About Us
Clarkstown International Collision is family owned and operated since 1992 and is owned by Gene and Anna Cortes whose vision was to create a facility unlike any other auto body shop they had ever visited. Customer satisfaction being their first priority, they decided to create a pleasant and professional environment where people would be welcomed like family and feel comfortable leaving their vehicle in the hands of highly skilled professionals. Drawing on more than 40 years of auto body and insurance adjusting experience, Gene and Anna have successfully combined a state-of-the-art collision shop, a beautifully designed office space and the highest levels of customer service to deliver total satisfaction to every client.
Certifications
Manufacturer Certifications
Clarkstown International Collision is certified by most major car manufacturers including Acura, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, KIA, Mercedes Benz (we are the only shop in Rockland County that is “Elite Certified” to repair Mercedes), Nissan, RTS and Volkswagen. This means that our technicians and staff have received extensive training specific to each automaker and that our shop is equipped with the latest equipment and technology to repair your car.
With the complexity of today’s vehicles, it is critical to select the right collision repair shop to ensure the proper repair of your vehicle to guarantee that the shop follows strict, mandated repair procedures, that is uses genuine parts, and that your vehicle warranty is maintained.
When you choose Clarkstown International Collision, you can be sure that your dealing with highly trained professionals that care about you and your car and that we will assure that your vehicle is repaired right to ensure its safety and performance.
I-CAR Certified
Clarkstown International Collision is proud to be an I-CAR certified shop. When your car has been in a collision, getting it repaired properly is critical for your family’s safety and your peace of mind. But how do you know if a shop has the up-to-date knowledge to repair your vehicle safely?
The Gold Class designation lets you know a collision repair shop has trained technicians who know how to repair your vehicle properly.
As vehicles incorporate more and more new materials and new technologies, current training has become increasingly important for proper repairs. Gold Class shops are trained to know:
- How to make the right decisions for a safe repair
- How to find hidden damage others may not see
- The latest repair procedures and technologies
- Which parts to repair and which to replace
Meet Our Team
Our team of professional collision consultants and customer service representatives are here to serve you with a smile and make sure that your collision repair experience is pleasant and stress-free. Accidents are enough of a hassle on their own, so your complete satisfaction is our number one priority! Our goal is to give you a 5-star experience that you’ll want to tell your friends and neighbors about!
Our Partners
We are grateful to our nearby Automotive Dealer Partners and encourage our clients to patronize them.
VIPs
We know that happy customers become repeat customers and although we don’t want you to have to come back, we know that accidents DO happen! If you should have another fender bender, we’d love to have you return as a VIP customer. Once your vehicle has been repaired with us, you’ll receive a $100 VIP card to use for your next visit. You can also transfer this card to a friend you refer to us and we will give them the discount and replace your card at no cost!
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What to do if my vehicle is involved in an accident?
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other person involved in the accident if possible. Never leave the scene of an accident that you are involved in. Wait until a police officer arrives and writes a thorough report. If you leave the scene of an accident before a police report is written, your insurance company will have no way of knowing who was at fault for the accident. This could result in you being held responsible for the damages on your vehicle as well as the other person’s vehicle. If your vehicle has to be towed, make sure it is towed to the quality shop of your choosing.
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Can I still sell my car if the frame was bent in an accident?
This depends on the collision center that repairs your vehicle. If the shop you choose has the most up to date equipment (like a Unibody bench and a computerized frame machine), it will be just as if your car was never in an accident at all! You want to make sure that the shop you choose has the proper equipment to bring your vehicle back to factory specifications so that, should you choose to sell your car in the future, a bent frame or unibody will not be an issue.
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How long after my car has been painted can I wash and wax it?
We at Clarkstown International Collision have a rule that your car should not go thru a car wash for two weeks after it’s been painted. You can, however, hand wash it at any time.
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How can I be sure that only Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) parts are used on my car?
The short answer to this is: talk to you insurance company. Be sure to read the fine print on your policy. If your policy states that non-original parts can be used in repairs, contact your insurance company and let them know that you would like OEM replacements only. You have a right to choose what kind of parts go on your vehicle. Auto body shops are allowed to choose OEM parts insofar as the insurance company permits. Therefore, the one who needs to make the desire for OEM parts known is the customer/policyholder.
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What about guarantees?
Check what guarantees the shop offers. Quality collision repair shops should offer a Limited Lifetime Guarantee. Always ask to see a copy of a printed guarantee, read it and ask questions of any parts you do not understand. Make certain you know what is covered and not covered.
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How will I know I'm getting quality paint?
Ask about the shops painting procedures. Does the shop have a computerized system for mixing the paint and keeping up with the waste? Ask about the paint manufacturer's guarantee. It should be for "as long as you own your car".
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How can I tell if I'm dealing with a professional shop?
Expect the collision repair facility to be neat, clean and well organized. The flow of existing work should be almost unnoticeable. Note whether the employees are helpful and courteous. This will give you an idea of how you will be treated throughout the repair process. Ask how long the shop has been in business. Does the shop have all required permits from EPA? Does the shop dispose of its hazardous waste properly and charge you for the service?
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How will I know if I'm getting original manufacturers parts?
Ask about the shop policy on replacement parts. When does the shop feel that non original equipment manufacturer's parts are to be used? You have the right to choose which type of parts go on your car.
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How do I know the person working on my car is trained?
Ask if technicians are ICAR trained. If body technicians, painters, office staff, and even the detail person that cleans your car are ICAR trained, it means they have attended a course or series of courses offered by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (ICAR) to help upgrade their skills. Businesses with trained personnel are likely to display these and other certificates or diplomas in the customer waiting area. Look for the symbol of excellence in collision repair, look for the ICAR Gold Class Professional emblems proudly displayed. This indicates the business is committed to a higher level of training and professionalism.
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How can I be sure that my car’s paint color looks uniform if you are only painting the part of the car that was repaired?
Our computerized paint mixing system insures that every color is matched expertly so that there is no indication that a part of your car was painted. Since our work is guaranteed for as long as you lease or own your vehicle, we make sure that you are happy with the repairs and paint before you leave the shop.
What make CIC Auto Body a Great Place to Work
Tools for success
Clarkstown International Collision uses the latest systems, technology and equipment to repair today’s complex vehicles. This gives our staff and technicians the opportunity to work in an modern and digitally advanced environment that delivers the best possible quality work and service to customers.
Continued education
We invest in our employees. Trainings and certification courses are regularly offered to employees who demonstrate a willingness to achieve and learn more.
Hands on learning
Our employees jump right into a fun, friendly and fast paced work environment in which they learn through experience and grow into their positions. Those who demonstrate exceptional work skills, a great attitude and a willingness to learn more will be offered opportunities for growth within the company.
Our History
Clarkstown International Collision owner, Gene Cortes has had a passion for cars since he was a child and has spent the last 40 years working in every aspect of the collision repair business, from driving tow trucks in the 1970’s to working as an insurance adjuster for various companies, to owning several shops before opening Clarkstown International Collision in 1992. Gene believes that education and innovation are key in keeping a company’s growth moving forward and therefore he is constantly investing in training for his technicians and staff and keeps his shop up to date with the latest equipment, technology and repair processes. Gene was born in Cuba and came to the United States in 1962. He resides in New City, New York with his wife and business partner, Anna. He is an avid car collector and counts his ‘89 Porsche 911 Carrera and 2018 Corvette Stingray among his favorites.