Hometown Collision Repair

Randy Pruitt of Pruitt’s Auto Collision has been in the collision repair business for over 20 years

By: Shelly Robinson | Category: Automotive | Issue: September 2010

John Nash, Jason Linzy, Liz and Randy Pruitt, and Michael Minton of Pruitt’s Auto Collision.

Randy Pruitt of Pruitt’s Auto Collision has been in the collision repair business for over 20 years, and loves living and working in his hometown of Owasso. His wife and business partner, Liz, is also a realtor with Keller Williams, and son Caleb is in second grade at Bailey Elementary. “We are very connected to Owasso,” says Randy. “We serve our friends and neighbors and people we see around town every day, so it’s very important to us to provide great customer service.”

Randy feels that part of that service is educating the public about collision repair issues, and said he wanted to get the word out on a problem he’s dealing with more and more: uninsured drivers and the financial toll of accidents involving them. The Insurance Research Council reports that the economic downturn may push the percentage of uninsured motorists to an all-time high and estimates that 24 percent of Oklahoma drivers may be uninsured.

“I see a common misperception among people who think that having uninsured motorist coverage on their car insurance will protect them in an accident. The reality is, uninsured and underinsured coverage normally pays only for medical bills, not for property damage.”

Randy cites the recent example of a local accident. A young driver with an older vehicle rear-ended a 2007 HHR, causing a chain reaction collision involving a 2004 Trailblazer and a 2005 Escape. Randy says the driver’s car was damaged and the other three vehicles were totaled, but the young driver had only the required state minimal liability coverage of $25,000. “That basically means each of the drivers in the accident would receive an insurance check for $8,300, and the responsible party would have to pay the rest out of pocket. Many times that just doesn’t happen.”

Being in the collision repair industry, and a former claims adjuster, Randy knows the effect this has on those involved. “The unnecessary financial and mental stress from having improper insurance just makes me cringe. I urge people to talk to their insurance agents and make sure they have proper coverage.”

When an accident does occur, however, it’s important to have your vehicle repaired by a trusted and professional shop. The staff at Pruitt’s has over 65 years of combined experience in the auto body repair business. Randy has been in the auto repair business for over 20 years, and technician Jason Linzy brings more than 15 years of knowledge. Both are I-Car trained and ASE certified, as well as being certified on the Chief frame system. Mike Minton is an apprentice body man and a recent graduate of Tulsa Technology Center. The Pruitts are also pleased to have painter John Nash join their staff, who brings over 30 years of experience in the industry. “John worked with my dad, Bud Pruitt, for many years at Pruitt’s Body Shop, and his work is top-notch.”

The Pruitts have recently completed a renovation of their office space and customer waiting area, and offer front-door service for estimates. Just pull up under the canopy, and Randy will evaluate the damage and give you a free written estimate for parts and labor. There is a Hertz Rent-A-Car onsite, which makes it very convenient to rent a vehicle while yours is repaired.

Pruitt’s is happy to work with your insurance provider, but Liz points out that they are a customer-oriented shop. “We work for our customers, with the insurance company. You’ll notice the difference right away if you have ever dealt with a shop that puts the insurance provider ahead of you.”

Pruitt’s Auto Collision is located on the east service road of Highway 169 at 8231 N. Owasso Expressway. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.