Snow, cold, wrecks drive businesses

FRUITPORT, Mich. (WOOD) - While this latest blast of winter is an annoyance for most, it's a business boost for others.

Gary's Auto Body in Fruitport is among those businesses.

"This is what drives our shop," owner Gary Balavitch told 24 Hour News 8.

On Thursday, he had a 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer in his shop that was involved in a crash on I-96 near US-131 during the arctic blast that slammed West Michigan between Jan. 20 and Jan. 23.

"It looks like they hit, with the grey on the side of the car and the grey marks on the bumper cover, it's definitely some type of cement abutment," explained Balavitch.

No one was hurt in the wreck but the SUV was totaled. Though a busted headlight frame and missing grill were fixable, a bent frame and other problems meant it will be sent to a scrap yard.

"It all comes down to the amount of repairs. That came to almost $10,000. And that well exceeds the value of the car," said Balavitch.

Balavitch has been dealing with wrecks for the better part of 30 years. He can usually determine what happened in a crash by looking at a damaged vehicle.

"It's usually people don't slow down for stop signs and things like that," said Balavitch.

And, Balavitch said, worn-out tires can add to problems.

"I just talked to an insurance adjuster today and he said between 60 and 80 percent of the cars he looks at that are damaged are usually caused by defective tires," said Balavitch.

But these aren't the only bodies boosting business amid the snow and cold.

"We've had walk-ins just because they want to get warm," said Judy Gangwer of Island Sun Tanning.

People need their rays this time of year -- even those provided by an artificial sun.

"They've been sick of this since the first of December," said Gangwer.

Back at Gary's Auto Body, Balavitch is expecting business to double over the next few days. The six or so vehicles in for winter related damage repair on Thursday will be just the calm before the storm.

"Later this afternoon, Friday and Monday. It takes a couple of days for the owners to get their insurance together. They're still kind of shell-shocked over the accident and it takes them a few days to get the things together," he said.