 percent and 10 percent lower than for those with poor ratings.