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Money Saving Tips

Gas Pumping Tips for Fuel Savings

Only buy or fill up your car or truck early in the morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground.

Gas Savings Tips

Great cash-saving tips like Avoid prolonged warming up of the engine, even on cold mornings – 30 to 45 seconds is plenty and Avoid “reving” the engine, this wastes fuel needlessly.

Auto Body Resources

Should I repair my car after an accident?

Should I Repair My Car After an Accident?

Car Accident, Tips

Should I repair my car after an accident? You’ve just been involved in an accident where you hit someone with your car. It’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive before using it again. Even if the damage seems minor, you should have a professional inspection. They will assess any potential issues…

What Is Diminished Value — and What Can You Do About It?

What Is Diminished Value — and What Can You Do About It?

Car Accident, Tips

What Is Diminished Value — and What Can You Do About It? If your vehicle has been in an accident, even after high-quality repairs, it may never be worth quite as much as it was before the collision. This difference in market value is known as diminished value. It can significantly impact how much your…

Car Leasing

Should You Lease or Buy Your Next Vehicle? The Pros and Cons Explained

Should You Lease or Buy Your Next Vehicle? The Pros and Cons Explained Leasing a vehicle offers a tempting proposition for many drivers—a way to experience the thrill of driving a brand-new car or truck without the long-term commitment of ownership. The glossy showroom appeal, low monthly payments, and access to the latest technology make…

What happens if the insurance company short pays my claim

What Happens If an Insurance Company Short Pays a Claim?

Auto Insurance, Car Accident, Tips

What Happens If an Insurance Company Short Pays a Claim? If you’ve ever filed a claim after an accident, you expect your insurance company to cover the full cost of your repairs. But what happens when your insurance company “short pays” your claim—meaning they don’t pay the full amount for your vehicle repair? It’s a…

Why You Should Invest in Professional Car Detailing

Why You Should Invest in Professional Car Detailing

Why You Should Invest in Professional Car Detailing Maintaining a vehicle’s appearance and value requires more than a simple wash. Professional car detailing offers a deep clean and restoration that goes beyond surface dirt. It protects the exterior and interior from daily wear while preserving the car’s long-term value. Detailing removes contaminants, restores paint, and…

Essential Wheel and Tire Care Tips for Safety and Performance

Essential Wheel and Tire Care Tips for Safety and Performance

Essential Wheel and Tire Care Tips for Safety and Performance Your vehicle’s wheels and tires are more than just parts that keep your car moving—they are the foundation of safety, performance, and efficiency on the road. Proper wheel and tire care ensures that your vehicle grips the pavement in all weather conditions, handles smoothly, and…

How to Prevent Rust on Your Vehicle and Protect It for the Long Haul

How to Prevent Rust on Your Vehicle and Protect It for the Long Haul

How to Prevent Rust on Your Vehicle and Protect It for the Long Haul Rust begins to develop even before you see visible signs. So it stands to reason that prevention is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance, especially for those living in areas with high humidity, salty air, or harsh winters where roads are…

Can scratches be repaired without painting the entire car

Can Scratches Be Removed Without Repainting the Entire Car?

Can Scratches Be Removed Without Repainting the Entire Car? You come out of the grocery store and immediately see that your car has been scratched by a wayward shopping cart. Your first thought is, “You couldn’t put the cart in the corral on a windy day?” Then your second thought is, “Can this be removed…

Collision Repair

The Truth About Collision Repair: What You Need to Know After an Accident

Car Accident, Tips

The Truth About Collision Repair: What You Need to Know After an Accident Car accidents can feel overwhelming, no matter how big or small. In the moments after a collision, emotions run high, decisions feel urgent, and the path forward may seem unclear. But knowing what to do next makes all the difference. From ensuring…

Paintless Dent Repair

Dent Repair Made Simple: Understanding Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

Dent Repair Made Simple: Understanding Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) DAlmost every vehicle owner deals with dents and dings at some point. A runaway shopping cart in a parking lot, a hailstorm, or a small bump in traffic can leave your car with noticeable imperfections. While these dents may seem minor, they can hurt both the…

Protecting Your Car’s Paint: Tips for Long-Lasting Shine and Durability

Protecting Your Car’s Paint: Tips for Long-Lasting Shine and Durability

Protecting Your Car’s Paint Your car’s paint is not just about looks—it’s one of the most important protective layers your vehicle has. Beyond enhancing the beauty and shine of your car, the paint serves as a shield, safeguarding the underlying metal from rust, corrosion, and the wear and tear of everyday driving. Proper paint care…

OEM Parts

Why Is It Better to Use OEM Parts and Procedures?

Why Is It Better to Use OEM Parts and Procedures? When your car needs repairs—after an accident, during routine maintenance, or when replacing a worn component—you must choose between using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts with OEM repair procedures or opting for aftermarket alternatives. While aftermarket parts are often cheaper, the long-term benefits of OEM…

Why Should I Have an Appraisal Clause in My Auto Insurance Policy? Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

Why Should I Have an Appraisal Clause in My Auto Insurance Policy?

Auto Insurance, Tips

Why Should I Have an Appraisal Clause in My Auto Insurance Policy? Disputes between policyholders and insurance companies aren’t uncommon—especially when it comes to disagreements over the value of a covered loss after a car accident. In such cases, having an appraisal clause in your auto insurance policy can be an essential protection. It provides…

What to ask before choosing an auto body shop Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

What to Ask Before Choosing an Auto Body Shop

Car Accident, Tips

What to Ask Before Choosing an Auto Body Shop: Key Questions That Can Save You Time, Money, and Headaches When your vehicle needs repairs after an accident or for routine bodywork, choosing the right auto body shop is one of the most important decisions you can make. The quality of the repair, the cost, the…

Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

How to Find the Right Auto Body Shop Through Recommendations and Reviews

Car Accident, Tips

Smart Choices: How to Find the Right Auto Body Shop Through Recommendations and Reviews Choosing the right auto body shop can feel overwhelming when it comes to needing repairs, whether it’s due to an accident, hail damage, or general wear and tear. After all, you’re not just looking for a quick fix. You want trustworthy…

Price shopping Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

Will I Find a Good Body Shop When Price Shopping?

Money Saving, Tips

Will I Find a Good or Great Body Shop When Price Shopping? When it comes to getting your car repaired after an accident, price matters—but it shouldn’t be the only thing that matters. It’s understandable to want the best deal, but shopping strictly by price can come with risks. Not all auto body shops are…

What You Need to Know About Direct Repair Programs (DRPs) Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

What You Need to Know About Direct Repair Programs (DRPs)

What You Need to Know About Direct Repair Programs (DRPs) – and Why Sharp Auto Body Is Different After an accident, dealing with repairs and insurance claims can be confusing and stressful. One term you may hear tossed around is Direct Repair Program, or DRP. But what does that actually mean—and how does it affect…

Getting a car insurance estimate Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

What to Know About Your Car Insurance Estimate: A Complete Guide

Car Accident, Tips

After a car accident or unexpected damage, one of the first steps in the recovery process is getting a car insurance estimate. This document plays a crucial role in determining how much your insurance provider will pay toward your repairs—and how quickly you can get back on the road. But what exactly is a car…

Why Car Dealerships Prefer Certified Body Shops for Repairs Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

Why Car Dealerships Prefer Certified Body Shops for Repairs

The average price of a new car in 2023 hovered just under $50,000. That’s a significant investment for both consumers and dealerships. With such high value riding on each vehicle, it’s no surprise that dealerships are extremely selective when it comes to repair work. Whether a car is damaged during transport, while sitting on the…

Phone app

Why You Shouldn’t Rely Solely on Your Insurance App

Auto Insurance, Car Accident, Tips

What every driver should know after a minor accident. You’re backing out of a parking space. You look both ways—traffic is clear. So you proceed. Then, crunch. That gut-wrenching sound of your fender collapsing fills your ears. You slam the brakes and realize with sinking horror: you’ve backed into one of those short cement poles…

What TO DO and NOT DO at the Scene of an Accident

Car Accident, Tips

You’re sitting at a stoplight, or making a turn, when suddenly out of nowhere – BAM! Everything inside the car goes flying as your grip on the steering wheel tightens and you sit there in a fog wondering what the heck just happened. Sound familiar? Hopefully not, but odds are, you will be in a…

Rights as consumer

What Are My Rights as a Consumer?

Auto Insurance, Car Accident, Tips

Being in an accident is stressful enough. Add in the hassle of getting your car repaired and it can feel overwhelming, especially when the accident wasn’t your fault. The third-party insurance company will often work hard to avoid paying the full cost of your repairs, while you, as the claimant, are left trying to make…

Car Insurance

Choosing Your Car Insurance Deductible

Auto Insurance, Car Accident, Money Saving

Selecting a deductible is one of the most important things to consider when comparing coverage across insurance companies. A high-deductible car insurance policy brings different financial consequences than a policy with a low deductible. What exactly is a deductible? If you file a car insurance claim after an incident, the deductible is the amount you pay…

DTC Scan Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

Why You Want a Full Inspection After an Accident

Car Accident, Tips

We’ve already talked about the importance of airbags after a crash—but airbags are just one piece of your vehicle’s complex safety puzzle. Modern cars are loaded with advanced technology and interconnected systems, and even a minor accident can throw everything off balance. So, after any type of collision—even a low-speed fender bender—it’s critical to get…

Sharp Auto Body Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

How to Prevent Rollovers

Car Accident, Tips

Most modern vehicles are designed with improved safety features that reduce the likelihood of a rollover during a crash. However, it is important to understand that no vehicle is entirely immune. Certain driving conditions, behaviors, and vehicle types still pose significant risks. Top-heavy vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and Jeeps are especially prone to…

Car insurance Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

Why Car Insurance Matters—Especially When Others Don’t Have It

Auto Insurance, Car Accident, Tips

What Happens If An Uninsured Driver Hits You? If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you’ll likely need to turn to your own insurance provider for compensation. That’s where uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage becomes crucial. UIM coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other injury-related costs if someone without insurance…

Auto Insurance: A high stakes game Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

Auto Insurance: The High-Stakes Gamble You Didn’t Know You Were Playing

Auto Insurance, Car Accident, Tips

When you sign up for auto insurance, it might feel like you’re taking a responsible step—protecting yourself, your car, and your future. But take a closer look, and it starts to resemble something far less comforting: a high-stakes bet. Because let’s be honest—insurance is, in many ways, like gambling. You’re wagering that somewhere down the…

Car Insurance Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

How to Choose a Good Insurance Company

If you’re just starting to look for car insurance—or you’re thinking about switching providers—the number of options can feel overwhelming. On one hand, you’re constantly bombarded with flashy advertising promising rock-bottom rates and can’t-miss deals. On the other hand, your instincts are telling you to dig deeper, to look beyond the surface, and find coverage…

Bundling home and auto insurance hidden costs of cheap insurance Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

The Hidden Cost of “Cheap” Insurance

Auto Insurance, Money Saving

The Hidden Cost of “Cheap” Insurance: What You Need to Know Before Bundling Auto insurance is mandatory in Illinois—there’s no getting around it. And if you’ve just closed on a new home, congratulations! But you probably also noticed that homeowner’s insurance was another box you had to check before getting those keys in hand. These…

rear-end collision Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

Rear-end Collisions: What to Do and How to Prevent Them

Car Accident, Tips

A rear-end accident occurs when a driver collides with the vehicle directly in front of them from behind. These types of accidents commonly happen at red lights, stop signs, or in congested traffic where vehicles frequently stop and start. While the majority of rear-end collisions occur at low speeds—such as in city traffic or parking…

Distracted Driving Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

Practice Safe Driving

Car Accident, Tips

Did you know that there are 13 car accidents in America every 60 seconds? That means over 6.5 million people will be involved in an auto accident this year! An estimated 42,915 people died in car crashes in 2021, a 10.5% increase from 2020. Accidents cost the economy approximately $474 billion in 2020. Some sobering statistics. These statistics show…

Deployed Airbag Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

Safety First – Benefits and Risks of Air Bags

Car Accident, Tips

Airbags help save lives, but they also come with certain risks. Airbags automatically inflate in the event of a collision. But they don’t always go off. There’s a reason for that and it has nothing to do with a malfunction. It’s all about the electrical connection between the impact sensor and the air bag. The…

Seat Belt

Are You Wearing Your Seat Belt? It May Not Be Enough

Car Accident, Tips, Uncategorized

Safety First In the event of a collision, your airbag and seat belt work together to minimize injury. The airbag alone is not enough to prevent you from hitting the windshield or dashboard if you’re sitting in the front seat. Similarly, while a seat belt significantly reduces the risk of serious injury, it does not…

Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

What Happens When You’re the Claimant in an Accident?

Auto Insurance, Car Accident

Some accidents are straight forward as far as who the claimant is. For instance, if you’re rear-ended, the other party is at fault. You would be the claimant. They are considered the policy holder. If the accident is as a result of a lane change or in an intersection, the responsibility can become muddied. Were…

Calling insurance company

Answers from the Front Line

Auto Insurance, Car Accident, Tips

Sharp Auto Body has been in business over 40 years. They’ve seen and heard it all. So what can you learn from them? If you have any questions related to collisions and auto repair, even if you’re using another body shop, call Sharp Auto Body. There’s questions you should be asking before any repairs take…

Who Should You Trust?

Auto Insurance, Car Accident

Have you ever taken your car to a repair shop after an accident, only to have your insurance company push back on the cost? Maybe they claimed the shop was overcharging you or that certain repairs weren’t necessary. Or worse—have you ever had a repair shop tell you they “discovered” new damage that wasn’t there…

Island Lake Sharp Auto Body Lake County Sharp Auto Body Repair Services | Free Pickup & Delivery

Tips for Sharpening Your Leadership Skills

Shop owner Louie Sharp says to know your values, and strong leadership will follow. No one should wonder how to become a better leader. According to Louie Sharp, owner of Sharp Auto Body in Island Lake, Ill., says everyone is already a gifted leader with different skills, talents, and gifts because everyone is leading somebody,…

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