Let's face it.  The economy is pathetic right now, and it's not going to improve overnight.  All of us are now faced with the likelihood of decreased income, at the same time as increased expenses; as if these aren't bad enough, now we live with the threat of a new sales tax on labor ... Let's just hope it doesn't actually happen.  Because budgets are so tight for everyone, planning ahead for unexpected costs is more important that ever. A fairly common problem we see quite frequently is people not having enough money to pay their deductible, and so they are forced to continue to drive unsafe vehicles until they somehow come up with the money they need.  One reason why this is such a problem is that competition in the insurance industry is so fierce, that anyone selling policies will most likely give the consumer a quote, based upon the highest possible deductible amount; this creates the illusion of a substantial savings in your best interest, when in reality, you are simply agreeing to pay a higher percentage of the repair costs, in the event of a collision. 
    Think about this: The average repair cost,according to national statistics, is $2,000.00.  If you have a $1,000.00deductible, you are paying 50% of the repair cost!  That's great for the insurance provider, but bad for you; ask yourself, how many of us actually have an extra $1,000.00 or even $500.00, just sitting in our back pockets?  I know I don't.  Even though it seems like a good idea to save a little money over the course of a year, by paying a higher deductible, that idea usually proves to be very painful when you unexpectedly have to use your collision insurance; it's far less painful to pay between $20.00 and $40.00extra per month, over the course of a year.  I recommend calling your agent to have your annual cost recalculated, with a lower deductible amount.

Aaron Cooper
Director of Marketing
Sonshine Auto Body
(760) 243-3185

Even though we all have to make financial sacrifices these days, a cutback that should never be made is one which affects your insurance coverage limits. ... << MORE >>

From the time you purchase an insurance policy to the time you actually file a claim, you are bombarded with a great deal of information that you're not likely to fully understand, let alone remember. This is why your insurance agent is so very important to keep in contact with. ... << MORE >>

Many people believe that if you file a repair claim, when you are the driver "at fault", that you automatically become a candidate for being dropped by your insurance company. ... << MORE >>

There's a term that the general public is beginning to hear quite frequently, in the industry: steering. This is a very disturbing word for any collision repair shop, as well as for the consumer. Steering occurs whenever an insurance company coerces their insured to take their damaged vehicle to a repair facility of the insurance company's choice, instead of letting you, the consumer, choose for yourself. ... << MORE >>

"A fairly common problem we see quite frequently is people not having enough money to pay their deductible, and so they are forced to continue to drive unsafe vehicles until they somehow come up with the money they need. One reason why this is such a problem is that competition in the insurance industry is so fierce, that anyone selling policies will most likely give the consumer a quote, based upon the highest possible deductible amount; this creates the illusion of a substantial savings in your best interest, when in reality, you are simply agreeing to pay a higher percentage of the repair costs, in the event of a collision."<< MORE >>

   Welcome to our blog, where you will find important information and discussions regarding the collision repair and insurance industries.  Feel free to post your mature questions or comments.  All questions will be answered in a timely manner.  If you have a question that requires a private answer, feel free to email me at acooper@sonshinecollision.com . 

Best wishes,
Aaron Cooper
Marketing Director
(760) 243-3185