There are around 6 million automobile collisions in the U.S. each year: three-quarters of them result in property damage. So you will likely need collision repair services at some point during your driving life. And when you do, you may find it daunting and intimidating. It seems like an awful lot of stuff has to get pulled off and worked on or replaced to resolve even the most marginal dents and dings. Good thing the insurance company pays for it in most cases. If you find yourself in one of the other cases and must pay out of pocket, or are just finding the whole process overwhelming, read on for an overview of what to expect from collision repair services on your vehicle.
You Will Have to Do Some Research
As with anything else, you will wish to find the most reputable and qualified car body shop that you can. You will know you’ve found a good one when you’ve learned that they have a reputation for using high-quality parts and materials, never cutting corners, and making their customers feel as though they are the highest priority. Learn all this by talking with friends and family who may have recently worked with collision repair services. Reach out on social media for recommendations, read reviews online, and talk with your regular mechanic.
Know, also, that you may use any auto body services shop you wish: insurance companies will frequently try to direct claimants toward a body shop with which they have a relationship. Stick to your guns: you can use any auto body repair shop you wish but make sure you're prioritizing high-quality repairs.
Your Car Might Be Totaled
No doubt you’re familiar with the concept of a car or truck being “totaled.” But what does it actually mean, and is a vehicle always totaled just because someone says it is? Simply, a car is totaled when the cost of repairing it exceeds its determined value, which is usually determined by an insurance company. This level of failure and disrepair can apply to either mechanical or body issues.
The Repairs Could Be Extensive
Often, the damage that appears to be minor or even marginal can cost a great deal and require major repairs. Some collisions can have a significant impact on the functionality of the car well beyond what is apparent. Car body shops will perform a thorough and extensive inspection of your entire vehicle in order to get your car back on the road with all possible problems solved.
The Nuances of Repairing Body Damage
There are more products and techniques than ever that promise to repair body damage in less invasive and less expensive ways. Many of them are not effective, however. Others require a repair team that is trained and qualified in the particular techniques. Paintless dent repair is one of them and is very effective and costs less when it is performed with the right equipment by qualified technicians. Additionally, this approach often saves money on painting expenses. If the collision repair services you require are minor, a simple bumper repair, for instance, be sure that the auto body repair shop you choose is experienced in paintless dent repair and other techniques, and skip the expense of the auto paint shop.
Parts: Aftermarket vs. Original
Replacement parts that originated with the manufacturer of the vehicle are called “original manufacturer parts,” and parts that did not are called “aftermarket parts.” Original parts are almost always of better quality and using aftermarket parts can leave certain repairs outside of any extant warranty. Whenever possible, your collision repair services should be done with original parts.
Your Car Can Be Completely Restored
Good news: your damaged vehicle is very likely to be completely restored! This hasn’t always been the case, but with new techniques, better training, and safer, more collision-resistant cars, body repairs are more effective than ever. Your car is likely to be as good as new once the auto body repair shop is through with it.
If you have been in a collision and your car needs collision repair services, research your options, be firm and knowledgeable with the insurance company, consider new techniques but avoid aftermarket parts, and expect your vehicle to be completely restored.
