AIR BAGS: At an air bag seminar, I learned a couple of things that I'd like to share with you: 1) When your car has a passenger side air bag, don't place a rear-facing infant seat on the passenger side. 2) Even if your car has an air bag, for maximum safety, it is still necessary to wear a seat belt. 3) Your air bag will only go off during a front-end collision over 14mph. 4) During activation of the air bag, your arms may get scratched, but the white dust you see is talcum powder and corn starch, not a harmful chemical. 5) Deflation of the air bag begins immediately.

ALIGNMENTS When will the insurance company pay for a front end alignment? After an accident, if there is evidence of cuts, dents or extra black rubber marks on your wheel or tire, your insurance company should allow an alignment. This includes direct hits from the other vehicle and indirect hits when pushed into a curb. Otherwise, an alignment is considered normal maintenance and you are responsible for payment.

BIG INVESTMENT Next to your home, your auto is probably the second biggest investment you will make. Since a well-kept vehicle will provide years of dependable transportation, don't ignore accident damage or the beginning stages of rust which can deduct from the resale value of your vehicle. Untreated rust, like cancer, will spread. So you might as well take care of your auto's dings and dents and drive a good looking investment.

CHOOSING A SHOP  In Title 31, 1977, the PA Insurance Department says it is wrong to "directly or indirectly coerce, persuade,...or advise the customer that...motor vehicle...damage must be, should be, or could be repaired at any particular location or by any particular...business."  Plainly stated, "the law emphatically prohibits:  a direct referral or unrequested recommendations."  So, always remember, you own the car, you pay the insurance, and you should be able to take your car to Lebanon Body Shop whenever you want to.  Ps. Effective 10/23/99, an Annex to Title 31, 62.1, states (among other things) THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT TO USE ANY SPECIFIED REPAIR SHOP....

DEDUCTIBLES Most insurance companies act within 10 days to settle claims. But, if someone hits you and does not report the accident to his insurance company, or is uninsured, you may have to settle under your insurance coverage and pay your deductible. The alternative is to hire a lawyer. Because a lawyer could cost as much or more than your deductible, in my opinion, hiring a lawyer may be unwise at this stage. Also, paying insurance premiums is like paying a retainer to have a staff of lawyers specializing in auto accidents waiting to work for you. Finally, when your insurance company recovers the cost of your accident repairs (up to 9 months), your deductible could be refunded.

DEPRECIATION Items like tires and batteries wear out. It is customary for insurance companies to "depreciate" these items by paying for a portion of the replacement cost. For example, if your two and one-half year old car has a five-year battery, the insurance company may only pay half of the replacement cost. You can prepare for any amount you must pay for depreciated tires or batteries by reviewing your insurance company's written damage estimate. Lebanon Body Shop will be glad to help if you don't understand your estimate!

DUMB ANIMALS Unfortunately, some accidents involve animals. In spring or during mating and hunting season, there is an increase in animal/car collisions. While we don't want to insult anyone by calling a deer, dog, cow, or horse a dumb animal, it is important to know that most insurance policies make reference to "dumb animals." Since comprehensive deductibles covering "dumb animals" are usually $0 to $100, the insurance company will look for evidence that another car was not involved which could warrant both a collision deductible of $200 to $1000 and increased insurance rates. Therefore, if an animal runs into your car, don't wash off manure or hair that supports your experience.

ENCUMBRANCES I purchased my car with borrowed money which resulted in the "bank's" name going on my car title as a lien or encumbrance holder. Because the "bank" is considered part owner until the loan is paid-off, checks issued for accident claims will also contain the name of the "bank." It is customary for the bank to insist on proof that the accident repairs are completed. Don't worry. At Lebanon Body Shop, we work with customers to get the insurance check released. When you pick up your repaired vehicle, simply sign the back of the check and provide your account number and bank address. Lebanon Body Shop will take care of the rest. Oh yes, to eliminate confusion after your car is paid-off, notify your insurance agent in order to have the encumbrance holder's name removed from your policy.

HIT & RUN To protect yourself against hit and run charges, no matter how minor an accident may seem, STOP IMMEDIATELY. If the car must be towed or there are injuries, report the accident to the police. Otherwise, write a description of the accident noting the date, time, other driver's information, witnesses, weather conditions and street names. Pictures of the scene are helpful too.

PAINT How do you take care of fresh automotive paint? By hand, with dish soap and water, immediately wash off dirt, especially bird droppings and leaves that contain acid capable of eating through your new paint. Next, try not to park your car in full sun. Also, since it can act like sand-paper, never use a dry cloth to wipe off new paint. Finally, wait three months before waxing or running your car through a car wash.

SELF SETTLEMENT To avoid increased insurance rates, some people pay for minor accident damage without involving the insurance company. If you use this method, help protect yourself from medical claims by including a release on the back of your check. For example, "acceptance of this check constitutes full and complete settlement of all claims involved in the accident of 'date.'" What's a fair price to pay? Following insurance company procedures, ask for an estimate from one or two reliable shops. Since standardized estimating guides are used, more than two estimates wastes both time and gasoline. Remember, the injured party could elect to settle their claim through their insurance company.

TOTAL LOSSES: When repair costs amount to 80% or more of the fair market value (resale value) of the vehicle, an insurance company will probably total your vehicle.  To see approximately what your vehicle is worth, visit NADA guides.  Insurance companies take the average of two such guides.  If your car has sentimental value or you just put a lot of money into mechanical repairs and want to keep it, the law requires your title show that the vehicle was a total loss.  In this case, be prepared for additional notary fees and to cover the cost of repairs in excess of the insurance company payment.