When it comes to collision repair, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. But don’t worry. We’re here to help demystify the process so you can make the right decisions should you ever need collision repair services.

 

Myth: After an accident, your car will never be the same.

Busted: A high-quality auto body repair shop like Loyalty Collision can make your vehicle look and perform like new using advanced techniques and materials. And at Loyalty Collision, all work is covered by a lifetime warranty.

 

Myth: Any auto body shop can perform quality collision repairs.

Busted: For seamless repairs, specialized expertise and equipment are required. Loyalty Collision’s I-CAR and ASE-Certified technicians have the training and technology to restore your vehicle to its pre-collision condition or better. 

 

Myth: If Your Car Looks OK, Everything Must Be Fine

Busted:  After a minor accident, it can be tempting to just hope for the best and move on. But your car’s complex and finely tuned systems could be compromised. A professional inspection can reveal issues that could cause problems later.

 

Myth: You Can’t Choose Your Own Collision Repair Shop 

Busted: This decision is entirely up to you. While your insurance company may have a preferred body shop, you’re not required to use them. As the car owner,  you can choose whatever collision repair shop you would like.

 

Myth: If the Frame Is Damaged, Your Car Can’t Be Fixed 

Busted: Not true! Modern vehicles, including trucks, are built with unibody frames that can often be repaired so they’re as strong and functionally sound as they were before the accident.

 

The truth is, modern collision repair shops can do amazing things – just be careful to pick a good one! At Loyalty Collision, we have the expertise, technology and commitment to quality that you can depend on.

Winter can be tough on your car’s exterior. Here are a few of the reasons why:

• In lower temperatures, paint becomes less flexible, which makes it more susceptible to damage from things like hail, road debris, scrapes and bumps.
• When temperatures drop significantly, the expansion and contraction of the body of your car can lead to stress on the paint layers, which can cause small cracks and peeling.
• Salt and de-icing chemicals used to keep roads safe during winter weather events are corrosive and may lead to paint damage. 
• Cold weather can cause a windshield with a chip to crack, spread or even break.

What you can do:

• Wash your car regularly to remove salt, chemicals and debris from your vehicle’s surface, preventing long-term damage.
• Apply a high-quality wax to provide an extra layer of protection against the elements.
• If snow piles up on your car, use the proper brushes and other tools to remove it so you don’t damage your car’s surface or your windshield.
• Consider having rustproofing and undercoating applied to your vehicle – this can help protect it from the corrosive effects of salt and road chemicals.
• Get your windshield crack fixed – don’t let a small problem become a big one.
• Take care of any dents or dings, scratches or quickly, before cold weather and moisture can cause it to rust, corrode or expand.

We Make It Easy!

If you do wind up with cold-weather-related cosmetic damage to your car, we’ll be glad to help! Contact us right away to get a free estimate. Fixing problems quickly is key to keeping your car looking great for many years to come.

• Free Pick Up & Delivery
• Fast, FREE Estimates
• Direct Repairs On-Site
• On-Site Rental Cars

Preparing your car for driving through the winter months is important, even in Virginia, where extreme temperatures and winter weather events are less common. Here are a few tips for making sure your vehicle is ready for the winter and any inclement weather that may come with it.

Tire Maintenance

• Colder temperatures affect tire pressure. Make sure they’re properly inflated. That will make it easier to navigate potentially hazardous driving conditions, not to mention giving you better gas mileage.
  
• Are your tires getting old and worn? Good tread is essential for maintaining control of your vehicle, especially in snowy, icy conditions. Don’t put off getting that new set of tires if you need them.

Windshield Maintenance

• Visibility is critical when driving in snowy, icy conditions. The last thing you want is for your vision to be compromised while driving, so for starters, make sure any snow or ice is cleared away before setting off.
• Install winter wipers, which are designed to keep ice from collecting on the blades. Winter wipers are heavier than regular ones, so be sure to change them back in the spring to reduce the load on your wiper motor.
• Keep washer fluid full. A single snowstorm can use a large amount of fluid so be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
• Make sure your rear window defroster is in good working order.

Engine Maintenance

• The cold can make the oil in your engine thicken. To ensure your engine is running smoothly throughout the season, consider having it changed with a lower viscosity oil.
• Make sure your coolant/antifreeze is in good condition and of the proper mix ratio to keep your engine from freezing or corroding during the winter months.
• Brake problems with your vehicle can be extremely dangerous – especially in slippery, freezing conditions. Be sure to have your brakes checked in the winter months.

We wish you safe travels through the winter. But we know stuff happens. As always, if you’re ever in an accident, Loyalty Collision is here for you.

We Make It Easy!

• Free Pick Up & Delivery
• Fast, FREE Estimates
• Direct Repairs On-Site
• On-Site Rental Cars

As the new year arrives, resolve to prioritize your car’s appearance and well-being. It’s easy to put off repairs and touch ups, but they can make a world of difference to your car’s value & lifespan.

All Estimates are FREE!

Auto Glass Repair
Small chips and cracks aren’t just annoying. They can grow into major safety hazards. Take care of it now before it turns into a much bigger problem.

Dent & Scratch Removal
Dents, dings and scratches are a huge eyesore, and they lead to rust and corrosion. We’ll make the damage disappear and make your car look great again.

Headlight Restoration
Dingy, foggy headlights look bad – and they’re a safety hazard, too. You won’t believe what a difference professional restoration will make.

Wheel Refinishing
When your wheels lose their luster, your car just doesn’t look the same. Allow us to clean, restore and seal your wheels. They’ll look amazing and last longer.

Auto Painting
From small touch-ups to complete coats, nothing can revitalize your car like expertly prepped, matched and applied paint work.

New technologies have made today’s vehicles safer than ever. Still – things happen! Even the best drivers can wind up in an accident. 

While being in an accident is stressful enough, dealing with what comes next can be its own kind of nightmare. That’s why you should know your rights when it comes to choosing the right collision repair center.

1. You have the right to choose your repair shop.
   Insurance companies may recommend a shop that they have a relationship with – but the choice is yours alone. Once you’ve informed your insurance representative that you’ve selected a repair facility, they should not try to influence you to take it somewhere else.
2. You have the right to have your vehicle repaired to its pre-accident condition.
   Your insurance company is required to assume all costs necessary to repair your vehicle to its pre-accident condition, no matter which repair facility you choose.

At Loyalty Collision Center, we’ll repair your vehicle the right way.

When you choose Loyalty, we put your needs and priorities first. Our expert technicians will see that it’s done right. And our mission is to make your entire post-accident experience fast, easy and hassle-free.

We Make It Easy!

• Free Pick Up & Delivery
• Fast, FREE Estimates
• Direct Repairs On-Site
• On-Site Rental Cars

Trusted Technicians

Our technicians receive hands-on training using the latest collision repair and refinish technology. This means they’ll know exactly where to begin when it comes to restoring your vehicles. Loyalty Collision has Expert I-CAR, ASE Certified Technicians & Toyota Certified Technicians!

Lifetime Guarantee on Service

All work done at Loyalty Collision comes with a Lifetime Guarantee*. From our market-leading technical expertise to the hassle-free way we work directly with your insurance company to expedite your claim, the benefits of Loyalty Collision are something everybody can appreciate

If you’re ever in an accident, don’t be afraid to insist on going with Loyalty Collision. It’s your right. And we’ll take care of both you and your vehicle – and do it right!

It’s smart to have your car checked out after a small accident or curb bump, even if your fender looks fine. There could be hidden damage to your vehicle!

• Today’s vehicles are loaded with sensors, cameras and radar that monitor your car and your surroundings. Any kind of impact can easily disrupt these systems.
• If your blind spot monitor, backup camera and automatic emergency braking tech isn’t working properly, that puts you and your passengers at risk.
• Even if no warning light comes on, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Some trouble codes can only be accessed through a diagnostic scan.
• Don’t dismiss any sort of weird noises. Your car’s frame, steering and suspension components could be out of whack and should be checked out.
• Check your seat belts are working properly.

If you’re in an accident – even a small one – Loyalty Collision is here to help. We’ll give your vehicle a thorough inspection, and a free estimate, to make sure everything really is fine.

At Loyalty, the forecast calls for safety!

Can you believe it? Fall is right around the corner! Here at Loyalty, we want to make sure our customers stay safe no matter what Mother Nature brings.

And if you’ve lived around Virginia long enough, you know that means big afternoon thunderstorms, drenching tropical storms, and all the slick roads, falling limbs and flooded roadways that follow.

To keep safe, many of our loyal customers bring their cars into one of our convenient collision centers for a quick rainy season safety check – just  to make sure their cars are functioning safely, smoothly and properly before the storms hit.

Luckily, our convenient locations in Chester, Petersburg, West End and Williamsburg make driving safe easy. Because let’s face it, the last thing you want to do is find yourself driving in a big storm and find out that your vehicle’s safety features aren’t working properly. Failing wipers? Lights out? No thanks! 

Simply make an appointment and we’ll check your tires, brakes, wipers, and lights – then let you know if anything needs repair or replacement.

We’ll check your tires! Your vehicle’s tires help you to maintain traction, and changes in temperature can cause changes in your tire pressure. We’ll check everything and make sure that your tires have been properly balanced and rotated.

We’ll check your brakes!  Stopping in rainy weather takes longer. We’ll  make sure your brakes meet all vehicle manufacturer specifications. Do your brakes squeak? It could mean your brake pads need to be changed. Grinding noises? That needs immediate attention.

We’ll check your wipers! The last thing you want to do is be caught in a downpour with poorly working wiper blades. We’ll check the condition of your windshield wipers for signs of brittleness. Notice any streaking? It’s probably time for new wipers.

We’ll check your lights! In bad weather, your lights not only help you see, they help others see you. We’ll check your headlights, tail lights and directions to keep you safe an divisible. Remember, the law requires drivers to turn on headlights when using their windshield wipers.

Of course, no matter how prepared you are, accidents still happen. Remember that the Loyalty Collision Center is always here for you with free estimates, expert collision repair and convenient locations in Chester, Petersburg, West End, and Williamsburg.

Schedule a safety check today!

Got a New Driver In the House?

If you’re teaching your teen to drive, safety should be a priority, of course. Here are a few tips to help make it a safe of rewarding experience for everyone:

• Stress the importance of always wearing seat belts
• Don’t allow texting or other distracted driving practices
• Obey the speed limit. Having more time to react is especially important when learning.
• Keep yourself up to date with traffic laws to be a good teacher & influence

Remember, you can set a good example by following these tips when you’re driving, too!

Or course, things can happen, even if you and your new driver are being safe and responsible. If you or your teen are involved in an accident, trust Loyalty Collision to get your vehicle back in good-as-new condition quickly and with minimal hassle.

Driving is a big responsibility. Good thing your teen has such a great teacher!

Warmer weather means road trips, beach days, and more! Everyone spending more time out and about means more people on the road, and higher risk of accidents. Keep these summer driving tips in mind to stay safe on the road!

• Keep your car fluids full to avoid overheating
• Prep for sun exposure, wear sunglasses to avoid visibility issues
• Drive cautiously and courteously! Just because the weather is heating up, doesn’t mean you have to
• As always, avoid anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or focus off of driving

Road rage is statistically worse in the summers

When the weather gets hotter, people tend to be more fatigued and aggressive, leading to more road rage incidents. Make sure you keep your cool, and avoid drivers who seem agitated!

What to do in the event of an accident

After making sure all parties are safe and exchanging insurance info, you may need to find a repair shop. At Loyalty, we work directly with your insurance to make sure your vehicle is repaired quickly by our expert technicians, with as little hassle as possible.

 

We’re here for you when you need us!

Hopefully you’re never in an accident, but just in case, you should know the basics of what to do.

1. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone requires medical care.
2. Call the police to report the accident.
3. Move your car out of traffic to a safer spot if possible and appropriate. At the least, turn on your hazard lights. 
4. Take pictures to document the accident scene and vehicle damage.
5. Exchange information with other driver(s) involved, including name, phone number, insurance company & policy number.
6. Call your auto insurance company to file an accident report.

What to do right now.

Make sure you have a copy of your auto insurance card – keep it in your wallet and make a copy and put it in the glove box along with your vehicle’s registration. 

What to know about collision repair.

Your insurance company may recommend a certain collision repair center, but the decision is yours. When you choose Loyalty Collision, we work directly with your insurance company to make sure your vehicle is repaired quickly and expertly with as little hassle as possible. 

We’re here for you when you need us!