As the number of bicyclists on our roads increase, Fix Auto encourages mutual respect while sharing the road.

Wear a helmet – It is the single most effective way for you to prevent head injury when in a crash.

Follow the Rules of the Road - Both drivers and cyclists are vehicle operators and must follow traffic laws, including obeying traffic signals and signs. The law requires cyclists, when riding in the street, ride in the same direction as vehicular traffic.

When passing allow three feet of space between cyclists and cars – Drivers and cyclists need to respectfully share the road. Watch for cyclists before opening a vehicle door, pulling away from the curb and when turning. Likewise, cyclists need to keep their own visibility in mind by not getting too close to vehicles as that can make it even more difficult for the driver to see them.

Blind spots deserve special attention – Due to the size and the location of bike lanes, cyclists can often get lost in a driver’s blind spot. It’s critical to double check before changing lanes, turning or opening a car door – remember some bike lanes in Portland are on the passenger door side! Cyclists must ride defensively and be aware that even the most attentive driver may not see them.

Put common sense to good use – When the weather is bad, both drivers and cyclists need to give each other extra room. Cyclists need to take responsibility for being seen by wearing brightly colored and reflective clothing, using a front headlight and a rear flashing light, reflectors and reflective tape on clothing and equipment, especially at night so drivers can see them.

Teach a child about bicycle safety – it could save their life.

Child helmet fitting video:

Happy Motoring and Cycling,

Camille

TOP SAFETY PICK recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests. Winners also must have available electronic stability control, a crash avoidance feature that significantly reduces crash risk. The ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer a higher level of protection than federal safety standards require.

Read the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety News Release of December 22, 2010 in its entirety.

To learn more about vehicle safety visit, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

ALL 66 WINNERS…

(red indicates newly-announced winners for 2011)

Large Cars
Buick LaCrosse
Buick Regal
BMW 5 series (except 4-wheel drive and V8)
Cadillac CTS sedan
Ford Taurus
Hyundai Genesis
Infiniti M37/M56 (except M56x 4-wheel drive)
Lincoln MKS
Mercedes E class coupe
Mercedes E class sedan
Toyota Avalon
Volvo S80

Midsize Cars
Audi A3
Audi A4 sedan
Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler 200 4-door
Dodge Avenger
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Lincoln MKZ
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
Volvo C30

Small Cars
Chevrolet Cruze
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Kia Forte sedan
Kia Soul
Mitsubishi Lancer sedan (except 4-wheel drive)
Nissan Cube
Scion tC
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX)
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Golf 4-door
Volkswagen GTI 4-door

Minicar
Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback built after July 2010

Minivan
Toyota Sienna

Large SUV
Volkswagen Touareg

Midsize SUVs
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
Dodge Journey
Ford Explorer
Ford Flex
GMC Terrain
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sorento built after March 2010
Lexus RX
Lincoln MKT
Mercedes GLK
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Venza
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda Element
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags
Kia Sportage
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

Enjoy the drive,

Camille

Our answer, it’s not as simple as “yes” or “no”.

Here are some considerations in making your decision.

1)  Determine the value of your vehicle as if it did NOT have body damage.

You need to know the fair market value of your vehicle; you can get an idea by checking a couple of online resources. Be honest about the condition questions and options when going through the evaluation steps.

At www.nadaguides.com next to “Get New and Used Car Pricing”, click the orange “Start Here” button and make the appropriate selections for your vehicle. It will give you an indication as to the retail value – if you’re selling it yourself, or the trade-in value – if trading it in at a dealer.

Auto Trader is another source that can provide an idea of what others, both private parties and dealers, are asking for vehicles similar to yours.

2)  Find out what the body work will cost to fix.

The best way to do this is to call and make an appointment for us to look at it. We can even check on the vehicle value at Nada Guides while you’re here. The chances of getting your repair investment back upon selling decreases as the vehicle ages and the severity of the damage increases. While severe, unrepaired damage can make a vehicle difficult to sell.

Minor surface damage – such as paint scratches and chips – can often be touched up, making the vehicle look better to a buyer. This type of repair often has the potential of paying you back your repair investment.

Something you can do yourself – with a few hours time and elbow grease – is to spruce up your vehicle’s appearance with a thorough cleaning of the interior, exterior, wheels, jambs and engine compartment and an exterior wax. If you’re not inclined to do that kind of thing yourself, we can help.

3) Do the math. Does it make economic sense to fix all the damage, part of the damage or sell the car as is?

We’ll be happy to give you our opinion, at no charge. Of course we are in the business of fixing body work and wrecked cars, but what is most important to us, is that you do what is best for you and your pocketbook.

Good luck with the sale.

Happy Motoring,

Camille

Consumer Reports Survey: More Than 28,000 Claim Filers Rate 22 Popular Car Insurance Companies

NJM Insurance Group, USAA Group, Amica Mutual Group, and Auto-Owners Insurance Group of Companies among the best.

YONKERS, N.Y., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Dealing with a car insurance claim can be a hassle, especially after an accident when consumers really need good customer service and a fast response. A Consumer Reports’ reader survey revealed 86 percent of readers who filed were highly satisfied with the handling of their claims among 22 insurance companies. The article can be found on www.consumerreportsenespanol.org.

Consumer Reports car insurance survey reader scores for claims-related problems and timely payment are based on the experiences of 28,241 respondents who filed claims that were settled or rejected from January 2006 to June 2009. The score reflects overall satisfaction with claims handling. A score of 100 would mean all readers were completely satisfied; 80, very satisfied, on average; 60, fairly well satisfied.

Availability for some insurers is limited by region or policyholder eligibility rules. All 22 rated companies scored well with an 81 or higher, but some did better than others. Among the highest-rated were NJM Insurance Group (New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company), USAA Group, Amica Mutual Group, and Auto-Owners Insurance Group of Companies, with overall satisfaction scores of 92 or higher. Customers for all four companies had relatively few problems with their claims.

Overall consumers indicated that 25 percent of claims took more than two weeks for payment to be received.

Saving on car insurance is not only a matter of finding the lowest premium, there are number of issues to consider. To help consumers find the right policy at the right coverage for the best price, Consumer Reports October issue has more than 10 tips to help you save money on car insurance. Here are few highlights:

• Do an annual rate check. Check rates from other insurers annually to make sure you’re getting the best deal. But if you’ve been with the same insurer for a long time, it might be tough to beat its rates. That’s one reason shopping around didn’t pay off for our survey respondents: More than 60 percent have been with the same carrier for 10 or more years.
• Report reduced mileage. A major cost component in auto insurance is miles driven per year. The average is about 12,000. But if you’ve changed jobs and commute fewer miles, the lower mileage might translate into lower premiums. A new job that’s only 6 miles closer than your old one could reduce your annual commuting miles by 3,000 and cut your annual premium by $50. Let your insurer know if you’ve retired or lost your job; your reduced driving could cut 5 to 10 percent off your premiums.
• Choose your car wisely. Insurance premiums will vary by auto model. When comparing models, ask your car dealer to show you the “Relative Collision Insurance Cost Information Booklet,” produced annually by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Highway Loss Data Institute also posts data on collision, bodily injury and property-damage liability, and other types of losses by vehicle model. Or ask your insurer for premium quotes on the different models under consideration.
• Set the deductible right. A higher deductible reduces your premium because you pay more out of pocket if you have a claim. Hiking your deductible from $200 to $500 can cut your premium on collision by 15 to 30 percent. Go to $1,000 and you could save 40 percent. If you have a good driving record and haven’t had an at-fault accident in years, if ever, opting for a higher deductible on collision might be a good bet. Just make sure you can afford to pay it if your luck runs out
• Manage teenage-driver risk. Teenage drivers have higher accident rates, so adding a teenager to your policy can hike your costs by 50 to 100 percent. Immaturity and lack of driving experience help make motor-vehicle crashes the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers. You can protect your child and cut your rates, by making him or her take a driving course before getting a license. Consider having your teenager wait until age 18 or 19 to get a license, instead of the usual 16 in most states or as young as 14 in some. Inform your insurer if the child isn’t licensed or is away at college without a car.

More money saving tips and the full results on how all the 22 car insurance companies stacked up, in Consumer Reports‘ survey are available in the October issue on newsstands September 7 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

SEPTEMBER 2010

The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports^® is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves.  We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports^®, ConsumerReports.org^® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumers Union will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of Consumer Reports^®.

SOURCE Consumer Reports

Remember, understanding the policy you purchase is your responsibility. We encourage you to ask your insurance agent or representative specific questions about your coverage, including:

• Is rental car coverage included? If not, how much will it cost to add it, and what is the coverage amount. ( Full Coverage insurance normally does NOT include coverage for a rental car if you are in accident and need something to drive. )
• How do I know if I am purchasing the right coverages for me?
• Will this policy pay for original equipment parts ( parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle ) in the event I’m in an accident? ( Most policies only cover “like kind and quality” parts which are recycled, used, salvaged, reconditioned or parts not made by your vehicle manufactuer. )

Feel free to call us first whenever you have a car related question – we’re here to help.

Happy Motoring,

Camille

I am Camille Eber, second generation owner and operator of our family business – Fix Auto Portland East (operated by Roth & Miller Autobody; the same people you may already know and trust) – an independently-owned and woman-operated local business located in the middle of the Montavilla and Gateway districts of Portland, Oregon.

I strive each day to uphold our commitment as an auto body and collision repair shop to be your “shop-of-choice” – the one you really want to have fix your car. I do this by operating in a manner that builds trust with you, the insurance companies that frequently are paying on a repair claim, vendors and employees.

Well, you might be thinking it is easy for me to say that, how can I prove it.

Let’s start with the guidelines and requirements to become an “Accredited Business” with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and our BBB A+ rating. In summary, here are the “Standards for Trust” as listed at the bureau’s website at the time of this posting:

1. Build Trust
Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.

2. Advertise Honestly
Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.

3. Tell the Truth
Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.

4. Be Transparent
Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.

5. Honor Promises
Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.

6. Be Responsive
Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in
good faith.

7. Safeguard Privacy
Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of customers regarding the use of their
information.

8. Embody Integrity
Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and
commitments with integrity.

For requirements of a BBB Accredited Business, visit:

• BBB Code of Business Practices (BBB Accreditation Standards)

Earning your trust is not something I take lightly, it’s serious business. I hope to earn your trust should you ever need the service of an autobody and collision repair shop.

Happy Motoring,

Camille

P. S. We fully support your right to choose the shop you want to have repair your car damage, whether it’s a minor door ding, fender bender or major accident collision. Oregon law protects your right to choose.

My top three things to know before you choose a shop to fix your wrecked car are:

1.  Determine for yourself if the shop is reputable?

• Have you heard good things about them from friends, family, your mechanic or online reviews?
• Check their record with the Better Business Bureau ( BBB ), are they a BBB member and do they have an A+ BBB rating?
• Ask if their craftspeople (technicians) are up-to-date on their auto body, paint and welding training and certifications through I-CAR and ASE?
• Do they have an on-line presence that instills confidence in their abilities?

2. Do they put you at-ease when you talk with them?

• Call the shop you’re considering, and ask them to address some concerns you have. If you’re not comfortable with their responses, move on.
• If possible, visit the shop personally. If you want to see the shop facility where the work is done, just ask, they should be happy to show you around.

3. Do they have an on-site owner operator?

• I know a lot of shops, and I know that when an owner or family member is involved and present, the overall satisfaction with the repair experience increases.

If you would like more information about Fix Auto Portland East, our services or repair process, please call us at 503-257-9255 or visit our Expert Auto Body Repair Services, FAQ’s or Choosing A Shop to get started.

Schedule an estimate or repair now – here.

Read our customer testimonials – here.

We proudly support your right to choose the shop of your choice – after all, it’s your car!

Happy Motoring,

Camille