A Practical Guide to Repair Your Car After an Accident

Experiencing a car accident can be overwhelming, even leading to post-traumatic stress disorder in some cases. According to the latest estimates, there were 5.93 million crashes in 2022. Although these incidents can be overwhelming, repairing your vehicle after one doesn’t have to be.

Knowing the repair procedure can help you save time, money, and stress, regardless of how big or small the damage is. This article offers tips to help you repair your vehicle and get it back on the road after an accident.

Assessing the Damage

Determining the extent of damage is the first stage in fixing your vehicle after an accident. You should start by visually inspecting your car. Keep an eye out for telltale signs, including misaligned panels, faulty lights, dents, and scratches. A collision may also cause internal issues, such as problems with the suspension, engine, or alignment.

If you feel unsure about evaluating the damage yourself, consider having the car towed to a repair shop. As stated by Mizzoni’s Auto Body, repair shops have the resources and expertise to determine and visualize secondary damage.

After understanding the point of impact, they can use their experience and skills to thoroughly inspect your vehicle. This can help in exposing hidden problems that could eventually result in safety concerns or expensive repairs.

What are common signs of hidden damage after an accident?

Unusual noises made while driving, bad handling, or uneven tire wear are some signs of hidden damage. While these signs show damage to their relevant parts, they also indicate major problems with the mechanics of the vehicle. It is best to seek help from a qualified mechanic to find and solve these issues after an accident.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

The next step after the evaluation is to report the collision to your insurance provider. Give them all the information they require, such as pictures of the damage and a police report, if one was filed. Insurance companies often require documentation to process your claim efficiently.

Auto insurance is mandatory in almost all US states, but many people don’t buy one due to the rising premiums. As a CNBC article notes, car insurance continues to rise due to factors such as:

• Location
• Credit history
• Marital status
• Driving record
• Age, and more.

Therefore, many Americans have thought about going without insurance. In fact, data shows that around one in five people aged between 18 and 34 are already driving uninsured. If you are uninsured, this step is not required. However, all expenses for repairing the car will go from your pocket in this case.

What information should I provide to my insurance company after an accident?

You should give the insurance company as many pertinent facts as you can. This may include the date, time, and place of the accident. You should also send images of visible damages and the other party’s contact information if it was their fault.

Choosing a Repair Shop

Data shows there were close to 174,200 auto repair and maintenance shops in the US in the fourth quarter of 2023. This marked a 1.5% increase compared to the number in the last quarter of 2022. Since 2010, the industry has seen an addition of 16,400 such establishments in the country.

Among all these establishments, you need to select the right repair shop, as it is important for ensuring quality work. Read reviews and get referrals from friends and family to learn more about nearby auto body shops. Look for stores that have a website with reviews, testimonials, and licensed technicians. This will enable you to compare different aspects and make an informed decision.

Before committing to a shop, request an estimate for the repairs. While some stores could charge a minimal price, most of them offer free estimates. If at all possible, compare prices from other stores, but keep in mind that the best deal isn’t usually the lowest. Focus on the shop’s reputation, expertise, and warranty offerings.

Understanding the Repair Process

Knowing what the procedure entails is the next step after selecting a repair company. The shop will typically begin with a thorough inspection to create a detailed repair plan. This plan will outline the necessary work, the parts needed, and the expected timeline for completion.

During this phase, the shop might also identify additional issues that were not apparent initially. If this happens, they should contact you to explain the findings and obtain your approval for any additional repairs. Clear communication is key to avoiding surprises and ensuring that the work meets your expectations.

Can I request updates during the repair process?

Yes, trustworthy stores ought to give updates on how the repairs are going. You should start by getting a timeline for the repair before the process begins. This will give you an idea about any delays, during which you can ask for updates on the repair.

Deciding Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts

You might have to choose between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket substitutes when changing parts. When comparing the two, NerdWallet says that OEM parts offer benefits like compatibility, longer life, and warranty. However, they are often more expensive as they are intended to maintain your vehicle’s original quality and performance.

Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are produced by third-party manufacturers and are generally more affordable. Besides being cost-effective, they also offer a wide range of options as you can choose from products developed by multiple manufacturers. Although there are high-quality aftermarket parts, some might not be as good as original equipment manufacturer components.

In fact, the aftermarket auto parts market has become so vast that you are bound to find anything you are looking for. Be it steering, chassis parts, suspension, or something else, it is easier to find an ideal option, thanks to the booming industry. Business Market Insights estimates that the market can grow at a CAGR of 5.42% between 2021 and 2032. At such an accelerated growth, it can reach $1304.5 billion by the end of the forecast period.

Since both these options have their own pros and cons, you should discuss them with your repair shop. They will help you understand what will be best for your particular case so you can make an informed decision.

Quality Checks and Final Touches

Before you pick up your car, make sure to inspect the repairs thoroughly. Check for proper alignment, paint matching, and the functionality of replaced components. If anything looks or feels off, address it with the repair shop immediately. Reputable shops will stand by their work and resolve any issues.

Additionally, request a detailed invoice that lists the repairs performed, parts replaced, and warranties provided. This document can be helpful for future reference, especially if you decide to sell the vehicle or encounter any related issues later.

After your vehicle has been fixed, take precautions to reduce damage and avoid collisions in the future. Maintaining the condition of your car can be greatly aided by routine maintenance and safe driving practices. To improve safety and peace of mind, think about adding extra safety features like dash cams or sophisticated driver-assistance systems.