Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

By NopponPAT   As the temperatures start to dip and the days get shorter, it's important to winterize your vehicle. A few simple steps will help ensure that your car is ready to face the cold seaside weather head-on, keeping you safe and comfortable all season long.    Winter Weather Can Be Hard On Your Vehicle The cold weather, road salt, and other winter hazards can take a toll on your vehicle's exterior. But you can take some easy steps to protect your car or truck from winter damage. In this blog post, we'll give you tips on keeping your vehicle looking good all winter long.   Here are a few tips on how to winterize your vehicle Inspect your tires. This is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your car for winter. Check the tread depth and tire pressure, and if necessary, invest in a set of all-weather tires. They may cost more upfront, but they'll be worth it when you find yourself driving on icy roads.  Wash and w ... read more

By Andrey   CARSTAR Robert's Collision & Sentry Insurance Working with an insurance company you can rely on that makes your collision repair experience easier is everything. Sentry Insurance is a beloved partner with CARSTAR Robert's Collision, bringing ease of use and compassion to the collision repair industry.   The Sentry Insurance Difference Sentry Insurance has provided quality collision repair services for over 25 years. Sentry is a nationally recognized leader in the industry, and our team of highly skilled technicians is proud to call them a partner.   Sentry's 24/7 claims hotline means you can report your claim anytime, day or night. And their online claims center allows you to track the status of your claim from start to finish. Sentry offers rental car programs, so you can get back on the road while we repair your vehicle. Sentry is here to make your life easier when it comes t ... read more

By anoushkatoronto Spooky Season Is Here That's right, everybody, our favorite time of the year is here!   It's spooky season, and everyone's rushing to find the best costume for the party. Well, don't leave your vehicle out of the fun! There's still time to grab an awesome Halloween costume for your favorite car and show up to the party in style.   Halloween Costumes For Your Vehicle You might not know this, but there are tons of options to adorn your vehicle with Halloween spirit. Maybe you design a whole theme around the family costumes and include the family care? The possibilities are endless!   Here are three Halloween costume ideas for your vehicle ... read more

By globalmoments   Calming Our Inner Demons (Avoiding road rage) Road rage is a common occurrence on the roads today. It can be dangerous and cause accidents. Typically, it all comes down to ego. Those little inner demons who want us to "save face" or "have the last word." We know there is a better way to keep yourself and your family safe on the road. So how can you avoid road rage and stay calm while driving?    5 Tips To Help You Avoid Road Rage Tips to Avoid Road Rage:  Don't take things personally. If someone cuts you off, they may not be doing it intentionally. Assume that they're just having a bad day, and brush it off your shoulder. Avoid making assumptions. If someone is driving slowly, they may have an ill passenger or be new to the area. It's impossible to know another person's circumstances and stresse ... read more

By JJ Gouin Tire Tread & Fender Benders One of the most common causes of collisions is poor tire tread. When your tires don't have enough tire tread, they can't grip the road as well, which can lead to accidents. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this. By regularly checking your tire tread and keeping an eye out for warning signs, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.  How to Check Your Tire Tread It's important to check your tire tread regularly, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow. There are a few different ways to do this:  One way is to use a tire tread depth gauge. You can purchase a Tire Depth Gauge at most auto parts stores. Insert the gauge into the tread and see how deep it is. The deeper the tread, the better.  Another way to check your tire tread is by doing the "penny test." ... read more

By chartphotoUpdated November 2023:  Whether you've just driven your brand-new car off the lot or have been faithfully cruising the same vehicle for years, keeping your car looking its best is a priority. Unfortunately, dents, dings, and scratches are an inevitable part of owning a car. But fret not! In this updated blog post for 2023, we'll delve into the most common culprits behind exterior car damage and provide you with valuable insights on how to prevent and mitigate these issues. Armed with this knowledge, you can ensure your car remains in tip-top condition for years to come. Common Causes Of Exterior Vehicle Damage: The most common cause of dents and dings remains the actions of other drivers. Whether it's someone carelessly flinging their door into your parked car or a rogue shopping cart taking aim at your bumper on a windy day, th ... read more

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio   We proudly serve Coast Auto Insurance customers We're excited to serve Coast Auto Insurance customers at our collision repair shop. Our team is dedicated to providing quality collision repair backed by service you can trust, and partners like Coast Auto insurance are integral in that process!   Why a partnership brings you value At CARSTAR Robert's Collision, we work with all major insurance companies to help you through the process of getting your vehicle repaired after an accident. We understand that dealing with insurance can be stressful, so we do everything we can to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.   Coast Auto Insurance is one of the many insurance companies we work with to bring you the best possible collision repair experience. We are proud to partner with Coast Auto Insurance and provide our customers with the high-quality repairs they deserve. If you have any questions about how we work with y ... read more

Photo by Orhun Rüzgar The devil is in the details If you're like most people, your car is one of your most prized possessions. You take pride in keeping it clean and looking its best. But even if you are diligent about cleaning it yourself, some areas are just tough to reach - and may not get the attention they need.   That's where a professional detailing service comes in. Detailing involves a thorough process with specialized products and tools. It can make your car look like new again! Here's a look at what goes into detail work and some tips on choosing the right detailing service for your vehicle.   What is detailing, and why should you do it Your car is one of your biggest investments, so taking care of it is important. Detailing is a process that involves cleaning and polishing the exterior and interior of your vehicle to restore it to its original condition. Many people choose to have their cars detailed by a professional, as this ensures that ... read more

Photo by SplitShire   Distracted drivers are everywhere Texting and driving are significant problems on the roads these days. Not only is it dangerous for the driver, but it can also be dangerous for others around them. In this post, we'll discuss some of the most common distractions that drivers face and how to avoid them.   The dangers of distractions while driving It's no secret that distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distractions are a factor in nearly 10% of all fatal crashes.   The most common types of distractions are: Visual (taking your eyes off the road) Manual (taking your hands off the wheel) Cognitive (taking your mind off of driving)   While all three types of distractions can be dangerous, cognitive distractions are particularly dangerous because they prevent drivers from being able to focus on the task at hand.    How to avoid d ... read more

Photo by Pixabay   Regular maintenance can help prevent a collision If you're like most car owners, you probably don't think about your vehicle's maintenance until something goes wrong. And unfortunately, by that point, it can be too late - the damage has already been done, and you're left with a hefty collision repair bill.   But if you take a little time to plan, you can avoid these costly surprises and keep your car running smoothly for years to come. Here are a few simple tips to get you started.   What is Preventative maintenance? Preventive maintenance is any action performed on a vehicle to avoid a future repair. This includes routine oil changes, tire rotations, and brakes checks. By keeping up with these simple tasks, you can help to prevent more serious and costly problems down the road, like a collision. In addition to preventive maintenance, there are other steps you can take to avoid expensive repairs. For example, be sure to drive ca ... read more

  Did You Know We Are An “Preferred Repair Vendor” with Kemper Insurance (Formerly Unitrin)? We are tremendously proud of our affiliation with Kemper Insurance. Kemper Insurance is the new name for a company you might remember as Unitrin; their acquisition means more resources, even better care, and a wide range of industry experts they can draw on. This translates to more value for you and better protection for the customers we so dearly appreciate.   The Kemper Insurance Value Kemper Insurance is dedicated to providing the maximum amount of people with affordable and equitable insurance options. They cover a wide range of options, including personal, home, auto, and more! If you need insurance, Kemper Insurance has an option for you and a team to provide it.   Yeah, But What’s A “Preferred Repair Vendor&rd ... read more

  Bring Down The Heat With temperatures peaking in the 100s, everyone’s a little bit on edge and trying to get where they are going as fast as possible. Nobody likes sitting in their vehicle, sun beaming through the windows, wiping the sweat off their brow.   Sometimes it feels like your air conditioner just can’t keep up with what the sun tosses out. You hit every ride light, gotta wait for deer crossing, and you just want to get where you are going ASAP. Nothing is worse at that moment than having another driver cut you off, force you to wait at a red light, or even worse, get close to a collision with you.   Avoid Road Rage This Summer Drive Defensively - A good rule of thumb is to always drive defensively vs. offensively. Meaning, don’t be “that guy.” You know the one, the one that rushes ahead of everyone, that won’t let you merge on the freeway and seems to be in a hurry no matter where they go. Avoid that behavior, and dr ... read more

Cruising California In Style July in Monterey; we are the envy of the rest of the state, and that means you can expect lots of tourists rolling through, haha! Why not get ready for your own road trip this month, and line up some of your favorite songs for the ride!   Not sure what to play on your California road trip? Tired of listening to all the same stuff? Don’t worry; we have you covered! We compiled a list of three awesome summertime road cruising playlists that will help to break up that old playlist!   Cruising music for a California Road Trip Hollow Coves Radio - Planning a cruise down the coastline? Well, nothing says relaxing coastal music like some Hollow Coves! This playlist is the perfect background for relaxing seaside music; put it on, hop in your car, and lose yourself in the beautiful views.   Chill+Atmos ... read more

Photo by Bob Bowie on Unsplash Coastal California cool-downs Summer is officially here, and most of California is embroiled in a 100-plus degree temperature gridlock. Luckily for us, the California Central Coast sees enviable temperatures for the vast majority of the summer months, rarely exceeding 100 degrees in a day. So, what does that mean for the people that visit this area? Well, world-class temperatures, world-class food, and world-class natural beauty, what more could you ask for? Visit Monterey, California Ok, we admit it, we are a little biased on this phone, haha! But can you blame us? Monterey, California, is one of the most beautiful coastal regions in the world. With dramatic cliffsides dropping into the vast and wild paci ... read more

Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash It's getting hot outside; should I service my A/C system now? A/C systems are pretty simple, and they will let you know when it's time to get service! If you are starting to feel hot and you feel like your A/C system isn't functioning like it used to, now is the time to get it serviced! A couple of things you might want to look for: Is your A/C system blowing warm air? Is it blowing only hot air? Or is it making any sounds or struggling to kick into gear when you think it should be? What is freon? Freon is a non-combustible gas added as a refrigerant to your air conditioning system. Without proper freon levels & pressure, your air conditioning system won't be able to cool you and you ... read more

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash CARSTAR Robert’s Collision is a “Preferred Direct Repair” shop with Bristol West! We only work with the best at CARSTAR Robert's Collision, which is why we are proud to feature Bristol West in our Partner Spotlight this month! Bristol West Insurance has been around since 1973, helping customers of any income background or social situation. They pride themselves on ensuring you find coverage when you need it. What is a "Preferred Direct Repair" shop? CARSTAR Robert's Collision is a Preferred Repair Vendor for Geico Insurance. That means that we work hand-in-hand with Bristol West as one of their preferred dir ... read more

Photo by Leio McLaren on Unsplash Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out! The California heat is here, and with it comes the summertime fun! Families love to hit Yosemite National Park for a day-hike, Monterey's beaches for a tan, and our famed wineries to chill out. Whatever your favorite summertime activity, you can make it even better by ensuring your vehicle is ready for the road. How can I get my vehicle ready for summer? The best way to get your vehicle ready for summer is to have it examined by your trusted auto repair center. However, if you want to start the process yourself, we suggest examining your vehicle's fan belt (if it has a dedicated fan belt) and ensuring that it's tight. Check the freon levels in your air condition ... read more

Photo by anja. on Unsplash Is hot weather bad for my vehicle? The summer months are here, and if you live anywhere within the California Central Valley, you know what this means! Consecutive days where you can expect temperatures to reach and exceed 100+ degrees. That heat exposure can spell disaster for your vehicle, but it also makes driving a nightmare, especially if something goes wrong with your air conditioning system. All that heat can lead to electrical and mechanical failure in your vehicle. Your coolant system plays an integral role in regulating the operating temperature of your vehicle. Excessive heat can make it harder for it to do its job, and if temperatures get too high, you might experience complete vehicle failure. How c ... read more

Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash Monterey is a day trip paradise! Tolkien-esque rolling hills, dramatic cliffsides dropping sharply into the pacific ocean, shaded forests towering above silent paths, and white sand beaches as far as the eye can see; Monterey, California, is a day trip paradise! No matter what your idea of a perfect trip is, Monterey, California, is sure to have it.  You want world-class food? We got you covered.  You want a romantic winery tour with your loved one? No problem.  Wanna' spend your days lost in nature's beauty or drifting through the ocean alongside whales? Yea, we do that too! When should I visit Monterey for a day trip? Lucky for you, Monterey, Ca, experiences world-class weathe ... read more

Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash Why we partner with amazing companies, like Progressive Insurance! Each month, we like to feature one of our partners at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision. This month, we would like to spotlight Progressive insurance and its incredible legacy of providing high-quality turnkey insurance options to their clients! Progressive Insurance has been around since 1937, which means you get to draw on nearly a century of trust and community credit; built over generations. They really live their name, in that they are a very progressive company when it comes to living their values.  Progressive Insurance makes insurance easier ... read more

Photo by Thor Alvis on Unsplash What are some great day trips from Monterey, CA? Monterey, CA, may be one of the most beautiful locations on the planet, but as luck would have it, it is surrounded by all sorts of beauty as well! This area is so diverse in its geography, scenery, food, and local cultures. Between some of the planet’s best produce, fruit, and wine, you’ll also find stunning views you won’t see anywhere else.    So we put together three amazing spots you can easily do in a day trip from Monterey, CA. Here are three awesome day trips out of Monterey, CA:   Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Like a faery wonderland out of a J.R.R. Tolki ... read more

Photo by Michael Jin on Unsplash What do I do in a hit & run situation? Collisions are a worst-case scenario for everyone. The beloved vehicle that you worked so hard for, your baby, is facing a situation you just didn’t see coming. Whether it’s a simple scratch or major bodywork, moving forward can be emotionally stressful and financially worrying. What makes that situation worse is when you can’t reach out to the person who did it! A hit & run!   We try as hard as we can to plan and prepare for the un-plannable, but we still get blindsided when it happens. If you are in a hit & run scenario, we suggest a couple of things.   What to do in a hit & run situation:   Stay calm   ... read more

Photo by Wassim Chouak on Unsplash Are there filters other than my oil filter? You might be surprised to find out how many people believe that your vehicle only has one main filter, your oil filter! Or, maybe this is the first time you have even thought about it. Worry not; whatever your scenario, this month’s blog serves as a primer on the subject and should help give you a better picture of just how complex your vehicle really is. Which vehicle filters are the most important? To begin with, your vehicle has four main filters. All of which serve to protect your vehicle from dirt, dust, particulate matter, rust breakdown, metal shavings, and more! Our vehicle is a complex piece of machinery that really needs to be protected ... read more

Photo by Candy Goode on Unsplash Valentine’s Day is almost here, are you ready for it? If you haven’t made any plans, don’t worry, we have you covered! Whether you are into a romantic rendezvous by the seaside, a day spent touring the forest, or sipping on world-class wine amidst some of the country’s most beautiful scenery; this list has an option for you! Where would we be on Valentine’s Day without our beloved vehicles? For that reason, we wanted to include your vehicle on at least one of these trips, a very beautiful one at that. We lined up three things that are sure to make a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Here are three romantic getaways in Monterey, CA, that you can do in a single day ... read more

Photo by Ildar Garifullin on Unsplash Pandemic prices are through the roof, especially when it comes to vehicles. On average, used cars have risen 24% from June 2020 to June 2021, and things are set to go even higher! New cars faced a 12%+ increase as well, setting vehicle sales prices at an all-time high. All of this leaves us with a question – do we buy new…or do we buy used? The answer might seem obvious if we look at the percentages alone, but there is more to factor in! Microchip shortages and supply chain logistics issues are two of the main reasons we see these price increases. As factories in China fell behind with microchip p ... read more

Photo by Adrian Dascal on Unsplash January is here, and all sorts of New Year's resolutions and promises of self-improvement come with it. Maybe you want to get rid of those "pandemic pounds" or start a new project around the house; the options are endless. Now, whether we keep the promises or not…is another matter, haha. With all these great ideas getting tossed around, why not think of some ways to improve our beloved vehicles? Our vehicles spend all year working hard, taking us to and fro and dealing with all the stress we throw their way; on a daily basis. Some of our vehicles might even be a little dinged and dented, really in need of a New Year's facelift. Detailing your vehicle is a great way to show your vehicle ... read more

Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash Our end-of-the-year partner spotlight highlights our relationship with Esurance Insurance. With the end of the year just a few days away, now is a great time to consider how you want to start the new year. Thinking about our futures and keeping our families safe is a New Year’s resolution we can get behind. Our friends at Esurance Insurance take the insurance industry and simplify everything. They employ cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interfaces that bring the experience closer to the consumer. The big complaint about insurance is how confusing and expensive the process is. Esurance has an infrastructure that disentangles the complicated web of policy plans and details. H ... read more

Photo by Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash   For some of us, our vehicles are like extended family members. We spend countless hours trusting them to get us safe and sound from Point A to Point B. Precious memories are created with them by our side, and nothing hurts more than seeing something you love get hurt!   Everyone remembers the moment they got their first vehicle. Some of us were lucky enough to walk outside to the greatest present we have ever received, while others toiled away at our minimum wage jobs scraping pennies to afford our first beater. Whichever umbrella you fall under, we all agree that it was one of the defining moments of our early adult lives, the moment the keys to personal freedom were placed in our hands ... read more

Photo by Thomas Ciszewski on Unsplash December marks the middle of the holiday season and all of its cinnamon-scented joyous occasions. We bring in the new year surrounded by family and friends, enjoying good meals and sharing the best stories and challenges from the year. In the face of all the grief and turmoil that occurred through the pandemic, there has never been a better time to take a step forward and truly embrace the holiday season. The majority of us spend the holiday season relatively close to home, nestled in a warm family abode with all our favorite people. While we all love and cherish these moments, there are some great opportunities to add to the family traditions as well! So, here are a couple of ideas to help you and your family ... read more

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash   This month, we are proud to highlight our partnership with Sentry Insurance! The holiday season is upon us, and Americans are about to hit the road; full force. All those vehicles on the road mean that it is time to pick the best insurance provider for you. Nothing is more important than protecting your family and your business; Sentry Insurance puts family first.    Our partners with Sentry Insurance carry a wide range of plans to fit any business and its needs. They founded their company in 1902, giving them more than a century of experience protecting their customers. We believe these are s ... read more

Photo by Mat Napo on UnsplashBlog Updated 11/13/23 This blog post is an updated version of a piece originally written in 2021. The holidays are a magical time for creating cherished memories with family and friends. Whether you're traveling just around the corner or across state lines, hitting the road is often a part of the festive season. However, unforeseen events, such as accidents, can disrupt the joyous journey. In this updated blog, we revisit the essentials of a well-prepared road kit and introduce new aspects of our business, emphasizing our expertise in auto body work to assist you in vehicle mishaps. Road Kit Essentials A well-equipped road kit can be the difference between inconvenience and disaster. Here's a c ... read more

Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash Living in the wonderful climate of Monterey County, it is all too easy to overlook the importance of preparing our vehicles for winter conditions. We spend the majority of our year in wonderfully temperate weather, sunshiny days, and seaside charm. However, winter conditions can surprise us, and we want our vehicles to be ready for them when they do.  You don’t want to be stuck in a dangerous situation, thinking to yourself, “I shoulda done this,” or “man, I coulda done that.” Here are two major things to consider as the wetter months roll into Monterey County. Blinded By The Rain - One of the most dangerous things that could happen to you in Monterey countr ... read more

Photo by Tekton on Unsplash Our old buddy Benjamin Franklin has a legendary quote that goes like this "For want of a nail, the shoe was lost." What it boils down to this; a seemingly small thing that we could easily overlook can turn into a much bigger problem, causing a cascading waterfall of events that all stem from one tiny omission. The auto industry is the perfect example of old Benjamin's wisdom! Our vehicles are highly sophisticated marvels of engineering that need each and every part to function well. Overlooking a smaller detail can put you at risk and end up doing serious damage to your pocketbook. Take this story of a forgotten tire rotation as a cautionary tale. I Shoulda Rotated My Tires: A man and his family get ... read more

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash   Holiday travel can be stressful; between all the deadlines, time off of work, kids home from school, and money-spent on gifts & travel. However, it's important to sit back, relax, and remember that this is the time to appreciate what we have and, more importantly, who we share it with. Our holiday road trip is ahead of us, so let's take this time to think of some ways to prepare for it.   Between the kids, the food, and the traffic, holiday travel can be a really tiring situation for us. We might not be able to control the traffic situation, but we can prepare ourselves for the other scenarios by considering a couple of things. Here are a few ways to prepare for your hol ... read more

Photo by Alexandre Boucher on Unsplash Collisions are one of the most dangerous situations drivers face daily. In fact, car accidents are the leading cause of significant injuries to Americans. As we navigate life, it’s easy to get distracted by cell phones, daily routines, and the chaos of our schedules. These distractions, though common, pose serious risks on the road. It’s crucial that we stay alert and “keep our heads on a swivel” to recognize and avoid potential hazards.   By understanding the common causes of collisions, we can take steps to ensure safer travels. Here are some of the most frequent culprits behind car accidents in the United States:   Speeding: The Danger of ... read more

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash   With the weather feeling just right and the leaves turning their autumn shades of color, now is a great time to hit the road and enjoy a road trip! Some of our favorite memories on a road trip centered around the music we were listening to on the road. We were blasting "Bohemian Rhapsody" with everyone in the car singing along. These are some of our fondest memories, and a good playlist can make your trip that much better!   Spotify has a huge compendium of amazing playlists, and many of them are built especially for road trips! They have a playlist for every generation and every genre of music! Got a car full of millennials who want to relive the 90's? They have you cov ... read more

Photo by Michael Jin on Unsplash  This week's blog brings us to our partner spotlight, Coast Auto Insurance! Going beyond expectations, Coast Auto Insurance sets a new standard for excellent coverage and benefits. Knowing an outstanding insurance company covers you can bring ease of mind and reassurance that you will be covered when the unexpected comes.  Coast Auto Insurance was founded in 1986 in Seaside, CA. Since then, they have expanded to offering coverage for cars and other vehicles, homes, personal property, businesses, and more! Being a part of a stellar company such as Coast Auto Insurance can bring several benefits to you and your family. These are a few ex ... read more

    Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash  For this week's blog, we want to highlight some of the more common causes of auto collisions so that you can avoid being in an accident yourself. While commuting to work or going about your day, you may have witnessed an accident on the road and wondered why it happened. At CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey, we care about your safety and want to point out some things to avoid while on the road.  Being able to identify hazards on the road or having the ability to react to avoid accidents requires attention and focus. It is important to remember that your life, your passenger's life, and the lives of other drivers around you can be affected ... read more

Photo by Matt Chesin on Unsplash Greetings from our second blog of the month! This week’s blog is all about what you should do if you find yourself involved in a vehicle accident. The National Highway Traffic Administration records that there is a vehicular accident approximately every 60 seconds, equating to an estimated amount of 5.25 million accidents per year.  While we hope you never have to put these tips to practice, it is essential to know how to act in these stressful situations. Continue reading to learn more about important steps that you can take to ease the stress of being in an unfortunate situation. Stay calm and assess the situation - One of the first things to consider when in an accident is to stay calm and ... read more

from the website This first Monday of this September is better known as Labor Day! This holiday serves as a symbol of the progress and achievement of the working people. There is also a second meaning to Labor Day in which most Americans consider Labor Day to mark the end of summer!    This labor day, we want to acknowledge our hard-working employees who contribute directly towards the amazing work done here at CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey. Without the dedication and commitment of our employees, we would not be able to provide the exceptional service in which we take pride in ourselves.    We encourage you to check out our reviews which highlight the fantastic work done by the leading auto repair team in the Monterey peninsula! We would also like to invite you to check out this video about our customer service!  If you have any questions regarding ... read more

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash    Did you get into a car accident, and you didn't have auto insurance? Not having your vehicle secured by company insurance can cost you lots of money when it comes to a car accident. But here at CARSTAR Auto Body Repair experts, we can help you find the perfect auto insurance for your vehicle. And for this month's blog, our partner spotlight of this month is 21st Century Insurance.    Having auto insurance can protect yourself and others; it can help you protect your family members, passengers, and other drivers during a car accident on the road. 21st Century Insurance has taken pride in providing customers superior coverage and quality service since ... read more

Photo by Deleece Cook on Unsplash    Is your vehicle ready for back-to-school season? Going back to school in person after being away for a long time can be exciting! And because of this it is important to have your vehicle ready and make sure everything is working perfectly, especially the brakes.    Having your car ready for back to school can save you lots of time and money. Your kids or probably yourself are going back to school, which means the hours you spend in the car have just significantly increased! You will be driving from home to school, to work, and back and forth. Below are some of the steps you should consider to have your vehicle and brakes ready for back to school:   Keep an eye on your tires: Your vehicle tires are like your feet; they need to be in go ... read more

Photo by Michael Jin on Unsplash Have you ever been in a car accident and don't know what to do? For this month's blog, we will teach you some of the accident checklists you should know when a car accident happens! Driving can be something that sounds fun to do, but it can also be risky if we don't take precautions and are focused on the road. Traffic accidents can happen anytime, to anyone, and for this reason, it is essential to be prepared and know what to do when it happens.    When people suffer a car accident, the first thing they do is get paranoid and leave the scene, which is reasonable. But trying to leave the place of the accident without even calling the police or making sure the other people on the vehicle are okay can be the most common mistake people make in ... read more

Photo by Jan Baborák on Unsplash    Welcome to our August blog! For this blog, we will be talking about relieving your first year of driving and some of the things you can do to calm your nerves and help you drive, like if you have been doing so for years.    The fear of driving is incredibly common among first-time drivers and can be mild or severe. It takes its time, probably up to three months or even more. Even if you start driving on the regular roads, it might take months before becoming really good, but it's all about practice. We all had the experience of having one family member or friend yelling at us while trying to teach us how to drive, but in the end, we all learned how to do it successfully.    Our friends at CARSTAR Robert's want you ... read more

This month, CARSTAR Robert’s Collision wants to highlight and celebrate one of our partners:  Geico Insurance.  Geico Insurance has been a longtime partner of our auto body shop. Even before the time of COVID-19, we had an on-site Geico representative who would assess the collision damage of their clients’ vehicles. Together, we do our part to provide easy, convenient service and communication to our mutual clients. Our combined goal is to make your auto body repairs seamless and hassle-free, with high-quality customer service.  Here are some videos showing the entire customer service experience and repair process when you work with CARSTAR Robert’s Collision:   For additional information about Geico and how to make a claim after you suffer an auto accident, you’ll find a wealth of material here: https://www.geico.com/claims/  ... read more

Years ago, our auto body repair shop was the first of all auto repair shops to receive Green certification from the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. To obtain this green certification, we had to employ various procedures that prove to be environmentally friendly. One of the major things that helped us earn that certification was our use of waterborne paint. CARSTAR Robert’s Collision was the first and only Green shop in the area using waterborne paint. This type of paint is water-based and the leading auto body paints in the industry that is eco-friendly. Using waterborne paint instead of more harmful kinds is better for the environment and your vehicle for several reasons:   First of all, we don’t have to sacrifice quality. This technology reduces hazardous waste that negatively impacts the environment as well as our employees. When waterborne paint is used, it serves an effective solution for lowering volatile organic compound emissions.  Waterbor ... read more

While Halloween falls on October 31st, National Pumpkin Day is October 26! Pumpkins are often seen as a fun fall holiday decoration and ingredient in festive recipes, but they’re so much more than that. Not only are they full of antioxidants, but they’re also loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they make fantastic desserts!  The history of National Pumpkin Day begins with the pumpkin itself. The pumpkin is indigenous to the Western Hemisphere, with some of the oldest domesticated pumpkin seeds discovered by archaeologists in the Oaxaca highlands of Mexico. Believed to have originated in Central American over 7,500 years ago, pumpkins are thought to be among the first crops grown by humans in North America. Back then, pumpkins didn’t look much like they do now -- they were originally small, wizened little gourds, with tough exteriors and a bitter flavor. They were ideal to keep throughout the winter, as their thick flesh was easy to store throughout th ... read more

While COVID-19 has continued to ravage the world, it’s a difficult time for people in our community to come together and support causes near and dear to our hearts without fear of becoming ill. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s now more important than ever to support these causes, especially when supporting them does so much good. Read on to learn five ways you can support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, despite COVID-19! Join a virtual 5K run/walk There may not be many 5K run/walks to physically go to this year due to the COVID-19 epidemic, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t sign up virtually! Not only are they easy and cheaper than in-person events, but you can participate according to your own schedule and fitness level. Host a fundraising event online Though fundraising in person may not be in the cards right now, there’s so many ways to help fundraise online! Set up a GoFundMe or other similar fu ... read more

California has been struck by fire after fire in the last few years, and 2020 is up there with the worst fire season our state has ever seen. Along with smoky orange and grey skies and poor to dangerous air quality, California residents have had days and days of ash falling from the sky. With no end to the fires in sight, it’s important to make sure that you keep your car from accumulating long-term damage as a result of the fire season. Keep reading to find out how to keep the air pollution from ruining your car’s paint job, and how to keep the air in your car as clean as possible.  After driving, you’ll likely arrive home with some ash residue. This can be removed quickly and easily by gently wiping down your vehicle with a long-handled car duster to remove any soot and ash that have accumulated. Make sure to pay particular attention to your headlights and taillights to ensure you have maximum visibility. If you have access to a garage where you can park your ... read more

While Columbus Day is observed annually on the second Monday of October, not all states follow this traditional holiday. Instead, they choose to celebrate other events that same day. Enter: National Native American Day! Also known as Native American Day and Indigenous People’s Day, observers of this holiday choose to celebrate the heritage of Native Americans and to share knowledge of the native peoples who have been here since before the start of the American story. Celebrated in South Dakota and Berkeley, California, instead of Columbus Day and statewide in California as a day of observance on the fourth Friday of September, this holiday is meant to uplift and highlight the cultures of our country’s first nations. Many people who celebrate Native Americans’ Day do so through teaching and learning about the traditions, culture, and heritage of Native American peoples. This is frequently paired with awareness-raising activities about their history that aren’t al ... read more