Crucial Facts About Collision Repair

When it comes to collision repair, many drivers feel understandably overwhelmed.

Getting into an accident is stressful and scary enough on its own. Never mind trying to navigate how best to repair your vehicle or worry about how long you might be without one.

Fortunately, in the event of an unfortunate situation like a collision, there are few things to keep in mind which should help you swiftly and confidently move through the repair process.

The Brass Tacks of Collision Repair

First things first, you need to report the accident to the insurance company. Depending on who is at fault, the claim will be filed against that party’s policy.

Expect your insurance premiums to increase in relation to the extent of the damage and how the accident actually happened.

Remember, insurance policies are only good up to their limits.

If your car requires twenty-thousand dollars worth of repairs, but the policy of the at-fault driver only covers ten-thousand, you are responsible for the remainder; in this case, the other half.

From there, you need to do some research on the best auto repair shops in your area.

Do not immediately settle for the shop that is most conveniently located or the mechanic who comes in with the lowest offer.

Do some comparison shopping and base your decision on the quality of the shop and whether or not it is factory-authorized.

The insurance company will likely have a preferred shop where they will encourage you to take your vehicle; however, you are not obligated to have your repairs done at that shop and may go wherever you feel most comfortable and confident in the work that will be done.

Shop around and have a few estimates in hand.

Your estimates will help you evaluate any estimates presented to you by a third-party adjuster. If that estimate is significantly lower than any of yours, you should discuss it with your insurance company.

In fact, you can even research collision repair online and get an immediate estimate.

Some of these sites can even help you with legal consultations, if you feel you’re in a losing game with the insurance company.

Time Is Money

When it comes to getting an estimate from your insurance company, expect to hear from them between a week to ten days following the date of the accident.

However, if after that time you are still waiting to hear from them, go ahead with your written estimates and schedule the repairs on your own, if you have the money to do so.

The insurance company will then reimburse you for what you spent, but this can get sticky if the insurance company disputes the estimate you were given as coming in too high.

Whenever possible, hold off until the insurance company gives you the go ahead to schedule the repairs.

Not All Parts Are Created Equal

Whenever possible, ask or opt for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) automotive parts.

The service department at your dealership is stocked with OEM parts, but an independent mechanic will likely only have aftermarket car parts, which are cheaper and oftentimes vary in quality.

For solid confidence that your repairs will be worth the money you spend, choose OEM parts because they exactly match the equipment your car was outfitted with straignt off the assembly line and are guaranteed by a one-year warranty.

When it comes to facts about collision repair, it’s crucial that you educate yourself and be prepared to do your homework. Get a few estimates, ask about the quality of the repairs, and communicate effectively with all parties involved so that your car is repaired quickly and correctly.