Buying a used or pre-owned vehicle can be a smart and financially savvy decision. However, it comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Unlike buying a brand-new car, where you have the assurance of a factory warranty and a known history, purchasing a used vehicle requires diligence to ensure you’re making a wise investment. Let’s go through the steps you should follow BEFORE signing the paperwork, including crucial aspects like working with a trusted mechanic for evaluation and involving a collision repair shop for visual inspections. These measures are pivotal in safeguarding yourself ..read more

The Right to Appraisal (RTA) clause provides a mechanism for policyholders (or insurers) to resolve disputes over the amount owed by the insurer for a loss without going to court. This right can be used to negotiate repair costs or the value of a vehicle that has been deemed a total loss by insurance, depending on the situation. In Oregon, Insurers are not required to have the Right to Appraisal in their policies, but with the exception of one major insurer, most do. There are two types of RTA clauses found in policies. One type gives both the insurance and/or the insured the right to demand a ..read more

In the ever-evolving world of vehicles, ensuring you and your vehicle are adequately protected with the right insurance policy provisions is paramount. With numerous options available in the market, it’s essential for consumers to be well-informed about what to look for when selecting an auto insurance policy. Over the years our team has run into numerous occasions where our clients thought they were protected and ended up being left to dry because they did not thoroughly read and understand their auto policy before they were in a crash or their car was damaged. Here are the areas where you sh ..read more

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer PartsGeniune parts that are made by the same manufacturer that designed and built your vehicle. AM: Aftermarket PartsImitation parts that are produced by third-party manufacturers 1. Safety First: Why OEM Matters What Are OEM Parts? OEM parts are genuine components made by the same manufacturer that built your vehicle. These parts undergo rigorous crash testing to ensure they meet strict safety standards. When you choose Original Equipment Manufacturer, you’re prioritizing safety and maintaining your car’s original integrity. Advantage ..read more

Have you ever been on a Tesla road trip? If you haven’t, we can fill you in. One of our client’s recently went on a road trip with their Tesla through southern Utah and southern Colorado, hitting several national parks along the way. Here, they share their experience navigating charging stations out on the open road. Thank you Bill for sharing your experience and insights. Bill’s Tesla Road Trip We recently returned from a 3,300 mile road trip through southern Utah and the five National Parks there. We also did a short side trip to Mesa Verde in southern Colorado. And we did it all in an ..read more

‘FLOODGATES OPENED’ – OLD DOMINION COLLISION THRIVES AS CENTRAL OREGON’S ONLY TESLA-CERTIFIED REPAIR CENTER * Shop owner Dustin Caldwell is available for interviews, either through Zoom, phone or in-person.* EUGENE, Ore. – In 2018, Old Dominion Collision owner Dustin Caldwell faced a turning point.  His shop had worked on a handful of Tesla vehicles and met challenges with each job. Complications in the repair process, lack of specialized tools and difficulty acquiring parts were common with Teslas at the time.  A thought crossed Caldwell’s mind. “Is working on Teslas worth it?”  ..read more

We had a chance to sit down and discuss auto insurance, amongst other things, with James Conners. James is a Financial Representative with Country Financial located in Eugene, Oregon. James left a career in the non-profit world and joined up with Country Financial. He hoped to provide a good living for his family while still helping people in his community. James provides financial services, including auto insurance, to help his clients achieve their goals.  Understanding Your Auto Policy James said the most critical thing you should do is sit down with your agent to make sure you unders ..read more

Dustin Caldwell is the 2nd generation owner of Old Dominion Collision Repair. He grew up in the body shop that his mother and father started the year he was born. Old Dominion Collision has always been home, and its team members have always been family to Dustin. Returning to the Body Shop Like any rebellious teenager, he left the nest to try out some other industries. However, he always ended up back in the body shop. “In my early 20’s it dawned on me,” said Dustin. “While taking courses at Lane Community College, I realized that businesses that have been around for 20 years or more are bet ..read more