Category: Collision Repair

Different Types Of Rear-End Collision Damage

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.

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.

How Auto Body Shops Identify Unseen Damage After a Collision

When you are involved in an accident, the damage might not be visible from the outside of the vehicle. Cars and trucks have plenty of hidden systems that help with the operation of the vehicle. When damage is not fixed, it can lead to costly repair bills for you. However, hidden damage cannot hide from a specially trained technician. If your car has been involved in an accident, a professional auto body shop can find that unseen damage and get your vehicle back on the road.

Types Of Hidden Auto Body Damage

After an accident, you need to bring your vehicle to a shop for an inspection. Those areas that look crumpled and dented will often have the most severe damage. While your car might look drivable, some issues can occur from a low or high-speed accident. An auto body technician will be able to find problems with the suspension, steering, brakes, or engine components. These issues are often not discovered until the vehicle is in the shop and on the lift. The most common forms of hidden damage are found around the crumple zones. You want these areas repaired to ensure proper drivability and maximum safety for your vehicle.

Here are some types of unseen damage you might find on your vehicle.

Bumper Damage

If your bumper is slightly dented in a crash, it could be hiding more severe damage below the surface. A trained body shop technician will often remove the bumper to check the components underneath the vehicle. The bumper and other parts are designed to absorb any impact. Once the bumper’s integrity is compromised, it doesn’t have those same safety features. You never want to ignore these issues. In the event of another accident, you can have some serious safety issues.

Brake Damage

Your brakes play an essential role in the safety of your vehicle. The force of an impact can damage those sensitive braking components. In some cases, the parts can loosen or break off from the car. If the accident was severe, you might even experience a leak in the brake line. When the brake lines are damaged, it can make your vehicle a safety hazard, and it will be unsafe to operate on the road. You will want to get your car in the shop as soon as possible.

Suspension System Damage

The suspension system is often damaged in a crash, but you cannot tell it by looking at the vehicle. It doesn’t take much to damage these sensitive driving systems. You can drive too quickly on an unpaved road or hit a large pothole. As a result, you are left with suspension system damage. This system is used to maintain control of the vehicle. In other words, it is a critical system, and you will want to get it assessed by a professional auto body shop technician. The technician will check the shocks, struts, and springs to see if there is any damage. If anything needs to be repaired, the technician can replace these components.

Identifying Unseen Damage After A Collision

While you might be able to see a dented bumper, broken windshield, or scratched paint, there are times when damage is not visible. For those cars with automated driver assistance systems (ADAS) and other sensors, a slight bump can cause a significant amount of damage. After a collision, you want to bring your vehicle to a professional auto body shop. These professionals can determine if the damage has impacted the vehicle’s safety and performance features.

Since many newer vehicles use sensors to assist with driving, a crash can damage these components. Many of the components are located in the front or rear bumpers. Some safety sensors are also placed throughout the exterior and interior of the vehicle. These sensors work together with the onboard computer to help with parallel parking assistance, collision prevention, and backup assistance. After an accident, you want to ensure that all these systems are fully operational before you hit the road.

Fortunately, many auto body shops have ways to determine the hidden damages to your vehicle. Many professionals use diagnostic scanning to look for any issues. When you drop your car off at the shop, a diagnostic scan is performed on the entire vehicle. This system allows the technician to identify any hidden damage so that they don’t waste time on unnecessary repairs.

A repair technician will connect your car to a specialized scanner that performs the diagnostic assessment. If any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) appear, the technician will be alerted to the problems. The scan performs an inspection of your car’s various features and programs. Any miscommunications or issues with those systems will throw out an error code. With this type of system, the technician can pinpoint any problems with your vehicle.

In some cases, the technician does have to physically remove a part to inspect the damage. Components might appear to work until a professional technician visually inspects them. For example, there are components in a bumper that may seem fine. However, the parts will not show damage until the cover is removed from the vehicle.

With these tools, the technicians can find the source of the damage and repair your vehicle. While you might receive an estimate from the body shop, you will not know the full extent of the damages until the car is thoroughly inspected. As the vehicle is dismantled, some additional issues will become apparent, such as broken components. It is essential to take your vehicle to an experienced and professional body shop. These technicians have the latest technology to diagnose your vehicle correctly.

Find A Great Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you are looking for an exceptional auto body shop, make sure to visit Elmer’s Auto Body. Our team has the equipment and experience to spot any unseen damage lurking in your vehicle. When we find any issues, our team can fix the problem and get you back on the road. You can schedule a consultation by calling (856) 218-0202.

Understanding Auto Body Shop Certifications

When it comes time for a vehicle repair, you want to find a shop equipped to handle your specific make and model. From oil changes to frame repairs, vehicles can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Auto body shops often obtain different certifications to work on these vehicles. These certifications let consumers know that the shop can fix their vehicle. Here are a few things to help you understand these certifications.

Certification Basics

Many professional auto body repair shops require their technicians to earn specific certifications. The technicians must take professional training and meet particular requirements to be certified. There are several certifications that technicians can earn in the auto repair industry. Vehicle makers have their own set of special certifications as well. If the technician holds a specific manufacturer designation, they have been trained to understand the vehicle maker’s latest standards.

Auto body repair shops can also obtain certifications, like the I-CAR Gold Class designation. This certification is the highest training achievement in the collision repair industry. With this certification, the collision repair shop must train its technicians on a yearly basis. The shop also has highly skilled experts in four key collision roles: damage estimator, steel structural technician, non-structural technician, and refinish technician.

Professional Certifications

If you want to have your vehicle repaired by top-quality technicians, choose a shop with these major certifications. These qualifications let you know that the shop can work on your vehicle and complete repairs to the highest standards.

Assured Performance Certification

One of the top auto body shop designations is the Assured Performance certification. The Assured Performance Network sets the bar for the entire automotive collision repair industry. For an auto body shop, an Assured Performance certification is a major credential. Since Assured Performance is associated with high standards and excellence, this certification requires body shops to go to great lengths to achieve this designation. Many auto body shops will advertise that they are part of the Assured Performance Network.

Less than 10 percent of all auto body shops meet the requirements to be Assured Performance certified. These shops must pass all the requirements established by specific auto manufacturers. They also must pass an annual on-site inspection and audit. During the audit, the certified shops must have the proper training, equipment, tools, and facilities to handle all types of collision repairs. As a result, consumers can be assured that the repairs are completed using the latest technology and materials.

I-CAR Certification

I-CAR is known as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. This is a non-profit organization that trains mechanics in different practices. I-CAR believes that everyone in the

collision industry needs essential skills to complete a safe repair. With this certification, you can be confident that your vehicle is in safe and capable hands.

I-CAR certification is another gold standard for an auto body shop. Along with the certificates, I-CAR also offers classes, resources, and training activities. The highest recognition is known as the Gold Class certification. With this certification, you can identify those technicians who have been trained on the latest technology, repair methods, and vehicle models. Only 20 percent of auto body shops have the Gold Class certification.

OEM/Manufacturer Certification

With a manufacturer certification, the auto body shop can display different manufacturers’ logos, such as Ford, Chevrolet, or Tesla. Some manufacturers, like Tesla, have stringent requirements for their certifications. If you find a shop with this certification, they have met the highest training and excellence levels.

The manufacturer also approves OEM certifications. OEM stands for an original equipment manufacturer. You might think that you need to go to the dealership for quality work, but if your shop is OEM certified, they have the credentials to work on that specific brand of vehicle. They also have OEM factory-approved parts and understand the procedures to install those components.

Acura Certified Body Shop
Chrysler Certified Body Shop
Ford National Body Shop Network
GM Certified Collision Repair Facility
Honda Certified Body Shop
Hyundai Recognized Collision Repair Center
Infinity Certified Body Shop
Kia Certified Body Shop
Nissan Certified Body Shop
Subaru Certified Body Shop
Assured Performance Certified Care Center
FCA Certified Collision Repair Facility
Collision Repair Network Certified
Acoat Selected Certified
ProFirst Certified
I-Car Gold Class Certified

The Better Business Bureau

You also want to look for the Better Business Bureau certification. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) uses their code of ethics, consumer reviews, business responses, and other programs to rate businesses in the community. Customers can see this public information for most businesses. An excellent BBB rating means that the shop has met stringent standards. The BBB considers the shop’s positive and negative reports, its response time and quality, and other factors when making a rating. If the business is deemed trustworthy, they are allowed to display a BBB rating badge alongside their business logo. As a result, many customers tend to associate a BBB rating with high-quality services.

Choose The Right Shop

When it is time to choose the right shop for your vehicle repair, there are a few things to consider, such as:

Reviews: You want to read reviews from real customers. These reviews can tell you what you can expect from a particular shop.
Services: Before you bring in your vehicle, you want to see what services are provided by the auto body shop.
Certifications: Many auto body shops are proud of their certificates, and they will showcase these industry standards. You want to find a shop that specializes in repairing your particular make and model.

Elmer’s Auto Body Offers High-Quality Work

If you are looking for the best auto body repair work, make sure to choose Elmer’s Auto Body. We have a team of certified professionals. Our technicians can repair a wide variety of models, including Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and more. Along with that, we have Assured Performance and I-CAR Gold Class certifications.

Our team can help with:

Find A Qualified Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you are ready to let a highly qualified team handle your repairs, make sure to reach out to us. Elmer’s Auto Body has experience repairing a wide range of vehicles. You can count on us to get your car back on the road. We will restore your car’s appearance and functionality. You can schedule a consultation by calling the office at (856) 218-0202.

Common Types of Auto Body Damage And How We Repair Them

No matter how safely you drive, you cannot avoid collisions or prevent damage to your vehicle. Even when your car is parked, someone could open their door into it and cause a ding to your fender. A driver might not pay attention to the road and hit your bumper. It isn’t even other drivers that can cause damage. Stones thrown from the roadway by a passing vehicle or hail can also cause issues. Luckily, auto body damage can be repaired. In some cases, with the latest technology, these repairs may only take minutes. Here are some causes of damage to your car and what can be done to fix these common body damage issues.

Weather Damage

Your car’s exterior is vulnerable to the outdoor elements throughout the year. Paint can become faded in the summer. During the winter, road salt is known to corrode your exterior paint, and those frequent temperature changes can cause a crack in the windshield. For those spring storms, hail and heavy winds might leave your car with chipped paint and extensive dents. If you want to avoid these damaging elements, you should try to park undercover to protect your vehicle.

However, even if you keep your car in a garage or carport, chances are the vehicle spends a little time exposed to the elements. You may have to park in an open parking lot when you are at work. While you are in the grocery store, your car is sitting in the hot sun or winter cold. Weather can damage your vehicle’s finish, and that minor damage can lead to rust spots on your car. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we can sand and repaint any damaged areas to return your vehicle to its original beauty. If your car has developed rust, we may be able to cut out the affected area and replace the metal for a beautifully restored appearance.

Lack of Maintenance

Lack of maintenance might be a secondary source of auto body damage, but it is important to your vehicle. When you own a car, you need to perform routine maintenance on your vehicle. Regular maintenance can often feel like a burden, but it is crucial to protect your vehicle. You need to check your brakes, steering systems, and other components. If you fail to perform maintenance, you might end up in an accident. Keeping your vehicle in poor condition can cause damage to your car and pose a threat to you, your passengers, and others on the road. You want to make sure to service your vehicle at least twice a year.

Major Collisions

Any accident can cause severe damage to your car, especially major collisions. These accidents can break windshields, destroy body panels, and damage steering systems. If your car is damaged in an accident, you will want to have your vehicle towed to a professional auto body shop.

Minor Fender Benders

After a car accident, the damage is often visible on the vehicle. However, those minor fender benders cause many problems that might not be visible to the naked eye. Those small bumps can damage your steering, frame, engine, windshield, and other hidden parts. Like any accident, you want your car inspected before hitting the road.

Miscellaneous Factors

However, there are times when a random accident can cause damage to your car. These unexpected situations can come from a runaway baseball, a pothole, or a faulty car component. You can take some steps to avoid these common issues, but some things might be out of your control. No matter what happens to your car, you need to take steps to prevent any more damage to your vehicle.

Now that you know about the common causes of damage to your car, you can find ways to repair them. With a professional auto body shop, your vehicle will be fixed with the latest technology as they get it back to its original condition.

Scratches In The Paint

Despite your diligence, there will be scratches in the paint of your car. It could be as simple as a shopping cart that rolls into the side of your car or a key ring striking the door as you unlock it. You could even scratch the car while loading items into the backseat or trunk. A professional auto body repair shop can easily buff out a small scratch. However, those large scratches need filler and paint to seal the surface’s large depression. With the help of a professional, the paint can be electronically matched to the surface of your vehicle. In turn, you will never know that the car suffered from scratched paint, and you will be left with a seamless finish.

Body Dents

Almost anything moving can dent your vehicle. A rock from the car’s tire in front of you, a child’s bicycle handle when they ride too close, or a dropped object you are trying to load could lead to dents. These dents can range from massive craters to tiny bumps. After assessing the dent, the technician can use conventional repair methods or paintless dent removal tools. If the paint is still intact, we can use paintless dent repair to fix the damage. Paintless dent removal does not disturb the current coat of paint.

On the other hand, conventional methods require the paint to be redone or touched up. There are three different techniques to remove a dent. They often include a dolly and hammer, stud welder, or dent puller. These methods use tools that push, hammer or pull the dent so that the panel can be smoothed back into its original shape.

In some cases, the panels have deep dents that are irreparable and need to be replaced. If the dent is significant, we will drill a hole near the dent, insert a special tool, and pull it from the surface. We also use body filler to smooth the surface and paint the area.

Suspension Damage

During the winter, those unnoticeable potholes can do a lot of damage to your car’s suspension. If the damage is quite severe, then the ball joint or shock absorber may need to be removed and replaced. However, in some less severe cases, the wheels might need to be realigned.

Cracked Windshields

Windshields are extremely important. They provide a clear view of the road as you travel in your car. When damage happens to a windshield, it can incur a small chip or break the glass. In those severe cases, the entire windshield will need to be taken out of the weld and replaced with new components. Any small cracks or chips can be easily fixed. Many of the issues just need a resin injection to prevent spread across the windshield and restore its strength.

Bumper Damage

Rear-ended accidents are a common occurrence for many vehicles. You could be stopped in heavy traffic and get bumped by a distracted driver. In some cases, you need to have your bumper replaced, especially for those components that are damaged beyond repair. However, some damage can be reversed. A cracked bumper will need body filler to smooth out any damage. After that, the new paint must be applied to reseal and protect your vehicle.

Collision Damage

After a collision, minor damage can be repaired quickly using similar body repair processes. However, a severe accident can cause extensive damage to the car’s frame. In those cases, your vehicle might be too damaged to drive. A bent frame may indicate that the vehicle was in a severe accident. With today’s technology, we can use computer-aided equipment to pull the frame back into position. In turn, you can hit the road without any worries for your car.

Find The Right Auto Body Shop For Your Vehicle

After encountering any type of damage to your vehicle, you need to find the right professional auto body shop. There are a few simple steps to ensure that you find the best shop to complete your repairs. You should always do some research before selecting an auto body shop. These professionals can be vetted by reading reviews, checking certifications, and asking your family and friends. You will find a shop that provides top-notch service and backs up their work.

It is also important to ask questions. You want to make sure that your professional auto body shop has the experience to complete your required work. When these questions are answered, you can have some peace of mind that your car is left in reliable hands. Finally, any reputable shop will provide a free estimate for your repairs.

Find The Best Auto Body Shop Near Me

After you have received a few quotes, you can find the right shop that has the combination of reliability, fair pricing, and experience. At the end of the day, you will find that Elmer’s Auto Body will meet all those requirements.

If your vehicle has suffered damage, contact Elmer’s Auto Body by calling (856) 218-0202. Our technicians will work to get your car back on the road as quickly as possible.

Will My Car Be Worth Less After an Accident?

An accident can be a stressful experience, and one question many car owners ask afterward is: Will my car lose value after a repair? The short answer is—yes, it can. However, the extent of that value loss depends on several factors, including the severity of damage, repair quality, and whether OEM parts were used.

In this guide, we’ll explain how car value is affected by accidents, how you can protect your investment, and why choosing Elmer’s Auto Body for repairs can make all the difference.

How Does an Accident Affect Car Value?

Fact: Studies show that cars involved in accidents can lose 10%–33% of their value—even after being fully repaired. (Source: Carfax)

This loss is known as diminished value—a reduction in resale or trade-in value due to accident history. Even if repairs make the car look and function like new, potential buyers often view accident history as a red flag.

Types of Diminished Value

Type	Definition	Impact
Immediate Diminished Value	The difference between a car’s pre-accident and post-repair value.	Typically affects resale and trade-in values immediately after an accident.
Inherent Diminished Value	Value lost simply because the car now has an accident history, even if repairs were done perfectly.	Buyers often negotiate lower prices due to perceived risk.
Repair-Related Diminished Value	Value lost due to low-quality repairs, such as poor paint matching or use of aftermarket parts.	Impacts trust in the repair’s durability and quality, reducing resale or trade-in prices further.

Should I Worry About My Car’s Diminished Value?

The Reality:

Accident Reports – Services like Carfax make accident history visible to buyers.
Buyer Perception – Most buyers assume a car with an accident history has hidden issues.
Resale Loss – Dealerships may offer lower trade-in values or send the car to auction instead of selling it on their lot.

Example Scenario:

A 3-year-old sedan worth $20,000 before an accident could lose up to $4,000–$6,000 in resale value, depending on repair quality and accident severity.

Pro Tip: Filing a diminished value insurance claim can help recover some of that lost value. Consult your insurance company or a professional appraiser to assess your eligibility.

How Can I Minimize Value Loss After an Accident?

While accidents do affect car value, you can limit depreciation with these steps:

Choose a Reputable Repair Shop

Expert Repairs: High-quality work can make damage virtually undetectable.
OEM Parts: Insist on original manufacturer parts for perfect fit, safety, and durability.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): This technique fixes dents without repainting, preserving the car’s factory finish.

👉 Call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202 for expert repairs that protect your car’s value!

Keep All Repair Documentation

Maintain detailed records of repairs, including:

Invoices for parts and labor
Proof of OEM parts
Paint warranties

Why It Matters: Buyers and appraisers often trust well-documented repairs, potentially reducing value loss.

Focus on Ongoing Maintenance

Keep It Clean: Regular washes and waxes maintain the finish.
Stay Current on Service: Follow scheduled maintenance to keep the car in peak condition.
Replace Worn Parts: Address mechanical wear promptly to avoid compounding issues.

Dealer Trade-In vs. Private Sale: What’s Better?

Dealer Trade-In

Best for Convenience: Dealers handle paperwork and inspections.
Lower Offers: Dealers often factor in accident history and repair quality, reducing offers.

Private Sale

Best for Price: Private buyers may pay closer to retail value.
Buyer Concerns: Be transparent about accident history, provide repair documentation, and highlight the repairs’ quality.

Sales Method	Pros	Cons
Dealer Trade-In	Quick process, no need to find buyers.	Lower offers due to accident history.
Private Sale	Potential for higher price with proper documentation.	Requires effort to market and negotiate the sale.

Why Elmer’s Auto Body Is Your Best Option

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we understand how important it is to protect your car’s value after an accident.

What Makes Us Different?

75+ Years of Experience – Trusted by South Jersey drivers for decades.
OEM-Certified Repairs – We use original parts to maintain quality and warranty coverage.
Paintless Dent Repair – Advanced techniques for seamless repairs without repainting.
Customer Satisfaction Guarantee – We treat every car like it’s our own.

📞 Call us at (856) 218-0202 or visit ElmersAutoBody.com to schedule your appointment today!

FAQs About Diminished Value

Can I File a Diminished Value Claim?

Yes, many insurance companies allow diminished value claims, but eligibility depends on your state and policy.

How Much Value Does a Car Lose After an Accident?

On average, 10%–33%, depending on the severity of damage and repair quality.

Can High-Quality Repairs Prevent Value Loss?

They can minimize loss but won’t completely eliminate it. However, using OEM parts and certified technicians can make damage virtually undetectable.

Curious about how accidents affect your car’s value? Listen to our latest podcast episode where we dive into diminished value and how to protect your investment after a collision. Tune in now!

Key Takeaways

Accidents Reduce Value: Diminished value is a real concern, but high-quality repairs can limit depreciation.
Documentation Matters: Keep records to demonstrate repair quality and use of OEM parts.
Elmer’s Auto Body Is the Solution: Professional repairs can help protect your investment.

📞 Call Elmer’s Auto Body today at (856) 218-0202 or schedule your appointment online at ElmersAutoBody.com to restore your car’s value!

Disclaimer

This article provides general information on car value depreciation and repair options. Individual results may vary based on accident severity, repairs, and market conditions. For accurate estimates and repair advice, consult a certified appraiser or trusted auto body shop.