Category: Accident

Rear-end collisions are the most common accidents on the road. In most cases, these accidents are minor and cause little damage to the vehicle. However, damage from this type of accident can cause hidden problems for your car. After an accident, you should have your vehicle inspected by a professional. There are several ways that a rear-end collision can affect your vehicle. If you have been hit, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Look for Hidden Damage

If you are involved in a rear-end accident, there may be little to no damage. Unfortunately, many vehicles have plastic bumpers that can hide damage from an accident. This type of damage is not easily noticeable, but it can cause severe car problems.

Rear-end accidents can cause significant damage to the frame of the vehicle. If the frame is bent, you might not notice it until you take the car to a professional auto body shop. Any damage to the structure creates plenty of issues with the vehicle. In turn, it will be impossible to drive the car. Rear-end damage can also cause problems with the traction control and tires.

Accident damage causes problems with the doors and other vehicle parts. Your doors might not close properly. Other parts of the vehicle will not line up with the rest of the car. Even if the damage does not create immediate problems, you might have issues down the road. Rear-end damage generates stress on the suspension system. As a result, the shocks, struts, and suspension parts begin to wear down.

Any damage compromises the safety of the vehicle. Your car is designed to handle impacts and accidents. Those components offer some protection for the driver and passengers. If any of these parts are damaged, it may not hold up if you are involved in another accident.

Issues With Alignment

After an accident, you might experience some issues with the vehicle’s alignment. A rear-end collision can cause damage to the structure that maintains the vehicle’s alignment. In turn, this damage will affect how the vehicle drives on the road. Alignment issues can cause the vehicle to pull to one side. Your tires might feel like they are not grabbing the road. In icy or rainy conditions, this could be a recipe for disaster. If you notice these problems, you need to have your vehicle inspected.

When you avoid taking care of these issues, your car might experience more severe problems in the future. An improperly aligned vehicle can be harder to maneuver and cause an accident. In other words, you have an unsafe vehicle on the road.

Damage To The Trunk

After an accident, your trunk might seem to be in good working order. In some cases, there could be unseen damage. The trunk contains small mechanisms that help it stay closed. A minor accident can damage those mechanisms. As a result, the trunk can pop open as you drive down the road. Your latch might even be difficult to open if there is damage from a rear-end collision.

Once again, you might have issues with the trunk door’s alignment. This damage can make it hard to open or close the trunk. In addition to dealing with this frustrating problem, any gaps can allow water to seep into the trunk area. If this happens to your vehicle, it can damage your belongings. There is also a risk of rust to the inside of your trunk.

Electrical Issues

The electrical system of a vehicle can be damaged by a rear-end accident. Any impact can cause the wires to loosen. If there are no problems after the accident, your regular driving habits can separate the wires or cause failures to the rest of the system.

Your tail or brake lights can malfunction. If that happens, it is a dangerous situation on the road. Other drivers might not know if your vehicle is slowing down or stopping. These problems might make it impossible to see your vehicle in low visibility conditions, such as rain or night. Any loose wires can make it difficult for the rest of your electrical features to operate. It might even put stress on the battery.

Transmission Problems

A rear-end collision can damage your transmission system. These issues often go unnoticed until the system has failed. In turn, this issue can create more damage to the vehicle as you deal with hefty repair costs. If your car has a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, some of the components are located in the transmission system near the car’s rear. A minor accident can damage or shift these components. If there are any fluid leaks, that can put stress on your transmission.

Rear-end damage is an issue for your exhaust system. The tailpipe is located at the back of the vehicle. When there is a rear-end collision, the impact can push the tailpipe and the exhaust system to the side. You might experience damage to the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, and other parts of the exhaust system.

All these hidden issues are common after a rear-end collision. Your insurer adjuster or mechanic might not find all the vehicle’s rear-end damage. As a result, this can pose a severe risk down the road.

Find A Professional Auto Body Shop

It is essential to take your vehicle to a certified collision expert. Minor accidents may leave little visible damage, but there could be issues lurking under the surface. A certified professional can find these problems and prevent any future issues.

If any damage is missed by a mechanic or insurance adjuster, the insurance company will only pay for the noted damage. You might find damage in the future, but your insurance often will not cover those repairs. However, if you take your car to a certified auto body shop, you are assured that they will address the damage.

Looking For An Auto Body Shop Near Me?

Elmer’s Auto Body is ready to repair your vehicle. We specialize in fixing damage from rear-end collisions. If you want to set up a consultation, give our shop a call at (856) 218-0202.

After your vehicle has been damaged in an accident, you want to get it repaired as soon as possible. Finding a high-quality auto body shop should be your top priority. By asking a few questions, you can choose the right shop with all the qualifications to work on your specific vehicle.

Start Your Search

Online reviews can be a useful resource, but these blurbs don’t answer all your questions. There are times when you have a specific concern or need to find out more about the shop’s services. Here are the top 10 questions you need to ask your auto body repair shop.

1 – What Are Your Certifications?

You want to make sure that your shop can handle the job. Certifications assure you that the shop and its technicians are qualified to work on your vehicle. You should look for I-CAR and Assured Performance certifications. These designations mean that the shop has the skills to complete a safe and high-quality repair. All auto body shops will be proud of their credentials, and they will showcase them at the shop.

2 – Do You Have Experience With My Specific Make And Model?

Whether you own a foreign or domestic model, you want to know that the auto body shop has the experience to fix your vehicle. Many shops are certified by specific car manufacturers. With these certifications, you know that they have the training and expertise to repair your vehicle.

3 – Will You Work With My Insurance?

When your vehicle has been damaged, you have to contact your insurance company to fix it. You should choose an auto body shop that has a working relationship with your insurance. In many cases, they can help expedite your claim and make the process easier for you.

4 – What Is The Payment Policy?

Most shops have their payment policies posted for the customers to view. These shops outline their policies regarding the materials, labor rates, warranty information, guarantees, and accepted forms of payment. If you don’t see any of this information listed, you need to ask the shop about their specific policies.

5 – Are All The Repairs In Writing?

When you take your vehicle in for a repair, you will receive a written estimate. You should not have work done unless you get an estimate. This piece of paper protects you from any unscrupulous body shops. All professional repair shops put everything in writing and explain the repairs to you. After the work is complete, you will get an itemized bill. If there are discrepancies, you can ask for an explanation from the shop. However, the shop must notify you if the actual work will cost more than the estimate.

6 – What Type Of Warranty?

Many reputable shops will back up their parts, labor, and other services with a warranty. You do need to find out what the warranty will cover. In some cases, the warranty might only be valid for a certain amount of time. You want to know that if anything goes wrong with the repair, the shop will take some responsibility.

7 – Is My Car Covered In The Shop?

Since you will be leaving your vehicle in the shop, you need to know it is protected from accidents. Many auto body shops carry theft and fire insurance. If the car is destroyed, stolen, damaged, or burglarized, does the shop have insurance for those specific calamities? You can verify the auto body shop’s insurance policies. As the vehicle is getting repaired, you must keep paying your insurance premiums. You want to keep your car protected even if you are not driving it for a few days or weeks.

8 – What Is The Estimated Repair Time?

Before you bring in your vehicle, you want to know about the amount of time allocated for the repairs. This answer depends on many factors. The extent of the damage to the vehicle, the auto shop’s schedule, and the availability of parts all play a role in determining your repair time. If your car needs a simple fix, you might be a few days without your vehicle. However, vehicles with severe damage could spend one to several weeks in the shop. You should also know that there can be delays in the repair process. Make sure to plan for all scenarios so that you are not stuck without any transportation.

9 – Does The Auto Body Shop Provide Rentals Or Loaner Vehicles?

Everyone depends on a vehicle to get them around town. When you don’t have a car, it can be a major inconvenience. For the most part, you will need a rental vehicle. Some auto body repair shops have a rental car facility near their building. They might even offer a special rate from the local rental companies in the area. In a few cases, the auto body shop has some courtesy cars for their customers. Most shops understand that you need a vehicle for the duration of the repair process. They will work with you to get a rental so that you are not stranded at the shop.

10 – Will The Paint Match The Rest Of The Car?

Now that you’ve found the right auto body repair shop, you want to know about the quality of work. Most repairs require new paint on the vehicle’s surface. You want to make sure it matches the rest of the car. Professional repair shops use a paint code that is an exact match for your vehicle. However, you can always find out the specific process from your auto body shop.

With these few questions, you can find the right auto body repair shop to fix your vehicle.

Find An Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you want a professional repair for your vehicle, make sure to reach out to Elmer’s Auto Body. We have the experience to fix your car and get it back to its original condition. Our team is trained and certified to work on many different makes and models. You can schedule a consultation by calling the shop at (856) 218-0202.

After an accident, you may be worried about your vehicle’s value. Those minor accidents can require bodywork and other repairs. When you bring your car in for a repair, it does not mean your vehicle’s value will drop. There are many factors to take into consideration regarding car value. Here are a few things you should know about repair work and car values.

Damage Can Lower Value

Most experts will tell you that a car with damage is worth less than the same vehicle without any damage. Some claim that the car loses as much as 33 percent of its value if it has required repair work after an accident. However, this figure does not take into consideration the mileage of the car, options installed in the vehicle, or other factors that can affect a vehicle’s value.

After an accident, your vehicle has experienced economic loss known as diminished value. If your car is damaged in an accident and gets repaired, it will have a damage history. In most cases, this history can lower your vehicle’s resale value. For many cars, the vehicle’s diminished value is due to aftermarket parts. However, even those cars repaired at a dealership will see some diminished value when they are fixed.

There are several ways that your car can sustain diminished value after a car accident. Immediate diminished value is the difference between your vehicle’s trade-in value before the accident and the resale value after the completed repairs. Inherent diminished value assumes that your car has been repaired to the original condition. However, this value takes into account that your vehicle has been in an accident. Inherent diminished value reduces the car’s worth when you try to resell it. Lastly, repair-related diminished value is the lost value that results from the quality of repairs. For example, if you used aftermarket parts or the paint color does not match, then the quality of the repair can cause a loss in the vehicle’s value.

Should I Worry About My Car’s Diminished Value?

After an accident, your vehicle will see a decrease in its value. When you list your car for sale after an accident, it will not have the same value as a brand new vehicle. Even when you repair your vehicle, you might not recover its full value. Any type of accident will lower the resale value when compared to those cars that were never involved in an accident. When your insurance pays to have the damage fixed, the accident will become part of the vehicle’s history report. Services like Carfax can access those reports, and that can lead to a lowering of your car’s value. These values will come into play when you are ready to trade-in or resell your vehicle. In some cases, an accident can knock off thousands of dollars from your original car value.

Unfortunately, the diminished value can affect your resale value. If you are selling a brand new car after an accident, your insurance company will repair it to its original condition. When you sell your vehicle, the new buyer or dealership often checks out your car’s history. In turn, they might not be willing to pay your asking price for the vehicle. Many buyers will not even consider buying a vehicle that was involved in an accident.

With diminished value, your vehicle has not only incurred physical damage, but it has suffered from a loss in value. This diminished value can affect your car on several levels. Now that you know your vehicle will lose value, you can be compensated for the overall loss of value by filing a diminished value insurance claim. This claim can help you recover the difference in the car’s value before your vehicle was in an accident. Depending on the circumstances, you cannot always file these claims, but you might want to look into these options. You will need to get your car professionally appraised so that you can make a claim for its lost value.

Can I Prevent Vehicle Depreciation After an Accident?

Cars will always lose value, even those that are not involved in an accident. The only way you can prevent severe depreciation is to avoid any accidents. You need to keep your car in good working order, perform proper maintenance, and be vigilant behind the wheel. However, even with the safest drivers, there is a chance that your vehicle could be involved in an accident. In those cases, you cannot prevent the damage to your car, but you can take a few steps to minimize the loss that can occur from these collisions.

Choose a Good Repair Shop

A good repair shop may be able to discreetly fix the damage so that even an experienced appraiser will not notice issues with your car. There are also methods for repairing vehicles today, like paintless dent repair, that allow technicians to repair your vehicle with no need for body filler or painting. These techniques mean that the repair may be virtually undetectable when you trade it.

However, it is important to note that almost every car has a vehicle report that may show it was involved in an accident. If your dealer uses one of these reports, they will discover any repairs to your car.

Think About a Dealer Trade-In

If you are trading your vehicle at a dealership, there are a few things you need to know. Any undamaged car with less than 30,000 miles will receive the highest offer from a dealer, especially if it has a look that buyers want at the time. The dealer can detail the car and place it on their own lot. Undamaged vehicles with 30,000 to 65,000 miles will receive a higher offer than a car with the same mileage and accident damage. However, if the damage is virtually undetectable, your car might be able to command a higher resale price.

Dealers often put these cars on their used lots, but they usually auction or wholesale them. Damage in vehicles with more than 65,000 miles may not impact the dealer’s asking price since they are going straight to auction or wholesale. In these cases, the more mileage you have on an older vehicle, the less likely damage from an accident will significantly impact the dealer’s trade-in price.

Individual Sales

One way to avoid losing money due to damage is to sell the car by yourself. The person who purchases your vehicle may not mind that it is damaged. It is wise to inform the buyer of any car damage as vehicle reports are available online to anyone who wishes to purchase them. Any insurance claims or police reports will appear in the vehicle report. The report may even note any significant damage to the vehicle.

Insurance companies will use a precise formula to calculate your damaged car’s depreciated value. In most cases, the figure is usually the same for all insurance companies. However, if you are selling the vehicle, the depreciated value can become more subjective. The potential buyer might feel the car is worth more than its depreciated value. If they are looking for a specific vehicle, it may be worth more to them, even if it is damaged. On the other hand, they can use the damage history to negotiate your car’s price.

Need an Auto Body Shop Near Me?

While you cannot prevent a car’s value loss after an accident, there are a few things to do to help prevent a complete loss on your vehicle. Besides selling the car, you want to complete all the car’s necessary repairs. When your vehicle needs repairs after an accident, there is no need to worry. A good repair shop will do the work that can minimize the vehicle’s loss from an accident.

Elmer’s Auto Body can return your car to its original condition and get you back on the road. If the damage is relatively minor, we may be able to use paintless dent repair technology. Many of these repair techniques are virtually undetectable, and your vehicle will look good as new. Schedule an appointment today by calling the shop at (856) 218-0202.