Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

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 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

Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash   21st Century Insurance is a longtime partner of CARSTAR Robert's Collision We're excited to highlight our partnership with 21st Century Insurance! Our partnership makes things easier for our customers by giving you a turnkey, one-stop-shop experience with insurance navigation and processing.   Collisions are traumatic, and they are made worse when you have to navigate insurance coverage on your own. We make that process easier through our partnerships with trusted companies like 21st Century Insurance! This means that if you're in an accident and your vehicle needs repairs, you can bring it to us, and we'll take ... read more

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash   Don't Overlook Check Engine Lights! If you're like most people, you probably don't think much of your check engine light. After all, it's just a little light that comes on occasionally - no big deal, right? Wrong. Your check engine light could be a sign of a serious problem with your car, and if you ignore it, you could end up stranded, or worse.   What should I do if my check engine light comes on? So, what exactly is your check engine light trying to tell you? Well, it could be a number of things. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap or something more serious, like a faulty oxygen sensor. There are many potential causes, but the only way to know for sure is to h ... read more

Photo by Patti Black on Unsplash   Back To School, We Go! Summer is winding down, meaning it's time to get back into the swing of things with school. If you have a new driver in the family, now is a great time to get their car ready for the back-to-school season.   For many new drivers, the back-to-school season can be a nerve-wracking time. There are so many things to remember: new classes, meeting new people, and of course - driving in traffic for the first time.   If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry! We're here to help. In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips that will help you get ready for the back-to-school season. Follow these tips, and you'll navigate the roads like a pro i ... read more

Photo by Orkun Azap on Unsplash   6 Tips For Our New Drivers Congratulations on getting your driver's license! This is a huge accomplishment, and it's time to celebrate. But before you hit the open road, there are a few things you need to do to prepare for driving.   It's tough to let the baby take its first flight, but alas, here we are! They have to learn how to fly on their own sooner or later. Just make sure they cover some of the basics before that first jump!   Get yourself ready for the road! Here are our six tips for new drivers: Get plenty of practice driving in different conditions - practice in various weather conditions and on different types of roads. This will help you become a better dri ... read more

  A Road Trip Checklist To Save The Day The sun is out, the weather is warm, and road trip season is looking better by the day! A road trip can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful if you're not prepared. Let's help each other avoid any last-minute surprises and list a few things you'll want to consider!   No one wants to spend their road trip stressed out and worried about everything that could go wrong. By being prepared, you can avoid most of the potential problems and focus on having fun! Here are a few tips to help get you started:   Make a Road Trip Checklist! 1. Make a checklist: This is probably the most important step! A road trip checklist will help you make sure you don't forget anything important and that you have everything you need.   Some ideas of things to include in your checklist: Check your tires Check your spare tire Check your brakes Check your vehicle fluids Bring Water Bring Food Bring Chargers Bring f ... 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 Josh Applegate on Unsplash Tailgate Treats For Independence Day Happy Independence Day, Monterey! Is everybody ready for the bright lights, smells, and family fun? We know we are. But in that spirit, you want to wow your guests this year; you want them to leave saying, “man, the food was amazing this year!” Here are some awesome recipes for tonight’s festivities and the rest of the tailgate season! Incredible Independence Day Hits Jalapeno Poppers Nothing says a warm summer afternoon chillin’ by the tailgate like some spicy jalapeno poppers! Let’s do a ham and cheese stuffing and celebrate the holiday with a bang! Grab canned whole jalapenos (the vinegar brine goes great with the other fl ... 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 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 Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash Why We Partner With GEICO Insurance. We like to feature one of our partners in our "Partner Spotlight" blog each month. This month, we have the pleasure of introducing one of our longtime partners GEICO Insurance. We partner with many different insurance providers to bring you the greatest value we can in Monterey County, and GEICO is one of the best. Why We Love GEICO First of all, it comes down to legacy and consumer trust. GEICO has been in the insurance business since 1936, making them a time-tested American-born insurance provider. With almost a century in business helping people navigate some of life's mo ... read more

Photo by Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash What Can I Do To Fix My Car After A Collision? It’s an unfortunate fact that driving is one of the most dangerous things we engage in daily. A lot of us overlook just how common collisions are. While we pray and hope that we never have to deal with one, it’s good to prepare and have a plan for if we do.    Every year, new drivers enter the road space. Young people with little to no experience on the roads carry a good amount of anxiety with the beginning experience. It’s good to take some time to educate them about road safety and good practices; before you let them fly on their own. Beyond that, let’s discuss some of the details of how you can come back from a co ... read more

Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash Tire tread is often an overlooked aspect of vehicle maintenance, yet it plays a crucial role in ensuring safety on the road. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of tire tread, what it is, how it can get damaged, the symptoms of worn tread, and a simple test you can perform at home to check your tire tread depth. What is Tire Tread? Tire tread refers to the pattern of grooves and channels on the surface of a tire that makes contact with the road. This design serves several purposes, including providing traction, dispersing water to prevent hydroplaning, and enhancing overall stability and handling. Ways Tire Tread Can Get Damaged: Wear and Tear: Over time, the friction between the tire ... read more

Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash Considering February’s theme of love and affection, what better time to highlight one of our amazing partners at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision in Monterey, CA. We are proud to feature Farmers Insurance as the star of this month’s Partner Spotlight. Driving without protection can leave our families open to dangerous situations; you want that protection in the case that you need it. Farmers Insurance is an American legacy company that has been around for nearly 100 years! Providing people with the safety and peace of mind that they need to live their lives fully. When it comes time to consider an insurance company ... read more

Photo by Clément M. on Unsplash Continuing our February appreciation theme, let's expand on sharing the love! With the month coming to a close, did we show our affection in all the places that we intended? It's not too late to act in the spirit of Valentine's Day and shower our friends, family, and vehicles with the love and care they deserve. Nothing brings an old vehicle to life like some interior and exterior attention. It is all too easy to find ourselves wrapped in the day-to-day chaos, but don't forget, our vehicles share that burden with us. We compiled a few things you might want to do to share the love with your vehicle. Here are three awesome ideas: Exterior Detailing - The sting of the summer rays has lo ... read more

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash Happy Valentine’s Day, Monterey! In the spirit of the loving season, we thought it would be a great time to pay a little extra attention to our vehicles, to remember the good and the bad. Like any relationship, it’s good to step back and remember what got us here; in this case, our vehicles literally drove us here, haha! Vehicles aren’t just expensive purchases we feel tied to for the length of our car payments and leases. They act as a conduit for our dreams, goals, and ambitions. They work hard to get us where we want to go, physically and emotionally. You might remember your first date, a late night out with your buddies, or a road trip to visit loved ones. Your vehicle was there f ... 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 Cytonn Photography on Unsplash We are a month into the New Year today, and now it is time to reevaluate our resolutions. Did we hit the goals we set, and more importantly, did we set the right goals? We can’t stress the importance of safety and protection enough; we see collisions every day and know what it means to prepare. This month, we would like to highlight our relationship with USAA Insurance, an amazing company we proudly call our partner. Collisions come out of nowhere; nobody is ever truly prepared for the moment they hit. We can drive safely, park far away from other vehicles, and plan to drive in good weather, but we still can’t avoid those “act of god&rdquo ... 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 Ryan Sepulveda on Unsplash Happy New Year, Monterey! The weather may be cloudy and the days cold, but that doesn't mean we can't get together and have some fun. Monterey County is full of amazing natural wonders and fun cultural spots right in our backyard. So, where would you like to visit as you prepare for the new year?   Agriculture might not be the first thing on your mind when you visit Monterey County, but this area of California is world-renowned for the quality of our produce. Including world-class berries, lettuces, herbs, mushrooms, garlic, artichokes, asparagus, and so much more! Beyond that, we have one-of-a-kind natural beauty. I think it's time to strap on our jackets and go explore; here are a ... 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 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 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 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 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

In this week’s blog, we want to spotlight one of our insurance partners: Unitrin Insurance. However, Kemper Direct recently purchased Unitrin, so anyone who signed up with Unitrin Insurance will now be filing auto insurance claims through Kemper Direct:  https://direct.kemper.com/home.aspx?source=kemperselect Kemper Direct is part of Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR), one of the nation’s leading financial service providers. They provide both auto and home insurance.  If you want to see a review of Unitrin Insurance, check out this link: https://www.autoinsurance.org/companies/unitrin-direct-auto-insurance-review/ At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we work closely with insurance providers to provide easy, convenient service and communication to our mutual clients. Our combined goal is to make your auto ... read more

Sunburnt paint. We've all seen it. That beautiful brightly colored car paint fades and chips away when exposed to the elements for too long. Most people would say that this is a process everybody goes through sooner or later. However, it should not be like that! If we just followed a couple of simple steps, we could prevent ourselves from the headaches of repairing the car paint of a sun-damaged car. Here's what to do. Park under trees.  In most cases, wherever you go, there's usually a tree or two by the parking lot. The trees help shade your car, which keeps your car cooler. But watch out for tree sap getting on your paint job!  But what if there are no trees?  Whenever possible, seek out covered parking lots or garages that block out the sun's UV rays. These covered parking places may not be offered for free. However, most stores allow you to park for free for 2 hours. This is more than enough time to conduct your business and keep your car fresh ... read more

Photo by Foundry Co from Pixabay   California is arguably one of the most iconic states. Besides incredible opportunities to do business and a high standard of living, California is also known for its tourist-friendly cities and places.    In this article, we’ll reveal a couple of the best travel destinations if you want to see the beauty of our “Golden State”!   Enjoy the ride, and drive safely!   San Francisco Besides the well-known Silicon Valley area and Alcatraz Island, San Francisco is a cultural paradise. It houses the ... read more

  Independence Day is one of the most important days for American families. However, as data from The National Safety Council (NSC) shows, it can also be one of the deadliest.    Over 300 people are expected to die during this year’s Independence Day due to traffic accidents. As depressing as this may seem, we can prevent that by sticking to the simple rules of safe driving.   The basics:   Wear a seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt prevents over 45% of the potential fatalities in car crashes. This “Lives Saved” statistic shows that over 100 people can be saved just this Independence Day if people just wore their seat belts.   Don’t drink and drive. Over 40% of fatal incidents on Independence Day occur because of alcohol usage ... read more

This month, CARSTAR Robert’s Collision wants to highlight and celebrate one of our partners: Permit General Insurance.    Permit General works with CARSTAR Robert’s Collision as a direct repair shop. Permit General Insurance offers automotive insurance that has a variety of coverage plans that help clients find the best auto insurance for their needs.   At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we work closely with insurance providers 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:   If your vehicle needs auto body repair and you have questions for our tea ... read more

Lucky for us on the Monterey Peninsula, we can take a road trip to Big Sur in less than an hour. Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash   Now that the pandemic appears to be under control for the moment and it’s summertime, so many folks are itching to travel. We can’t blame them, for we like to travel, too.    Lucky for us, we live here in paradise on the Monterey Peninsula and there’s no real need for us to get out of town. But when we do travel, we like to have our favorite road trip playlists on tap for summertime fun.    Here are some of our fave road trip playlists on Spotify:   Summer Road Trip 2021 on Spotify, a playlist created by Hugo Deroussent ... read more

Photo by Will Porada on Unsplash   Do you know what the most important safety feature is on your car, truck, or SUV? If you think it’s your air bags, you’re wrong. If you think it’s your seat belt, think again. Maybe it’s the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) on that newer vehicle you own? Nope. How about the headlights that run day and night? Nice try, but no. Windshield wipers? Nyet. Safety glass? Nuh-uh.   What is the most important safety feature on your vehicle?   The number one safety feature is your braking system. All of the other safety features are secondary to your brakes, which are responsible for stopping you in time before a collision.   When was the last time you had y ... read more

Photo by Denin Lawley on Unsplash   Have you ever seen how a car’s paint job can fade and peel over time? What causes the paint on an automobile to lose its brightness and start to flake off? Can it be prevented?   The short answer is yes, you can protect your truck’s paint from fading, cracking, peeling, and oxidizing. But first, let’s explain why car paint peels and fades over time.   Exposure to the sun and salt water will make the color -- especially red, which is the fastest of all colors to fade -- lose its shine and reduce the saturation of the paint color. This is caused by oxidation. Over time, oxidation will cause the paint to peel and chip away.   Dings, scratches, and dents ... read more

The team at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision wishes to remember those who protected our country on Memorial Day. Located in Monterey, California, we are only a short distance away from the Naval Postgraduate School and the Army’s Defense Language Institute.  Here is a moving tribute to those who have served and sacrificed. Please be careful while traveling this holiday, for health is your greatest wealth

This month, CARSTAR Robert’s Collision wants to highlight and celebrate one of our partners: Metlife Insurance.  Metlife Insurance is possibly the largest insurance company around the world with over 90 million clients in 60 countries. Their Metlife Auto & Home Insurance division was recently acquired by the Farmers Insurance Group.  Here is a statement from Metlife’s Facebook page:   “MetLife has completed the sale of its Auto & Home business to Zurich Insurance Group subsidiary Farmers Group, Inc. The companies will operate a 10-year strategic partnership through which Farmers Insurance will offer P&C products on MetLife’s leading U.S. Group Benefits platform ... read more

If you are like a lot of us here on the Monterey Peninsula, you’re probably itching to start traveling again. Believe us, we feel you! After being under strict COVID regulations for over a year, we’re all starting to get the travel bug. The problem, however, is that once we start getting back to normal, we are going to see more cases of distracted driving again. Distracted driving can cause accidents. Some of those accidents are minor, and some of them end up with fatalities. No one wants to get into an accident, so here are five ideas about how you can lower your chances of getting distracted while driving.   Lock your phone in the glove compartment. If you easily get distracted by your phone, a simple solution is to stow it in your glove compartment. If your car’s Bluetooth system detects an incoming call, you can answer your phone via your steering wheel controls or your ear buds.   Restrain yourself from eating and drinking while driving. We know th ... read more

These are exciting times! For over a year, we’ve been under COVID restrictions and many events throughout Monterey County were canceled. Now that more people across the country have been vaccinated, there are positive reports that Monterey Car Week will be taking place in August. That’s wonderful news!!! If the pandemic has taught us anything, however, it’s not to make huge plans until we know for certain. So far, things look up and we may get back to having car shows in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Pebble Beach again. Getting back to “normal” is so close, we can almost taste it! To celebrate this small win, here are a few videos we made from Monterey Car Week in previous years. We’ve seen some real beauties throughout the Monterey Peninsula and we hope you enjoy these special moments we once took for granted. Enjoy!       If you are looking to get your vehicle car-show ready with some touch up paint, dent repair, or auto bo ... read more

*UPDATED 10/16/23* Zoom Calls and Road Safety: CARSTAR Robert's Collision's Updated Perspective At CARSTAR Robert's Collision, your safety on the road is our top priority. In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, we understand the challenges that come with it. In a world that's constantly evolving, we've adapted too. We've narrowed our focus to become the go-to experts for collision repair and bodywork, and we're now known as CARSTAR Robert's Collision. Our commitment to your safety remains unwavering. In a previous blog post, we discussed the "Zoom Zombie" effect, a term coined to describe the challenges people face when transitioning from a video conference call to driving. The data showed that many individuals have trouble concentrating on the road after being engrossed in a virtual meeting. Studies conducted in various metropolitan areas across the country revealed some intriguing findings, and the statistics ... read more

This month, CARSTAR Robert’s Collision wants to highlight and celebrate one of our partners: Bristol West Insurance.  Bristol West Insurance is a Farmers Insurance Company. Bristol West is an insurance company that helps customers with poor credit — and no credit — find the auto insurance they’re seeking. If you have made a few late payments on your car insurance or have a DUI on your driving record, Bristol West Insurance could be your ideal solution. 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 Bristol West Ins ... read more

Throughout the pandemic, we have seen quite a bit of cruising around the Monterey Peninsula. Even though Monterey County has not left the purple tier of shelter in place restrictions, many visitors from outside the area visit us and cruise around in their classic, souped-up, exotic, or everyday cars.  Cruising is a relatively safe, socially distanced activity that has regained popularity among people who need to get out of the house. We cannot blame them for wanting to drive their beautiful vehicles to see the breathtaking beauty of Monterey Bay. Here are a few photos of some exceptional cruising cars that were parked along Cannery Row in 2020. If you want to go on an adventure, here's our advice. Hop in the car and head out for some cruising along the Monterey Peninsula. However, we ask you to please be considerate of our COVID restrictions, social distancing requirements, outdoor dining restrictions, limited access to public restrooms, and -- most importantly -- wear your ... read more

If you like paying attention to details, you’re going to love this week’s blog! It’s all about the details inside the Detailing Center of CARSTAR Robert’s Collision. Have you seen spiderwebs on your black car? No, we’re not talking real spiders! We’re not even talking about Halloween! We’re talking about those tiny scratches you see when the sun shines brightly on your black paint.  If you see spiderwebs in the black paint of your car -- or any dark-colored paint, for that matter -- come and see us at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision. Here, you will find out all of the services provided by our Detailing Center, where your vehicles can receive the ultimate detailing experience for the interior and exterior. Our Detailing Center is the ultimate final step in the auto body repair process. After your vehicle has been repaired and painted, our goal is to buff out scratches and protect the paint. We use various techniques, including a complet ... read more