You had an auto collision. Now, you want to get your car repaired as quickly as possible. Auto collision repair deals with the removal of dents, straightening metal parts, glass work, painting, and auto detailing to get your car back to its pre-accident condition. Aside from that, there are 4 important things you should know about repairing your car after a collision, so you know exactly what to expect.
What is Collision Repair?
For starters, let’s briefly discuss what it means to go to an auto collision repair center, because it is different from lube shops and regular service centers. With auto collision repair, you have automotive technicians who are trained and certified in the restoration of vehicles that have been damaged in accidents or other incidents.
Collision repair has nothing to do with oil changes. Instead, it involves removing scratches, dents, replacing glass, matching paint, straightening bent metal, auto detailing, replacing hardware and doors and handles, and much more. Once your vehicle has been repaired, the technician may also do detailing to eliminate minor scratches with buffing, waxing, polishing, and more.
1. Damages May Affect Other Areas
When you are in a collision, there will be damage to the body of the vehicle, even if it is minimal. The more severe the accident, the greater the damage. Sometimes the cracked glass and bent metal will give way to broken sections of frame, damaged sensors, and issues with the engine or transmission. You never really know the extent of the issues until the technician gets to take a peek.
In order to get your car thoroughly repaired, you must take it to an auto body shop where it can be inspected inside and out. The technician will be able to give you an idea of what needs to be repaired and for how much.
2. Repairs Will Return Your Car to Its Original State
Dropping your car off at one of the many auto body shops in South Jersey (or elsewhere) ensures that your car will be returned to original specifications. That being said, different makes and models will require various techniques and equipment. Keep an eye out for collision repair shops that have technicians certified by manufacturers for repairs, as that guarantees OEM parts and properly repaired computer systems.
Additionally, having your car repaired to its pre-accident condition gives you peace of mind. You know that your car will be sound and safe, even when driving through poor weather or terrain.
3. You Can Choose Not to Have Your Car Fixed
This may not be surprising, but the cost of the repairs is going to depend on the damage done to the vehicle. After a collision, your vehicle may have frame damage, mechanical damage, or both. Any time there is mechanical damage, however, you can expect the cost to be driven upwards.
At this time, you can choose whether you want your car repaired or not. If the car is not totaled, you can choose to keep the cash instead of having it repaired.
For example, your car is estimated to have $2,500 worth of damages. Even though it is still driveable, you do not have to get the repairs. You could choose to take the money and do whatever you wish with the car.
4. You Can Choose The Body Shop Of Your Choice
One of the things that many people do not know about repairing their car after a collision is that you can choose where your car goes. You do not have to choose your insurer’s preferred auto body shop. Think of it as a suggestion.
In actuality, you have the right to take your car wherever you choose, though you may have to obtain some bids from a couple of shops.
Choose an auto body shop with high ratings that is close by, like the best body shop in NJ, Elmer’s Auto Body. When shops are unaffiliated with insurance companies, they are not coerced to use certain parts. For example, at Elmer’s Auto Body, we only use OEM parts for your vehicle and have certified technicians do the necessary repairs and installations.
Schedule Your Collision Repair Today
There you have it—4 important things to know about repairing your car after a collision. Heading over to an auto collision repair shop and receiving an appraisal of the damage is key in getting your car back to normal. However, you do not have to get your vehicle repaired or even go to the repair shop recommended by the insurance company.
Make sure you are choosing the best body shop in NJ for the job: Elmer’s Auto Body. With 3 locations and over 75 years of experience, Elmer’s Auto Body has you covered. As an I-CAR and recognized collision repair center for Acura, Nissian, Kia, Subaru, Honda, Ford, and more, our technicians will get your car running like new. Give us a call today or fill out the contact form to schedule your consultation.