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Tips
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 30 DAYS
DO · Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge. · Always use clean fresh water. · Wash your vehicle in the shade
DON'T · Do not use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface. · Do not "dry wipe" your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish. · Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days. · Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. Also, tree sap can mar or spot a freshly painted surface. · Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish. · Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS
DON'T · Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.
What to do right after an accident
Most drivers make costly, long-term decision errors immediately following an accident as fear gives way to anger and frustration.
Questions race through your head faster than the mind can register them. Who was at fault? Will my car ever be right again? What are my rights and responsibilities? A calm and informed reaction to an accident will reduce your chances for additional grief and expense.
Following these tips – and keeping a cool head – might just save you money and a headache later.
1. Move your vehicle to a safe place, then stop and identify yourself to the other driver.
(Some local statutes may require the vehicle be left as is.) If it can’t be moved, turn on the hazard lights. Seek medical help if you or other parties require it, and notify the police. Tell them who you are, where you are, and explain any obvious or claimed injuries.
2. Exchange information with the other driver(s)
Information including driver’s license numbers. Get the driver’s name, address, telephone numbers and name of insurance company. Also, list any passengers and witnesses.
3. Get names and badge numbers of any police officers who arrive at the scene.
If there are injuries or extensive damage, the police should file a report. Ask to get a copy.
4. Avoid any extensive discussions at the scene about who is responsible for damage.
If the other person admits responsibility, offers a money settlement and you accept, any future claim against the driver may be compromised. You or the other party may later find damage and bodily injury not apparent at first.
5. Write a complete description
Write a complete description of the accident as soon as possible. Include weather conditions, estimated speeds, and as much precise information as you can observe. Take photographs if you have one available.
6. Tow the Vehicle
Have the vehicle towed or driven to a collision repair facility.
Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.
In compliance with Iowa law, you must report to your insurance company that you have been in a collision, regardless of fault. Failure to do so could result in the revoking of your license.
