3 Things To Know Before Having Your Car Repaired

Unfortunately, even if you are a careful driver, accidents can still happen. Most drivers will be involved in a collision at some point. In fact, on average there are a whopping 6 million car accidents each year in the US alone. Getting into an accident often leads to damage to your vehicle and even injury to yourself or other passengers. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be a hassle, especially if your vehicle needs collision repair. Here are three things that you should know before having your car repaired.

1. There May Be More Damage Than You Expect

The first thing that you should be aware of is that sometimes the damage to your vehicle goes deeper than you expect. While the outside of your car may have just a few dents or dings, the interior components may have sustained more damage than you can see. This is why having your car thoroughly inspected after an accident is a must. You may find that there is damage to your car's frame, wheels, or drivetrain parts that you are completely unaware of. 

2. Cost

While your insurance or the other driver's insurance may cover many of the costs associated with repair after the collision, there is also the chance that you may have to cover some of the repairs yourself. If insurance is involved, it's important to make sure that you understand your policy. Your insurance may have a specific auto shop that they prefer to work with. If you find that you need to pay for some of the repairs yourself, prices can vary depending on the amount of damage and what needs to be fixed. A new bumper can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,600. A new suspension will cost $1,000 to $5,000. A new paint job can also cost thousands of dollars.

3. Collision Repair Takes Time

Another thing that you should know when it comes to collision repair is that it takes time. Getting things settled with your insurance claim can take one to two weeks. After that is finished, minor repairs can take anywhere from just a few days to a few weeks. However, if your car requires extensive repairs, it can take up to 2 months for everything to be fixed. In the meantime, you may need to borrow a car, rent a car, or take public transportation to get around.

Getting into a car accident is something that happens to millions of Americans each year. After being in an accident, you may find that you need collision repair. It's important to note that appearances can be deceiving and that there may be more damage than you expect. Costs can vary depending on how much damage is present and your auto insurance. Collision repair can also take a lot of time. After a major accident, you may be without your car for weeks if not months.