Your Car Could Have Hidden Safety Issues After Collision

Did you know that there are over 2 million rear-end collisions every single year in the United States? Car accidents happen a lot, and you can never be 100 percent prepared for them. No one wants to be caught up in a motor vehicle collision, either; and you may be too shaken to really take in the full impact even a minor bump could have on your vehicle.

Even if the damage does not look too serious, you could be riding around with hidden safety issues after a collision. Instead of risking another unfortunate accident on the road, it is important to determine if your vehicle has been appropriately repaired and whether you should have your car inspected by a professional auto body repair shop.

Here is everything you need to know about hidden safety hazards in your vehicle:

 

Why Cars May Have Hidden Damages Even After Repair

Technology has improved a lot of things and has made driving a car safer than ever—but it also complicates matters. Modern vehicles now have something called the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). In the past, the only thing that had a sensor was the airbags. Now, automobiles are fitted with lane drift alerts, blind spot cameras, back up monitors, and more.

While the essential pieces of a vehicle have an assigned dashboard light that tells you when something is wrong, the ADAS does not.

Most drivers don’t even know that the ADAS exists. On top of that, there are few auto body shops that automatically check for malfunctions within the ADAS. If your car has yet to be scanned for ADAS problems after an accident, those issues are going to be ignored until something happens.

But it’s just not the ADAS, either. Many auto body repair shops continue to use methods that were ideal in the 1960s or 70s. Yet, even though cars haven’t changed that much, they have evolved, and the same methods for repair no longer catch all the issues that could be going on, invisible to the naked or inexperienced eye. Some may even overlook the whole computer system in a car because they don’t understand it.

In some cases, it is merely pressure from an insurance company keeping auto body technicians from being able to locate hidden damages. Insurance companies want to reduce the time of repair to the bare minimum. The repair shop often complies with the demand—but at the cost of getting the time they need to sniff out any unseen damages.

 

Hidden Damages Caused by Rear-End Car Collisions

Cosmetic damage is easy to spot and may even be disregarded if it is not too terrible. But even a fender bender or rear-end collision can cause a web of other damages beneath the surface, including:

 

Electrical Damage

Even a slight bump can loosen connections to brake lights, starters, and the battery. A loose wire in the engine could end up stranding you in the middle of nowhere if not caught in time; disconnected brake lights make you a hazard.

 

Transmission Damage

Similar to above, if you get into a collision, it could affect the machinery. Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) have components of the transmission system set near the rear. If you are in a fender bender, those components could be damaged or transmission fluid may start learning.

 

Car Frame Damage

Did you know that bumpers are not really designed to protect anything? They are meant to crumple and disperse momentum from an oncoming vehicle. But that doesn’t mean that a little fender bender won’t cause damage. There are plenty of sensors and other pieces that could be affected by a collision and cause problems down the line, like onboard warning systems not operating.

 

Alignment Damage

Has your car recently sustained front-end damage? You may find that the vehicle begins pulling to one side of the road or the steering wheel shimmies and shakes while you drive. This means wheel alignment could be off. Get it checked before other sections wear abnormally.

 

Trunk Damage

Water seepage, sticking trunk, or even a truck that pops open while driving all usually stem from unchecked damages. Obviously, none of these are going to be considered safe, especially since a loose trunk can distract you or block your vision.

 

Diagnostic Coding

Remember that ADAS system mentioned earlier? Well, this where it comes into play. There are over 100 sensors onboard a modern motor vehicle. Any little impact could damage a large percentage of them. That is why you need to visit an auto body shop with specialized equipment to check and recalibrate any system.

 

How to Deal With Hidden Damages

The only way to deal with hidden safety issues in a car that has suffered from a collision is to take it to a trustworthy body shop for repairs. Without specialized tools of the trade, you will not be able to figure out where the problems are located. A professional technician will be experienced and tend to the issue.

Tired of auto body shops that rush to finish the work and don’t even do a good job? Elmer’s Auto Body is different. We believe in taking the time to locate any issues that could impact you down the line. We’re here for you, so why not fill out the contact form and tell us how we can help?

What Does A Body Shop Mean When They Say There’s Additional Damage?

Throughout the years, automobiles have become more and more complex. Newer models no longer have mere machine parts but also computerized sensors and ADAS technology. Since the complexities of a motor vehicle cannot be seen from the outside, this makes finding and dealing with damage that much more difficult and time-consuming. Because of this, the average cost of auto body repairs continues to increase annually.

When you bring your vehicle to the mechanic for collision repairs, you probably think that initial estimate is going to remain about the same. Then, you receive a call or a message from the auto body shop saying that they have located additional damages and need to change the estimate.

What does that mean? Did they lie to you in the beginning? Should you trust the claim?

Turns out, additional damage is a legitimate reason for the final cost of the repairs to be higher than originally thought. We’re going to explain why.

 

What Additional Damage Entails

When you visit the auto body shop after the collision for repairs, the technician will look at what the insurance estimate is, how much is going to be covered, and they begin their own examination. The reason an estimate is called an estimate is because it never considers the total cost. In fact, it is just a guess up to the moment the technician can survey all the damage—inside and out.

The appraisal from the insurance company is not as thorough as the mechanic’s, and so they can generally find more than what is seen from the outside.

Think of the examination done by the auto body technician as an x-ray done in the doctor’s office. The doctor might be able to tell you have a broken bone at a glance, but they can’t see the extent of the damage without getting under the skin, right?

As soon as the mechanic locates the break, so to speak, they then know exactly what needs to be done, and that is when you receive news of additional damages that also need to be repaired. The whole plan may be modified, and the cost of repairs could increase.

 

Insurance Estimate Changes

Depending on the severity of the damages, both the insurance company and the auto body technician know that the original estimate is not going to stand. Still, the mechanic will take apart your vehicle then notify you and your insurance carrier to discuss the cost. An appraiser may look at your vehicle-if they haven’t already-to confirm the body shop’s estimate.

Depending on your deductible, you should consider getting a few estimates on the cost of repairs. If your deductible stays the same no matter what, then don’t focus on the cheapest estimate, since that is often a sign the mechanic is going to cut corners.

Also, expect OEM, or original equipment manufacturer, parts to be a part of the discussion. If the auto body shop is concerned with quality, they will oftentimes seek to procure OEM parts for the repairs. However, this could slow things down, and you may end up being without your car for a longer length of time.

 

Additional Steps and Repairs

Certain sections of your vehicle tend to get damaged and require more extensive repairs than other parts. These include front and rear suspension systems, rear body, floor, and electrical components.

These specific areas require calibrations, weld tests, and generally more hours of labor to ensure they are up to spec. If these parts are damaged, you can assume that parts and labor are going to cost more than the original estimate.

 

Do I Have to Use the Body Shop Recommended by the Insurer?

Car insurance carriers tend to have a lot of influence on auto body shops. They may recommend mechanics to do work on your vehicle. Usually, these preferred shops work more quickly than independent auto body shops because they do not need to request authorization to repair any additional damages they find. The insurance company will also monitor progress, so there are fewer delays.

That said, you do not have to use those preferred body shops. You are free to choose the mechanic that is going to provide quality repairs and replacements to get your vehicle back on the road. Be sure to choose a trustworthy auto body shop that discusses your options and is transparent about all additional damages and costs.

 

Do What’s Best for Your Car

When the auto body technician calls you, saying that they uncovered additional damages to your vehicle that need to be repaired, you can trust that it is not a scam. Most cars, trucks, and SUVs these days are as complex as computers, if not more. This means that not all the damage from an accident is going to be visible. Although a pricier bill at the end of the repairs may come as a surprise, know in the end that your car is going to be safer for having those damages taken care of.

Choose an auto body repair shop that you can trust. We have a full team of technicians who will do what is right by you and your vehicle. If you need repairs or have questions about the services we provide, get in touch with us! Simply fill out the contact form.

How To Get Your Insurance To Fix Your Windshield

Even if you don’t get into an accident, there are plenty of dangers on and off the road to your vehicle’s windshield. And once your windshield is cracked or shattered, there is little you can do with your car until the damages have been repaired. Unfortunately, repairing or replacing a windshield can be too expensive for many drivers.

So, you might wonder whether car insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing the windshield.

The answer is: It depends—on the damages and what type of car insurance you have. If you have the correct insurance, then you might be in luck. But there are still a number of factors to consider before filing a claim.

To help you succeed in getting the damages corrected, here is everything you need to know on how to get your insurance to fix your windshield.

 

Which Insurance Covers Glass Damage?

Having the right type of auto insurance is the first major step in getting any crack or chip repaired or a shattered windshield replaced. Regular car insurance covers liabilities, so you need something else.

That’s where comprehensive car insurance is useful. A comprehensive policy is going to cover all the bases that your liability and collision insurance do not, such as theft, vandalism, animal damage, weather damage, and falling-object damages.

Comprehensive coverage usually includes glass damage. In order for any windshield or window issues to be repaired or replaced, however, you will need comprehensive insurance before any incident occurs. If you try to purchase a comprehensive policy after your windshield is damaged, it won’t be covered.

 

Receiving Full Glass Coverage

An optional addition to comprehensive coverage exists that is called “full glass coverage” or “zero dollar glass deductible.” This add-on will void the deductible whenever you submit a glass-related claim.

Full glass coverage is not available in every state, so be sure to check your insurance policy and contact the carrier if you have any questions.

 

Impact on Deductibles and Premiums

Before you begin the process to submit a repair claim, you must do the following:

Compare the cost of the overall repair or replacement to the amount of your insurance deductible.

If you have a deductible that is higher than the overall cost of the windshield repair or replacement, then you shouldn’t file a claim.

Premiums are another matter. Any damage to the windshield that results from anything other than a collision will not increase your insurance rate—usually. Check your insurance policy to make sure.

Keep in mind that, if you file a claim when the cost is only a small amount higher than the deductible, it could negatively impact your claim record. For example, if your deductible is $200, and the cost of repair is $240, and the insurance company gives you $30, you’re not really saving anything. Further, a compilation of small claims could increase perceived risk, leading to a premium hike when you renew.

The DMV has more information about submitting insurance claims and some useful tips to ensure you receive your new windshield.

 

Repair or Replace – That is the Question

There are two avenues for damaged windshield glass: replacing the entire section or repairing the individual cracks and chips.

  • Repairs: these should only take around 30 minutes to complete. It is best for smaller cracks and chips in the windshield that are not located directly in the driver’s line of view.
  • Replacement: this will cost far more than repairs and are usually the result of extensive, irreparable damages to the vehicle.

 

Will I Get an OEM Windshield?

In the event you need to receive a full windshield replacement, you will receive a brand new pane of glass. That said, whether you receive an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshield depends largely on what your insurance policy states.

Most insurance carriers will cover aftermarket parts. Cheaper than OEM, aftermarket parts are ways for insurance companies to cut the cost for themselves and for those they insure. If OEM parts were used all the time, your premiums would be sky high.

But, if you absolutely want an OEM windshield, there are two things you can do to get your insurer to cover some of the cost:

  • Offer to Pay the Difference: You can request that your insurer orders an OEM windshield instead of aftermarket if you offer to pay the difference between what the insurer is covering and the price of the new windshield. (That difference won’t be cheap either!)
  • Get a Rider in Advance: This must be done far in advance. When you are setting up your comprehensive policy, you can request a rider to get OEM parts. When you have a rider set-up already, the insurance company won’t question giving you OEM parts. Not all insurance carriers have this option.

If you must have OEM parts, the best way to secure them is to review your policy and discuss your options with your insurance company.

 

Get Your Windshield Repaired or Replaced Today!

Getting insurance to cover your windshield repair or replacement is all about knowing your policy and filing a claim quickly. The sooner you file for work to be done on the windshield, the better. There is more than one reason for this. Even tiny chips and cracks can spread rapidly across the windshield.

Do you have chips and cracks that you’re worried about? If they are small, you don’t need to get insurance to cover it. Most cracks can be repaired within minutes, and even if you don’t have comprehensive coverage, it won’t cost much.

The best way to get insurance to cover your windshield, however, is to have comprehensive car insurance-not just property damage and personal liability coverage.

Have questions about getting your windshield repaired or replaced? Send them our way by filling out the contact form! We’re here to help.

Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?

Most people expect their car to be waiting for them when they return to the parking lot after working or shopping. Unfortunately, there may come a time when, after a long day or early in the morning, you head out to where your vehicle should be only to find it missing. Frantically, you search the street. You think to yourself that maybe you’ve forgotten where the car’s parked. But then, reality sets in—your car has been stolen.

It’s a situation no one wants to be in.

After initial questions have been answered, like whether your car was towed, you will have to call the police to have a police report filed. From there, you may wonder if car insurance covers motor vehicle theft.

The answer is yes, and it’s probably the best news you will receive all day in this scenario.

 

What Type Of Insurance Covers Car Theft?

There are a few components to car insurance. Depending on your coverage, you may have several kinds of auto insurance and varying layers of coverage.

The different insurance types are:

  • Liability coverage: Protects other drivers from injury and property damage caused by you
  • Personal injury coverage: Assists with payments when you or passengers in your vehicle are hurt in an accident
  • Collision coverage: Covers damages to your car as the result of an accident
  • Comprehensive coverage: Otherwise known as comp insurance, this coverage protects your vehicle from “Acts of God,” which includes natural disasters, vandalism, and even theft—with some conditions

In other words, unless you have comprehensive coverage, which is usually purchased as a supplement to collision coverage, you will not be protected from damages that happen to your car while you’re not operating it. But if you do have comp insurance, a percentage of expenses will be covered in the event a tree collapses on your car, or it is stolen or broken into, and so on.

However, there is one exception to this. If you have leased a vehicle or have it on loan and it gets stolen, comprehensive coverage cannot help you. Instead, you should consider “gap insurance.”

Usually, your insurer will pay you the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle. Gap insurance, though, means that the payout is the difference between what is still owed on the vehicle and the ACV. This can help if you owe money on the vehicle or if it has depreciated in value. All insurance carriers have limits on the “gap,” but the coverage itself is relatively affordable.

 

How Much Money Will I Receive?

As mentioned earlier, comprehensive insurance will cover the actual cash value of the vehicle. If your policy covers car rental reimbursement, then you may have the expenses of renting a car covered while the claim is processing.

The ACV is the value given by the adjuster. They will consider things like the vehicle’s make, model, Blue Book value, and accident history to figure out the total amount. Core fixtures in the car will count towards the overall ACV. For example, the tires, seats, and installed GPS system will add value.

However, any accessory items, such as an attached GPS or a plugged in MP3 player are not covered by your comprehensive insurance.
I left my car keys in the ignition when the car was stolen. Does insurance cover that?

We all make mistakes from time to time. Leaving your keys in the car and coming back to an empty parking spot is one of them. Despite what others may have told you, the insurance company will not penalize you for such a mistake or consider the action negligent enough to dismiss your claim. You’re still covered.

 

Is The Theft Of Personal Items In The Car Covered By Insurance?

Car insurance does not cover the theft of items that were in your car, even if someone just broke into it. That doesn’t mean you can’t get something back for your items. You may be able to file a claim of any personal items that were stolen alongside your car by contacting your homeowners or renters insurance carrier.

It may come as a surprise, but renters and home insurance covers belongings in your car, too. It’s not bound solely to your home or apartment.

 

What Is The Entire Claim Process For A Stolen Car?

The stolen vehicle claim process can be exasperating—but don’t get discouraged. You will have to discuss the circumstances with an insurance adjuster. Be sure to have the police report and other information, such as the date and time of the theft, on hand while answering questions. The adjuster has to make sure that your claim is not fraudulent before the claim can proceed.

Keep in mind that, if your car is stolen, you are making a total loss claim. You will come to an agreement between you and the insurance company, as well as any lender who made a vehicle loan. If your vehicle is recovered later on, the insurance company will probably have ownership.

If you decide to wait to see if your car is found, then you should also know that comprehensive car insurance also covers any damages to the vehicle that the thief inflicted. You may need to pay a deductible, though.
Have Damages From a Break-In or Car Theft?

Does car insurance cover car theft? Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage or gap insurance. It should give you a little peace of mind to know that you can receive payment for a stolen vehicle and be able to rent a substitute until your car is found. In the event you have damages upon recovery, look for an auto body shop with expertise in both exterior and interior repairs.

Whether you need auto body work done to your vehicle or have questions about services, we are here to help. Send us a message by filling out the contact form, and our friendly team will get back to you.

How Long Will I Be a High Risk Driver?

Have you been labeled a high-risk driver by insurance companies? It is certainly frustrating to have to pay more for some things that cannot be controlled, like your age or location. The good news is that some factors that determine your high and low-risk status do not last forever. In fact, you may be a low-risk driver sooner than you think!

First, you need to know that remaining on your best behavior while behind the wheel is going to be the best way to chisel down the years. After that, consider the following factors that influence how long you will be a high-risk driver:

 

You Have Had No Insurance For Years, If Ever

First-time drivers and those who have had lengthy lapses in auto insurance are going to have much higher rates than those who have been covered continuously and never missed a payment. Fortunately, if this is the only thing against you, then your high-risk status can be voided within 6 months.

You will have to practice safe driving habits and pay your insurance bills on time. Otherwise, your high-risk status will be extended.

Also, once you have signed up for a policy, do not immediately look for a new one. You must stick with an insurance policy for at least 6 months before you decide to switch. If you switch too soon, any progress you made on reducing the high-risk period is going to be returned to square one.

 

You Accumulated a Number of Violations Rapidly

Typically, a minor infraction will take about 3 years to disappear and for your insurance rates to lower. However, if you are considered high risk because of multiple at-fault accidents or tickets, then you can return to a preferred insurance carrier once the oldest violation is 3 years old. That said, you will have to compare the cost of different carriers to see who offers the best rate.

Discuss your options with an insurance agent. If you switch to a preferred carrier on the day the oldest violation falls off, you can save a lot of money.

Keep in mind that not every preferred carrier is the same. Some only count tickets that were received in the past 2 years while multiple tickets extend the high risk term for 3 years.

 

Those Violations Were Severe

As noted above, minor violations take about 3 years to vanish. But what about major violations, like a DUI? In that event, it could take up to 5 years to get removed from your record. Not only that, but most states require you to take an extra step if you have a major violation. You will need to fill out something called an SR-22.

The SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility guarantees you have the appropriate amount of liability coverage for your state.

You may need to file for an SR-22 if you have the following:

  • A moving violation, such as an DUI or DWI
  • An at-fault accident while driving without auto insurance
  • Repeated traffic offenses
  • Many offenses received in a short amount of time
  • Suspended or revoked license

You will need to keep the SR-22 insurance for about 3 years, but it depends on your insurance provider and the severity of the offense. After those 3 years are up, you can start shopping for car insurance, but the cheapest estimates will only show up after 5 years time.

 

Tips to Avoid Being a High-Risk Driver

Putting everything you have learned together, here are some ways for you to reduce the duration of your high-risk period or to avoid returning to high risk:

  • Make payments on time
  • Keep continuous insurance coverage
  • Avoid cancellations for non-payment and do not let your policy lapse
  • Get a driver’s license as soon as you can—the sooner you get it, the sooner you can add to your driver’s history
  • Make sure you pay all of your tickets and taxes
  • Avoid tickets and violations, because they stay on your record for many years
  • Avoid filing small insurance claims, since this will cause premiums to skyrocket

 

Bottom Line

Dealing with higher rates as a high risk driver is only temporary. The main struggle is maintaining insurance coverage. Every time you miss a payment or your policy lapses can set you back. That is how easily your actions can affect your insurance policy. If you want to decrease the years you spend as a high risk driver, start behaving like a low risk one, and soon you will have more affordable auto insurance!

Are you a high risk driver in need of car repairs? Have questions about your status? Get in touch with us! Fill out the contact form, and a representative will get back to you.

Does Car Insurance Cover a Natural Disaster?

Mother nature can be unforgiving and causes a great amount of damages throughout the year. Those damages can affect your property and also your vehicle. After such a calamity, which are often called “Acts of God”, you might be left one question: “Does car insurance cover a natural disaster?” Rather than waiting until something terrible happens as a result of unpredictable storms or something similar, it’s best to know now whether such damages are covered or not.

The quick answer is yes, if certain conditions are met. Not every scenario is going to be covered.

Let’s break this down a bit further.

 

Comprehensive Car Insurance Coverage

There is no actual “natural disaster” insurance policy for motor vehicles. Instead, there is only comprehensive car insurance. Most states, like New Jersey, require drivers to have a minimum of auto liability coverage, which will pay for things like another driver’s injuries or damages to property in the event of an accident.

Comprehensive car insurance is optional. You must choose such coverage when you enroll into an auto insurance policy. Unless you choose a comprehensive plan, natural disasters will not be covered. Individual policies are different, though, so what one plan covers may not be paid for in another insurer’s plan.

The good news is that you can add comprehensive coverage onto your current policy, and it usually takes about 5 minutes when done online.

 

What Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover?

Most comprehensive policies offer coverage from falling debris, glass, and water damage. That means any damages caused by storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, or even hail storms and floods can be paid for. You may assume that you are safe from certain natural disasters, such as flooding, if you do not live somewhere considered a flood zone.

That said, you never know when flash flooding may occur while you are driving. Flood waters can cause damages to the internal machinery of the vehicle. However, only comprehensive coverage will help with mitigating the costs of car repair. If you live somewhere prone to flooding, pay it safe and get the appropriate amount of coverage.

You may also be covered in the event of a wildfire and earthquake.

 

Important Note

If you live in an area that is subjected to inclement weather, such as high winds, tornadoes, hail, and flooding, you should always ensure well in advance that your policy has comprehensive coverage. Otherwise, you may run into something called a “binding restriction.”

Binding restrictions occur when insurance providers place restrictions on consumers to prevent them from buying or changing plans during a major storm.

This means you cannot wait for the flooding to strike to purchase insurance that will cover your vehicle from damage.

 

What are Other “Acts of God”?

An “Act of God” refers to any damages that are the result of circumstances beyond your control as a driver. Aside from natural calamities like hail and flooding, additional Acts of God include:

  • Volcanoes
  • Mudslides and landslides
  • Sinkholes
  • Riots
  • Vandalism
  • Theft

As long as you maintain comprehensive coverage, you are safe from natural disasters and damages that may be the result of civil unrest. Think of comprehensive insurance as a safety net for anything beyond what happens on the road.

 

My Car’s Been Damaged in a Natural Disaster! What Now?

Now that you know that, yes, natural disasters are covered by comprehensive car insurance, it is time to discuss what happens if your vehicle is damaged by such a calamity. If you have comprehensive car insurance, then you shouldn’t worry about the cost, because it will most likely be covered. Once you are positive the danger has passed, you will need to file a claim with your auto insurance company.

Be sure to take pictures of the damages from every angle or take a video to show the damages. When you make your claim, you will be asked questions about how the damage occurred, so the evidence may come in handy. Do not move the car until the appraisal from the insurance company has been completed. Also, do not attempt fixing any damages before speaking to the insurer.

 

Limitations and Deductibles

Even though you have coverage and can file a claim, there are some things that could limit how much you get for the damages. You will have to pay a deductible, unless your auto insurance policy does not have one. Next, some comprehensive policies will have a limit to the maximum amount of expenses that would be covered. That limit is typically how much your car is worth.

 

Get Your Car Repaired Fast

You should now know that only comprehensive auto insurance will cover natural disasters and other Acts of God. Other forms of auto insurance, such as liability insurance, will not cover expenses from hail or flooding or anything else. If you live somewhere that regularly receives powerful storms, comprehensive auto insurance is a smart choice.

Has your vehicle been damaged in a recent storm? Once you’ve spoken to your insurance company, it’s time to bring it in for repairs. Our professional team is happy to return your car to its proper working condition. Let us know how we can help by filling out the contact form.