Alpha Collision Owner Offers Post-Accident Tips

Anthony Sinisgalli is a bit uncomfortable in a suit, much preferring the casual dress or workman’s clothes of his auto body shop, on Herricks Road in Garden City Park. The truth is, his wife insisted he wear one Monday morning as he addressed members of the County Seat Kiwanis of Mineola at their .

When customers come to Sinisgalli’s body shop, it is typically not a good time in their lives, or their automobiles and the owner advised members that the first thing to do following any sort of incident is to check for injuries, call an ambulance if necessary and then notifying your insurance company. Obtaining a police report is also always a good idea. An auto repair shop should be next on your call list.

Among the tips and advice Sinisgalli gave to members was that no matter what the insurance company might say, customers have the right to have their car examined anywhere they want, including the body shop of their choice.

He noted that when we go to his shop, we are being represented by a trained and certified appraisal representative who is looking out for our interests, while when we go to the insurance company's designated appraiser, they are representing the insurance company.

The auto repair business often comes with small profit margins according to Sinisgalli and the difference between a part costing only a few dollars more and the generic insurance company's recommendations can be significant.

After his uncle started the business, Sinisgalli made the move to Garden City Park in 2007, keeping hold of all his old customers due to his reputation.

In the 5 years that Sinisgalli has had his business in the Mineola area, a great number of Kiwanis members have had repair work done at Alpha, judging from the comments of the audience.

Sinisgalli concluded by saying that the technology of today’s automotive products was so complex that consumers needed to have someone they know and trust to not only be technically competent, but honest and have the customers best interest at heart.

The days are long gone when a customer could rely on their own knowledge to make sure that their insurance company was specifying an aftermarket or used part because it was the best or because it saved them a few dollars.