The odds are that if you are careful enough, you will be involved in an auto accident at some point in your life and need to have your vehicle repaired. If your vehicle is totaled as a result of the collision, you will need to have the car towed to your local body shop so that it can be assessed. Often colliding vehicles happen infrequently, so when the inevitable finally happens, you may be taken by surprise. While you have likely heard a variety of information about collision repair, continue reading to learn the most accurate information on the subject.
Beware of Hidden Damage
Having only sustained a few dents in your vehicle as a result of a recent collision might make you feel fortunate. It is possible that you are not seeing underlying damage that is easily concealed but can cause big problems in the future. Colliding with an object or another vehicle causes damage to your entire car; as a result, you might have structural damage, frame damage, or alignment issues. A reputable auto body shop must inspect your entire vehicle following an accident.
The Appraisal Process Isn’t the Same
Choosing an appraiser who is experienced and competent at their job is extremely important. Unless an appraiser is skilled, he or she may provide a low estimate that appears great at first glance, but ignores many critical areas of damage. For your insurance to cover what needs to be fixed, your estimate needs to be both accurate and comprehensive.
When previously unseen damage becomes apparent during the repair process, it is the appraiser’s job to recognize it. When parts are removed and the whole picture is understood, it is not unusual to discover damage that had been missed. In these situations, the appraiser needs to be able to provide the insurance company with proof that further damage was needed and how it was overlooked initially.
Damage Severity Is Not As Important As Value
There may be a misconception that only the severity of damage determines when a vehicle is totaled. The true measure of whether a vehicle is totaled is whether the amount of damage sustained will exceed the value of the vehicle to repair. Therefore, an older vehicle worth only a few hundred dollars is likely to be totaled even if it was only involved in a small fender bender.
You Are in Control
It is a common misconception that you must go to the body shop recommended by your insurance company. The opposite actually applies. Choosing where you want your vehicle repaired is your right. The insurance company is looking out for its own interests and will recommend the shop that will do the work the cheapest way, not necessarily the best. As such, you should research local body shops and select the one that meets your needs.
After a collision, don’t abandon your vehicle
It is natural to be concerned about the strength and quality of your vehicle after a collision, but as long as it was repaired correctly by a reputable body shop, you need not worry. With today’s modern technology, you will not have to worry about anything. The vehicle can be fully restored without compromising structural integrity. Besides, it’s difficult to tell whether a vehicle has ever been repaired. Techniques used in body shops continue to advance, resulting in a seamless repair that lasts for years.
