Walt Silmon
Walt Silmon the founder and owner of Redeemed Auto Body. Started in the auto body industry about 20 years ago at the bottom. At that point he didn’t even own a screwdriver. Started by sweeping floors and doing the little stuff. And then worked his way up straightening frames and taking care of the heavy hits. Now as the owner of Redeemed Auto Body Walt is passionate about providing each of his customers with safe and proper vehicle repairs.

Blogs

Does Insurance Cover Pre- and Post-Repair Diagnostic Scanning?

By Walt Silmon / September 7, 2026

Yes, in nearly all cases. Diagnostic scanning now appears on 87.7% of collision repair estimates industry-wide, and most insurers pay for it as a standard line item. At Redeemed Auto Body, we document every scan so the charge holds up if an adjuster questions it, and we submit a supplement when new findings come up…

What Does a Post-Repair Diagnostic Scan Actually Check?

By Walt Silmon / September 5, 2026

A post-repair diagnostic scan checks that a completed auto collision repair introduced no new fault codes and that every electrical and safety system reports normal function. At Redeemed Auto Body, we run it after the physical repair is complete, so you drive away knowing every system works as it should. Key Takeaways: What Does a…

When Does Louisiana Sun Damage Require Professional Paint Correction?

By Walt Silmon / September 3, 2026

At Redeemed Auto Body, we send a car to professional paint correction once it turns chalky, stops beading water, or shows fine cracking in the clear coat. A wash and wax can’t reverse oxidation at that stage. Left alone, it spreads until auto body repair, not a polish, is the only fix. Key Takeaways: What…

How to Extend the Life of Your Car Paint in Hot Louisiana Summers

By Walt Silmon / September 1, 2026

At Redeemed Auto Body, we know that Louisiana’s summer heat and UV rays can wear down a car’s clear coat over months, not days. Washing weekly, parking in shade, and removing bird droppings or sap quickly keep a finish looking new longer. Once paint turns chalky or dull, that calls for auto body repair, not…

Should You Repair Collision Damage While Traveling?

By Walt Silmon / August 18, 2026

Whether to repair collision damage while traveling or after returning home depends on the damage itself, not your location. Safety-related or structural damage should be repaired wherever you are; cosmetic damage can usually wait. Either way, manufacturer repair procedures and your insurance coverage apply the same regardless of which state you’re in. Key Takeaways: We…

What Should You Do After a Minor Collision on a Summer Road Trip?

By Walt Silmon / August 14, 2026

After a minor collision on a road trip, stop somewhere safe, check everyone for injuries, and call the police before anything else. Exchange insurance information, photograph the damage, and notify your own insurer that day. Key Takeaways: At Redeemed Auto Body, we hear these questions from customers who come to our collision center for auto…

Does Color Matching Affect Your Car’s Resale or Trade-In Value?

By Walt Silmon / August 10, 2026

Yes. A visible color mismatch from an auto body repair can lower what a buyer or dealer offers, since it signals a prior repair on inspection. At Redeemed Auto Body, we’ve seen a properly matched repair remove that cue, even though it can’t erase accident history from a report. Key Takeaways: How Does a Mismatched…

What Causes Paint Color Mismatches After an Auto Body Repair?

By Walt Silmon / August 5, 2026

Paint mismatches after an auto body repair usually come from three sources: sun-faded paint no longer matching its factory code, metallic or pearl finishes that shift color with viewing angle, and small formula differences between paint batches. Redeemed Auto Body tests and blends new paint before applying it to prevent the problem. Key Takeaways: Why…

OEM Parts vs. OEM Procedures: What’s the Difference?

By Walt Silmon / July 22, 2026

OEM parts are the factory-matched components we install during collision repair services. OEM procedures are the manufacturer’s instructions for how those parts must be installed. Your vehicle needs both; getting one without the other leaves safety gaps, even when the repair looks complete. At Redeemed Auto Body, we use OEM parts as much as possible…