Winter forecast sunny for some auto body, car insurance companies

You might be ready for spring to come, but some people aren't complaining.

"I don't like the snow, and I don't like cold weather, but it does work for us," said Tennessee Collision Repair Technician Duane Didion.

Disassembling a used Acura SUV door in order to ready it for a new paint job is Didion's job on another snowy morning.

"It becomes very busy and very wealthy for us technicians," Didion said.

Winter weather has helped business at the Maryville auto body shop increase by 20% over last year.

"I came by a wreck this morning, and the wrecker followed me to work. Our first one arrived at 7 o'clock this morning, and they've been pretty steady ever since," said Tennessee Collision Repair Owner David Maples. "The weather's been our friend."

Tennessee Collision Repair isn't the only company spending more time on the phone.

"When I start hearing snow, I start thinking we're going to see an increase in phone calls," said Michelle Bingham of State Farm Insurance in Maryville.

Insurance companies paying for damages say the main issue is fender benders from slick roads.

"Often times they slide off the road, or get stuck in a ditch," said State Farm Insurance Agent Ralph Vowell.

Even though it may feel like this winter's been more harsh, the roads are telling a different tale.

Collisions in Knoxville are down more than 20% from this time last year.

Traffic accidents are also down in Knox County from 279 in January of 2009, to 209 in January 2010.

Officials say there may be several causes. Increased frequency of winter weather may have drivers taking the roads more seriously, staying home when possible. Collisions are also down nationwide as a result of the recession, with drivers eyeing their wallets and gas tanks.

Still, winter weather this year is increasing sound at Tennessee Collision Repair, with automatic screw drivers and car lifts getting a work out.

Though frustrating for drivers, ask Duane Didion what he thinks about winter and the forecast is all sun.

"I'm thinking it's great," he said.