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Vehicles are unique, compared to any other high-dollar purchase, in that they significantly depreciate the moment you leave the dealer’s lot. Despite this, there are ways to improve the value of your vehicle if you plan on selling it or just want to maintain that new car smell as much as possible. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how to increase the value of your car. Here’s what you need to know:

Get Your Car Detailed

Want to increase the value of your vehicle? The first thing you should do is clean it – and we’re not just talking about running it through the car wash or spraying it off with your garden hose. We’re talking about actually cleaning it. While you can bust out the shop vacuum and dust wipes, a better bet is often to take it to a professional for car detailing services. For a few hundred dollars, a professional will thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Repair Any Minor Dents or Scratches

Exterior damage such as dents and scratches are resale value killers. While some dents can be easily popped out, scratches tend to be a bit more difficult to repair – especially deep ones that have damaged the paintwork. While it’s possible to touch up scratches yourself, it’s often a better idea to take your vehicle to a specialty repair shop.

A professional can ensure a perfect paint match on any touch-ups and also eliminate any minor scratches on the body. A professional can also repair other types of vehicle damage, such as rust.

Keep a Maintenance Record

Keeping good maintenance records simply proves to a potential buyer that you’ve done your due diligence when it comes to making sure the vehicle is in good overall operating condition. That said, you’ll want to keep basic vehicle records of routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and new air filters. Be sure to also have records of any other maintenance work performed (i.e., new brake rotors) or of manufacturer-recommended maintenance (i.e., transmission flushes, new tires, etc.).

Include Everything That Came With the Car

From parcel shelves to spare tires to tool kits, it’s important to include everything that initially came with the vehicle when you’re looking to sell it. Think of it this way: If you eliminate any key features or accessories that should be with the vehicle, you’re essentially giving a buyer an excuse not to move forward with the purchase or you’re giving them more negotiating leverage.

Including every accessory – even down to something as simple as the spare key – can make a big difference when it comes to resale value.

Contact Us Today

For more information on how to increase the value of your car and the role, a professional body and auto restoration shop can play in helping you do it, contact Wrecktify Collision today. From auto detailing to collision repair to complete vehicle restoration services, Wrecktify Collision will have your car running and looking great. Contact us today for more information and to get an estimate.

If you’re ever in a bad auto accident, the No. 1 priority should always be the health and safety of yourself and anyone else involved. But after that’s taken care of, then you can focus on your vehicle and assess how much damage it incurred. A part of this assessment will also determine whether your vehicle is considered “totaled” or not.

What does it mean if a vehicle is totaled? Simply put, a car is considered “totaled” when it costs more to repair the vehicle than it would to replace it. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the common signs of a totaled vehicle, the role that insurance plays, what to do if your vehicle is not considered totaled, and more. Read on to learn more:

Common Signs of a Totaled Vehicle

As we noted above, a totaled vehicle is a situation when it would cost more to repair it than it would to replace it. How to tell if car is totaled? Here’s a look at some of the common signs after an accident:

• If the vehicle won’t start.
• If a significant portion of the vehicle’s body is bent or damaged.
• If fluids are leaking from the vehicle.
• If there’s significant frame damage.
• It’s a high-mileage vehicle.

Additionally, your vehicle may be considered “totaled” if it’s older in age and would cost more to source the parts to properly fix it.

Understanding Totaled Cars and Insurance Claims

Essentially, it’s up to the insurance company to determine whether or not your vehicle is totaled after an accident. A claims adjuster will weigh your vehicle’s actual value based on its make, model, year, mileage, and special features. The adjuster will then assess the salvage value following an accident, or any vehicle features that have resale value, as well as the cost of repair. The vehicle will be considered totaled under these conditions:

• The salvage value is less than the vehicle’s actual cash value or
• The cost of repair is higher than the vehicle’s actual cash value.

If your insurance company considers your vehicle totaled, you’ll be paid a cash settlement based on the actual cash value of the vehicle.

What to do if your Car is not Totaled?

In a bad accident and it’s determined that the vehicle is not totaled? You’ll simply see repairs carried out by a repair shop and be responsible for any deductibles according to your plan. Reference your plan for deductible amounts and other information to more accurately assess repair costs.

Wrecktify Collision Can Help

Being involved in a serious auto accident is stressful enough – and if the unthinkable occurs, what’s most important is the health and safety of you and any others involved. After that, you can start thinking about the condition of the vehicle, and Wrecktify Collision can help. With the ability to service all makes and models, we’ll also work with your insurance company to help determine whether a vehicle is worth it to repair or if it’s totaled. Contact us today for more information.

When some people look at old clunkers, they’ll see nothing more than a vehicle destined for the scrap heap. Others, however, see potential.

In this post, we’ll discuss project cars, what makes for a good project car, and whether or not they make sense for you.

What is a Project Car?

Simply put, a project car is a vehicle that you work on with the end goal of making it better, faster, or some combination of both. Many automotive enthusiasts will purchase a classic car or a hot rod in poor condition and then spend time, money, and effort fixing it – often either for show or performance purposes. In some cases, your efforts could be spent fixing it so the engine turns over.

A project car can take on a lot of definitions, but it’s broadly considered to be a vehicle that is purchased in poor condition or with multiple defects for the purpose of being restored.

What Makes a Good Project Car?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and project cars are largely purchased based on what the buyer sees in terms of potential for what it could be. Yet, there are several factors that are worth considering before making a purchase of a project car. Some of these factors include:

• The price: Do your homework and make sure the vehicle is being sold for a fair price based on its overall condition.
• The workload: The vehicle’s condition and your vision for what you want it to become are going to determine how much work you’re going to need to put into it. In some cases, you could be spending tens of thousands of dollars on parts and labor to restore the vehicle. Make sure you take the time to determine if what you’ll have to put into it is going to be worth it in the end. You might also ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic in order to get a cost estimate of the work you want to do.
• The car’s current condition: Make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew with any project car. It’s not uncommon for scrap yards and private sellers to price these vehicles low with the lone goal of getting rid of them for any sum of money. Ask questions so you know what is wrong with it and can determine if it’s the best fit for you.

Is a Project Car Worth It?

This all depends on what your end goal is. For some automotive enthusiasts, just having something to restore over a period of time is worth it. Others might want to restore the vehicle and then sell it for a profit, thereby maximizing the return on investment. And then there are those who’ve always wanted a classic car and intend to restore it for show or performance purposes. It’s really up to you to determine whether or not a performance car is worth it.

Contact Us Today

For more information on project cars, contact Wrecktify Collision today.

For many, owning a classic car is simply a dream come true. For others, however, it can represent a financial investment – if you play your cards right, that is. So are classic cars a good investment? In this post, we’ll discuss how owning a classic car is often more than just a labor of love for auto enthusiasts. Read on to learn more!

Long-Term vs Short-Term Investment

One of the biggest factors associated with maximizing your return on investment in a classic car is understanding that you’re likely going to be in it for the long term.

The thought of buying a classic car and flipping it for lots of cash is more of a pipe dream than it is a reality. But if you’re willing to put in the work and hang onto the car for many years, you’re looking at a better chance of making money off of it. This is largely because classic cars often increase in value as they age (so long as they’re being properly maintained and cared for).

Additionally, classic car value fluctuates based on market trends and the economy. In fact, many experts project growth in investment activity in the classic vehicle market within the next few years. Sometimes, timing is everything.

Make Sure You Know What You’re Buying

Any time you’re making a significant investment, you certainly want to do your homework to make sure you don’t eventually have buyer’s regret. But doing your homework is perhaps even more important when it comes to purchasing a classic vehicle. There are various factors you should check into before making any type of purchase, such as:

• If the vehicle was made in low production numbers.
• Its overall condition and price.
• Vehicle owner history.
• Proper documentation.
• If there’s a nostalgia factor.

Know the Risk You are Taking

There are certain risks associated with purchasing a classic vehicle. For instance, perhaps the biggest risk is that you don’t make any money off the vehicle in the end, which is why there’s somewhat of a labor of love involved with any classic car purchase. We always suggest that only auto enthusiasts who love cars and love working on cars invest in a classic automobile if there’s the intention of making money off of it.

Restoring a Classic Car

Restoring a classic car can consist of hundreds of hours of manual labor. Throw in the fact that many of the parts you’ll have to source are rare and costly and specialized mechanics may be necessary to perform some restoration tasks, and you could be looking at a total price tag anywhere from $70,000 to $250,000 to properly restore a classic vehicle.

Again, it’s another reason why anyone who plans to restore a classic car should absolutely love cars. Sometimes the upfront cost that must be put forward for restoration can be difficult to stomach without knowing what it’s eventually going to be valued for.

Contact Wrecktify Collision Today

For more information on whether or not classic cars are a good investment, contact Wrecktify today.

There are many reasons why vehicle owners might elect to store a vehicle, but there’s both a right and a wrong way to do it. And if you want to truly preserve the vehicle and keep the garage or storage unit where it’s being held in good condition, it’s imperative that you go about storing the vehicle in the proper manner. After all, you can’t just go out and buy a remade classic car if something were to go wrong.

In this post, we’ll cover what you need to do if you’re looking to store a car long-term. Here’s a closer look:

Fill all Necessary Fluids

Before putting your vehicle in storage, make sure all the fluids are topped off. This is especially important when it comes to fuel and engine oil. An empty gas tank is more likely to lead to rusting from moisture buildup and old engine oil may contain contaminants that could damage the engine. We also suggest adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to further avoid any potential for damage or moisture buildup in the tank. If you’re uncomfortable carrying out this task yourself, we suggest working with a credible mechanic.

Don’t Put the Car in Park

Don’t apply the parking brake when storing a vehicle. If the parking brake is applied for too long of a time, it can fuse with the interior of the wheel, which can lead to some major issues. Rather than apply a parking brake, we suggest a wheel chock or preventing tire roll by placing wood or cinder blocks in front and behind them. Additionally, we suggest elevating the vehicle on jacks to ensure consistent weight on the tires and avoid premature tread wear.

Wash Your Car

This is the easiest thing you can do before storing your car for an extended period of time. Over time, the likes of dirt, grease, dust, and debris can take their toll on the vehicle’s body and impact the finish. A good wash and a wax is always good practice on a classic vehicle, especially when it comes to protecting it before placing it into storage. While you’re at it, don’t forget about the interior. A good cleaning and dusting inside of the vehicle can help ensure it is ready to go when it’s time to take it out of storage.

Put a Cover on it

There are a few other steps you should follow before you say goodbye to your vehicle for an extended period of time. For starters, we always recommend covering your vehicle with an appropriate car cover that’s soft, breathable, and wraps tightly around the vehicle. Don’t use a tarp or sheet that tends to fit loosely and offer inadequate protection.

Additionally, we always recommend placing a plastic sheet underneath your vehicle before storing it. This will prevent any drips or leaks from damaging the floor of your garage, storage unit, or wherever it is that you’re storing the vehicle.

Contact Us Today

For more information on how to store a car long-term, contact us today.

Maybe you want to bring a classic hot rod back to its prime. Or perhaps you’re a gearhead that just loves hitting up the show circuit. Then there are the hobbyists that love the challenge of taking an old car otherwise relegated to the scrap heap and bringing it back to its glory days.

Whatever your motivation, one thing is for sure: car restoration is a labor of love. In fact, it’s estimated that the average classic car restoration project can take more than 1,000 hours to complete. For reference, if you were to work 1,000 hours straight, you’d be working for 41 and-a-half days. Aside from the time commitment, there’s also a cost commitment with this time of restoration. In fact, estimates state that projects like this can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 depending on the extent of the job.

As we said, vehicle restoration is a labor of love, and in this post, we’ll discuss some of the people who often undertake it. Here’s a look at some of the key people who often take on such an extensive project:

Who Restores Old Cars?

Before we get into some of the people who are interested in restoring old cars, it’s worth taking a closer look at their motivations for doing so when you consider both the time and financial commitment. There are a variety of reasons why one may undertake such an extensive project. For starters, it can preserve a piece of American automotive history. Classic cars are also very valuable and sought-after vehicles, so if you ever go to sell, you could claim a significant return on investment. And perhaps above all, it’s fun to bring a classic vehicle back to its glory days.

Here’s an overview of some individuals who are particularly interested in classic car restoration:

Collectors

Collectors typically both buy and sell classic automobiles. They attend shows throughout the country, offer expert advice on vehicles, and are always looking to bolster their collection with additional models. Collectors also always have an eye out there for other vehicles that they can acquire to return to their glory days.

Dealers

Don’t confuse collectors with dealers. Collectors are more on the side of the vehicle enthusiast, with the goal of establishing that dream fleet. Collectors also serve as experts and as reliable sources for classic car advice. Some may even have their own showrooms or classic car museums. Dealers are those who tend to collect just to sell. That’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with dealers, they just come into classic car restoration with a different mindset than most others on this list.

Car Enthusiasts

Finally, there are car enthusiasts. Car enthusiasts typically aren’t motivated by money, but by their love for putting in the work to bring a vehicle back to its glory days. Car enthusiasts love restoring vehicles and then showing their work off at the bevy of classic car shows held each year.

Contact Us Today

For more information on who restores old cars, contact us today.

Accidents and wrecks are an unfortunate yet common scenario many drivers find themselves in. Auto insurance and collision repair go hand-in-hand, but what about those who don’t have auto insurance? In the content below, we explore the risk of driving without auto insurance how to take care of auto body repair without insurance.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE IN AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT AUTO INSURANCE?

It’s important to understand that if you proceed to drive without auto insurance, you’ll be issued a ticket or experience serious penalties depending on your residential state, such as facing a suspended license and/or vehicle registration. Alternatively, if there’s a gap between auto coverage, your insurance rates will incur a hefty rate increase.

Furthermore, if you are found at fault for an auto accident and was without auto insurance, responsibility for the collision or injuries could result in lawsuits and loss of property.

Nonetheless, if you’re in need of collision repair services without any coverage, our experts are ready!

COLLISION REPAIR WITH NO INSURANCE

We understand accidents and wrecks are hard to deal with, which is why we make it our goal to create a positive repair experience that leaves you reassured that you’ve come to the right place and your vehicle is in the right hands.

The repair process begins with an informative discussion with our Body Shop Manager who will walk you through each step of the repair process. Then, the Body Shop Manager will provide a written estimate complete with all pertinent documentation.

You can count on us to complete the mechanical, structural, and cosmetic repairs to the vehicle with fine attention to detail. Wrecktify guides you through full-service auto body repairs every step of the way to make certain you’re 100% satisfied.

Read below to discover The Wrecktify Way to take care of collision repair without insurance.

TOWING

First things first— getting your vehicle to the Wrecktify shop! If your car is rendered inoperable, we recommend calling a 24-hour towing companies to have them tow your vehicle directly to our shop, such as Road Rescue. You can contact their team at (608)-259-1052.

ESTIMATES

Bring your vehicle in between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, or schedule an appointment to best accommodate your schedule. We know life gets busy, so we’ll ensure an estimate in about 15 minutes.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

After you receive your estimate, we can then set up a convenient time for you to have your vehicle repaired by our expert team.

RENTAL CAR

Wrecktify has an agreement in place with Hertz, and we’re happy to assist you in making arrangements for you should you need a rental car while we’re repairing your vehicle. Hertz can have the car delivered to the Wrecktify shop for your convenience.

If you have auto insurance and coverage, please contact your insurance provider to inquire about your policy’s specific coverage regarding rental cars.

REPAIR

We give collision repair the utmost attention to ensure your vehicle is not only safe to operate but to protect its value and operation for years to come. At Wrecktify, we complete each stage of the collision repair process with a thorough quality control check.

Additionally, all work performed comes with a written lifetime guarantee. These standards are no different for those needing collision repair without insurance.

At Wrecktify, we pride ourselves on being unlike any other repair shop around, thanks to our unbeatable customer service and hardworking team. Rest assured, you’ll never be left wondering what’s happening to your vehicle. Our Body Shop Manager will provide consistent updates on a regular basis and guide you through every step of the repair process.

We’ll be in contact with you as soon as your vehicle repair is complete. In cases of longer repairs, we’ll set up a customer portal on our website for you, where you’ll be able to check on the status of your car, view pictures of the progress, and/or find documentation pertaining to your repair on an as-needed basis.

PICK-UP

After your repairs are complete, our team will notify you to pick up your vehicle. One of the best parts of the process, quite arguably, is the look of relief and happiness when you see your car all fixed up and the satisfaction we feel from doing another job well done for our valued customers.

WRECKTIFY’S THOROUGH & TRANSPARENT COLLISION REPAIR

At Wrecktify, we believe in transparency and quality care. For a more comprehensive list of Wrecktify’s collision repair services and benefits, click here. No matter the make or model, your car is in good hands— no repair is too large or too small, and no detail goes overlooked.

Contact us today for more information regarding our collision repair without insurance, anything about Wisconsin car insurance, and or to set up an appointment time. We’re excited to get you back on the road safely!