Is It Worth Fixing My Car After an Accident?

Is It Worth Fixing My Car After an Accident?

Accidents often end with your vehicle needing repairs, whether that’s patching up a few scratches or more extensive fixes. Depending on the damage, you may be wondering if it is worth fixing your vehicle after an accident or if you should sell it and move on. Assessing the extent of the damage is the first part. You must also consider some other factors before figuring out whether to repair your vehicle after a collision.

 

Today, we are going to take a look at these factors to help you decide whether to have your car fixed and also give some tips on where to go for those collision repairs in New Jersey.

 

Importance of Assessing the Extent of Damage

After an accident, the first step in deciding whether to repair your car is to assess the extent of the damage. Sometimes, damages may appear minor on the surface, but they could be hiding more severe issues. For instance, a seemingly harmless fender bender might cause underlying structural damage that compromises the vehicle’s safety. Consider a bent frame or compromised chassis. Your car’s performance will be affected, which also counteracts safety. Similarly, deployed airbags could indicate a severe collision that may have caused more damage than initially apparent.

 

In short, you never want to assume that your vehicle is fine after a collision, no matter how minor.

 

To make an informed decision, having the car inspected by a professional mechanic or a dealership technician is crucial. These experts can identify hidden damages and comprehensively assess the vehicle’s condition. An accurate evaluation will help you understand the full extent of the damage and the potential risks associated with driving the car without repairs.

 

 

Safety Considerations When Deciding to Fix Your Car After an Accident

The top priority of any driver is safety—for yourself, your passengers, and the other drivers around you. Modern vehicles are engineered with safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of an accident. Even minor damages can compromise these safety systems and reduce the car’s ability to protect you in future collisions.

 

You may consider waiting to repair that damaged bumper, but consider what could happen to your car if you get into a fender bender when it’s already compromised. Your car will not be protected in any subsequent accidents.

 

Furthermore, if you notice that your car is not handling well after an accident, there is always a risk of something going wrong and causing another collision. If it is within your means to have your vehicle repaired, make sure you do so to maintain its overall safety and drivability.

 

Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage also plays a significant role in car accident repair. Different insurance policies offer varying degrees of coverage, and the extent of your coverage will impact your decision-making process.

 

New Jersey is a “choice” no-fault state. This does not mean that no fault is attached to drivers who are at fault. It means that, should you choose no-fault (PIP) coverage, it is your responsibility to turn to your own insurance company to cover your medical bills and other losses up to the limit of your PIP coverage. In exchange for these benefits, you generally give up the right to sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering) unless your injuries meet certain criteria (the “verbal threshold”).

 

If you have selected traditional liability coverage, you have the right to sue the at-fault driver for economic and non-economic damages without being subject to the verbal threshold restrictions. This means you can pursue a claim against the other driver’s insurance company or take legal action in court to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.

 

These laws can be complex, but, if you can have the repairs covered by your insurance company in some way, then there is no reason not to go through with repairs, unless your deductible is too high or the repairs too costly to complete.

 

Other Factors to Consider When Repairing a Car After an Accident

We have discussed some of the more pressing issues when deciding whether repairs are worthwhile after an accident. However, those are not the only things you need to consider when choosing. You must also consider the following:

 

Age and Mileage of the Vehicle

How old is your vehicle? Does it have a lot of miles? Is there anything of value with your car’s make and model that would make repairing it despite its age the best choice?

Keep in mind, if the repair costs are significant, they may exceed the car’s current market value, making extensive repairs financially impractical.

 

In such cases, it might be more reasonable to consider replacing the car with a newer model. Assessing the overall condition of the vehicle, considering its age and mileage, will help you determine if repairs are a worthwhile investment.

 

Repair Costs vs. Car Value

If the repair costs are only slightly higher than the car’s value, it might be worth repairing, especially if you have an emotional attachment to the vehicle or if it has unique features that you appreciate.

 

On the other hand, if the repair costs significantly exceed the car’s value, purchasing a replacement vehicle might be more cost-effective. Spending more on repairs than the car is worth may not be a wise financial decision, especially if the vehicle is already approaching the end of its useful life.

 

Out-of-Pocket Expenses and Deductibles

For minor damages that fall below your deductible amount, filing an insurance claim might not make sense, as you will have to cover the repair costs entirely. In such cases, paying for the repairs out of pocket might be a more straightforward and cost-effective solution.

 

On the other hand, if the repair costs exceed your deductible, it might be more advantageous to file an insurance claim, especially if your policy covers the majority of the expenses.

 

Considering the deductible and potential out-of-pocket expenses is essential for assessing the financial implications of repairing your car after an accident. It will help you make a decision that aligns with your budget and financial goals.

 

Front-End Collision Repair vs. Rear-End Collision Repair

Benefits of Repairing Your Car After an Accident

There are many benefits to having your car repaired at an NJ body shop. These benefits may help you decide whether to repair your car. Let’s take a look:

 

Preserve Your Vehicle’s Value

Properly repairing your vehicle after a collision is one of the best ways to preserve its resale value. This is important for those drivers who intend on selling or trading in their current vehicle. Potential buyers and dealerships want to know that you have taken good care of the vehicle, so having appropriate repairs not only instills confidence in the car but in you as a seller.

 

Additionally, a car with proper repairs and a clean history may be more attractive to potential buyers. They might be more willing to pay a premium for a vehicle they know has been well taken care of, ensuring that your investment in the repairs is more likely to pay off when it comes time to sell or trade in the car.

 

Peace of Mind and Safety

After an accident, driving a car that has undergone thorough repairs provides peace of mind. Knowing that your car is restored to its pre-accident condition and has been inspected for safety ensures that you and your passengers are protected on the road.

 

When your car is repaired correctly, all the safety features and systems are brought back to their original functionality. Airbags, seat belts, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and other safety mechanisms are crucial for protecting you in the event of another accident. Proper repairs can ensure that these safety features will work as intended if needed.

 

Furthermore, driving a car with unresolved damages can be stressful and nerve-wracking. Driving is taxing enough without the nagging worry that something might go wrong or that the car may not perform as expected can be a constant burden. On the other hand, knowing that your car has been professionally repaired can bring peace of mind, allowing you to focus on driving without unnecessary anxiety.

 

Avoiding Future Issues

The damages caused by accidents are not always immediate. For example, a minor dent or scratch on the exterior may not seem like a big concern initially, but leaving it unrepaired can lead to rust and corrosion over time, further deteriorating the body and causing more extensive damage. As such, you want to get those repairs done as soon as possible to avoid future issues down the road.

 

Furthermore, ignoring repairs in more essential areas—like the engine, transmission, and suspension—can lead to more severe issues, including decreased performance and higher costs of repair in the future.

 

By promptly addressing all damages, you ensure that your car remains in optimal condition and performs reliably.

 

Familiarity and Reliability

Another benefit that may be overlooked initially is familiarity with your vehicle. If you’ve been driving the car for a long time, you are already familiar with its quirks and features. Repairing the car allows you to retain your familiarity with the vehicle, making it easier to adapt and continue driving comfortably. Your vehicle may also have customized parts and modifications that you don’t want to lose after the accident. If you were to purchase a new vehicle, you wouldn’t have the same car—even if the model and year is the same—and that can be upsetting.

 

Additionally, familiarity means you already know how your current car performs. By repairing your vehicle, you know that it will retain that level of reliability it had before the accident, adding to your peace of mind.

 

Cons of Repairing Your Car After an Accident

No choice should be made without first weighing both the pros and cons. How do you know if fixing a car after an accident is worth fixing? When the benefits outweigh the disadvantages! Here are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind when deciding whether to have your vehicle fixed:

 

Cost

The cost of car repairs after an accident can be a significant consideration. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs can be expensive. Modern vehicles have complex systems; even seemingly minor damages can result in costly repairs. Additionally, the cost of parts and labor can vary based on the make and model of the car. If you have a high deductible on your insurance policy, you may have to cover a substantial portion of the repair costs yourself. In some cases, the repair costs can approach or even exceed the car’s market value, making it financially impractical to proceed with the repairs.

 

Time

If the damage done in the collision was severe, then there is a high likelihood that the repairs are going to take some time. This means that you may be without a vehicle for weeks or months. You will have to find an alternative means of transportation, which can be inconvenient and adds to the overall cost of repairs. Do keep in mind that some insurance companies will provide you with a rental vehicle. That said, you are going to want your car back soon.

 

Insurance Premiums

Your insurance premiums may increase after an accident, especially if you file an insurance claim. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining premium adjustments, including the severity of the accident, who was at fault, and your driving history. If the accident was your fault, you can expect a higher premium increase. These premium hikes can persist for several years, resulting in additional long-term costs.

 

Salvage Titles

In cases where the car is deemed a total loss, the insurance company may issue a salvage title. A salvage title indicates that the car has suffered severe damage, and the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of the car’s value. While some people may choose to repair a car with a salvage title, it can significantly impact the vehicle’s resale value and insurability in the future. Insurers may be hesitant to provide full coverage for a car with a salvage title, and potential buyers might be wary of purchasing a vehicle with this designation.

 

Looking for Top-Rated Auto Body Shops in NJ for Accident Repairs?

After a car accident, it’s essential to assess the extent of the damage, considering safety, insurance coverage, and various factors when deciding whether to repair your vehicle. While cosmetic damages may be worth fixing, severe structural damage might indicate that it’s time to consider a replacement. By making an informed decision and choosing a reputable auto body shop like Elmer’s Auto Body, you can ensure that your car is back on the road safely and efficiently.

 

Elmer’s Auto Body is one of the highest-rated collision repair centers in NJ. With our exceptional team of I-CAR-certified and skilled technicians and state-of-the-art facilities, we deliver high-quality collision repairs that exceed industry standards. Choose a trusted name like Elmer’s Auto Body for your repairs. Call us today to schedule an appointment or ask us your questions.

How Do Collision Repair Technicians Match Paint Color?

How Do Collision Repair Technicians Match Paint Color?

One of the reasons you chose your vehicle is because you liked the color of the exterior. After a collision, you may be concerned that your car will not be the same color or that the paint used to repair partial damage will not match the rest of the car. Today, collision repair technicians have technology that allows them to match your paint color so your repairs are virtually undetectable.

Using a Spectrophotometer

Because it is impossible for a collision repair center to have every possible paint color available, there must be a way for them to determine the colors used to create your particular color. This is especially true if your vehicle has a custom paint color. One way they do this is by using a spectrophotometer, a machine that measures the among of light and the exact colors that are included in the current finish. The machine then compares the information with your car’s VIN to find the actual paint formula used. Using this method, the collision expert can create a paint color that is close to an exact match for your car.

Computer Technology

New technology is being developed daily that help collision technicians accurately identify paint colors for your vehicle. Not only can computers help the technician identify what colors to use on your car, they can also help finish the work evenly so that your car is returned to you in better condition than it was before. New technology is being used to repair dents, scratches and finish work that provides you with a much better repair than you could get even a few years ago.

Older Model Cars

It has historically been easier for technicians to match the paint on newer cars than older cars, but that is also changing due to technology. Now, using computer-assisted devices, technicians are able to match even custom paint on your car after an accident. If your vintage Camaro is involved in an accident, it is now possible to match the paint so that any repairs necessary are virtually undetectable.

If your car has been involved in a collision, schedule an appointment today by filling out the easy form online or giving us a call. We offer a no obligation inspection and will work as quickly as possible to get your vehicle back on the road in as good or better condition that it was before the accident.

How To Repair Minor Scratches On Your Car

How To Repair Minor Scratches On Your Car

Owning a car means you can expect minor scratches and scuffs on the exterior. A shopping cart bumps the fender or you pull too close to a tree branch in the driveway can lead to small scrapes and scratches on your car. You can take care of many of these small scratches on your own without the need for a professional body shop.

Supplies You Will Need

The first thing to do is to gather the supplies you will need. You will need a small bucket with car-grade soap and cool water along with several clean microfiber cloths. A piece of 2000-grit sandpaper, a container of rubbing compound and a container of polishing wax are the remaining supplies you will need.

How Deep is the Scratch?

Your vehicle has four different layers to the exterior. These layers include the clearcoat, paint color, primer and metal. If the scratch is deep enough that you see a gray color, it has gone through the clearcoat and paint. If it is just a line or scuff, it may have only removed the clearcoat. If just the clearcoat is damaged, the scratch is minor and can be repaired easily. If you can see primer, you may need a professional to repair the scratch.

Wash the Area and then Sand

Always start with a clean canvas by washing the area with the cool, soapy water and then drying it completely with the microfiber cloth. Once the area is clean, use the sandpaper to gently scratch the surface immediately around the scratch. Apply the sanding strokes in the same direction the scratch was made to avoid further damage. Swab the water intermittently with water as you sand.

Apply Rubbing Compound and Wax

After sanding, squeeze a small amount of rubbing compound onto a clean microfiber cloth and apply to the area of the scratch in a circular motion. As you do, you should see the scratch disappear. You may need to add a bit more compound and continue rubbing until the scratch is gone. Finally, add a new layer of wax to the scratch. This restores the clearcoat that was damaged by the scratch. You don’t need a lot of wax to replace the clearcoat. As with the compound, wax in a circular motion.

If you car has a serious scratch that has gone through to the primer, contact us today by calling or filling out the form online to arrange for a no obligation consultation.

Do You Need a Windshield Replacement or a Repair?

Do You Need a Windshield Replacement or a Repair?

The truck in front of you kicks up a stone from the tire, chipping your windshield. The oak tree in your backyard drops a large acorn on your car, chipping and cracking your windshield. Your son hits the windshield with a toy and a small chip appears. Your first thought may be that you will have to replace your windshield when these types of things happen, but it is possible you can repair the windshield and have it looking like new quickly. These tips can help you know if you need a full windshield replacement or you can simply have it repaired.

How Large is the Damage?

One of the biggest factors used in determining whether a windshield needs to be replaced or can be repaired is the size of the chip or crack. Although each case should be considered individually, the common theory is that if the chip or crack is less than the size of a dollar, you may be able to repair it. If it is larger than that, chances are you will need to replace your windshield.

 

How Large is the Damage

Location of the Damage

Where the chip or crack is can also have an impact on whether you can repair it. If the chip is directly in front of the steering wheel, in the driver’s line of sight, repairing it could leave a discoloration or spot on the windshield which could be distracting or impair the driver’s vision. If the damage is in a corner, the windshield must be replaced as a corner crack makes the windshield unstable. This means it could shatter at any time.

How Much Damage is There?

If you have just one small chip or crack, it is possible that a repair will resolve the problem. However, if you have several chips or cracks in your windshield, you will probably need a full replacement. Any more than three damaged areas indicates that the windshield needs replacing. Even if those cracks are minor, damage in several places indicates that the integrity of the windshield is damaged. Because your windshield is also part of the support system for the roof, a windshield that has minimized integrity can present a significant danger.

If you have a crack or chip in your windshield, contact us today by calling or filling out the simple form online to arrange for a no obligation inspection.

Auto Body Repair Estimate: What You Need To Know

Auto Body Repair Estimate: What You Need To Know

The first step after your car has been involved in a collision is getting a repair estimate. This can be a confusing, frustrating experience. You want your car returned to its original condition, but you know that some auto body repair shops may not necessarily provide you with the look you want. These tips can help you choose the right location for your estimate so that your car is repaired at a low cost but with the quality you want.

Don’t Search For Online Estimator Tools

More than likely, your first instinct is to turn to Google to find a body shop that will provide you with an estimate. You may also find online estimation tools designed to give you an idea what your vehicle repairs will cost. Some of those tools will give you a decent rough estimate of what repair costs may be but understand that only a professional estimator can give you an actual cost. You may look at your car and think that the damage is not that significant, so the estimator is only using the information you provide. You may not see hidden damage under the body or understand the various complexities involved in body work. By the same token, you may think your vehicle damage is extensive when, with modern technology, the repair may be relatively simple.

Choosing a Body Shop

More than likely, you will be required to get more than one estimate if insurance is paying for your vehicle. These tips can be used for all the appointments you make to get the estimate. Although Google can give you a list of body shops in your area, there are other factors you want to consider. Talk to your friends and family as word-of-mouth recommendations are often more accurate than those found online. Large body shops or those operated by national chains often have high hourly labor charges which is how their estimates can be higher than smaller shops. Sometimes, the hours are padded with non-essential work in order to push the estimate up higher. Be sure to look at the hourly labor charge on any estimate you receive. Ask about warranty coverage including how long the warranty is and what it covers. Shops should offer at least a one-year warranty while some offer two, three and even lifetime warranties. One question that is often overlooked is whether the shop has fire and theft insurance. While your vehicle is being repaired, you want to be sure it is covered against damage should something happen.

Talking to the Estimator

More than likely, you will be required to get more than one estimate if insurance is paying for your vehicle. These tips can be used for all the appointments you make to get the estimate. Estimates should be free and should take roughly 30 minutes. The estimator will thoroughly inspect your car’s damage while you wait, or you can leave your car and return at another time to get the estimate. You should receive a written, itemized estimate once they have completed the inspection. When talking to the estimator, explain to them what you expect. If you want Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, be sure to let them know that so they can include the correct prices in the estimate.

Estimate Information

The extent of damage will determine the amount of your estimate, but it can vary greatly between body shops. The written estimate should include costs for materials and parts as well as labor for the repair and painting of your vehicle. As a general rule, small damage that requires no paint should cost less than $500 while a small repair that involves a bumper or fender could cost between $500 and $1,000. Damage to several panels, like the lights, grill, bumper or fender could cost between $1,500 and $4,000 while extensive damage that makes your vehicle undrivable could cost $6,000 or more.

If your vehicle has been in a collision, contact Elmer’s Auto Body today to arrange for your free estimate appointment. You can reach us by phone or by using the easy online form.

Common Types Of Fraud In Collision Repair

Common Types Of Fraud In Collision Repair

Collision repair in general can be a harrying experience, but when fraud is involved, the situation is ramped up for both the vehicle owner, the insurer and anyone else involved in the repair process. Though the majority of collision repair shops operate by the book and utilize honorable business practices, there are those few shops that exploit and manipulate unsuspecting customers.

The use of a disreputable shop can lead to insurance fraud. In order to avoid that dilemma, customers should be made aware of how the collision repair process is supposed to work. Avoiding scams at all costs and protecting customers are the goals of any insurer. When consumers are armed with the right information, they can make informed decisions before they are faced with collision costs.

Shop Fraud Tactics

Here is a listing of the different fraud tactics and hazards that involve collision repair. They should be of benefit in helping customers avoid any kind of trap before seeking advice and repair estimates.

Estimates for Damages

Be on the lookout for damage estimates that seem beyond what would be considered normal. A less credible shop will try to pad costs and add considerably more in the way of materials, parts and labor to a repair bill. They’re banking on a customer either not being aware of cost breakdowns as well as being in a hurry to get their vehicle repaired. Such shops are also hoping that the customer and their insurer will not detect anything out of the ordinary with an estimate. Watching for services that were never completed and parts and materials that were not necessary, or ever installed, are areas that can be easily manipulated by a dishonest shop. Review the estimate and question any procedure that seems fishy or out of the ordinary.

Hidden Deductibles

A number of repair shops will offer their customers the cost-free incentive of hiding or burying insurance deductibles within repair expenses, which leads to an insurance company picking up the tab for the total bill, while supposedly benefiting the customer with a free pass for costs. While this may be a temptation to vehicle owners in need of a less expensive way out of repair costs, they need to realize that the dishonesty of the repair shop goes beyond just charging the insurance company full cost. Charges for parts and other items made to the insurance company will be top dollar, while the vehicle owner will likely get replacement parts that are inferior, old or simply junk. It is definitely a risk to agree to an offer that buries costs that come out of your insurance carrier’s pocket and eventually yours.

Airbag Deception

In the case of most collisions, an airbag or airbags will likely have deployed, which means replacement. Fraudulent shop owners will try to replace an airbag with one that has been stolen or used, plus they will have gotten the airbag for next to nothing. Some shops will simply turn around and charge the insurance company with the full price of a new airbag. This is one devious and dangerous practice.

In order to inflate an estimate, dishonest shops will also try to deceive customers and insurers through the use of an already opened and expanded airbag that has been placed in the steering wheel area of a vehicle. This practice will lead to, once again, charging an insurance company the full price of a new airbag that is added into an estimate.

All of these tactics with airbags are deceitful and dishonest and can cause dangerous occurrences down the road. To avoid these kinds of crooked dealings with airbags, always insist on examining any packaged airbag or looking at the original invoice from a reputable airbag manufacturer. Also, both the customer and the insurance agent should thoroughly scrutinize estimates for airbag issues as well as watch for anything that seems suspicious or incorrect.

Fraud Avoidance

Insurers need to encourage their customers to look beyond repair shops and deals that seem too good to be true. If a repair shop lacks organization and is poorly kept, it is probably wise to go on to another shop that is professional and well organized. In addition, customers should be advised of the importance of requesting an estimate before any work is initiated. If questions arise concerning a repair bill, a customer needs to be reassured that their insurance agent is a constant companion concerning estimate issues. Finally, policy holders should be encouraged to only deal with ASE accredited repair shops and other reputable businesses.

There are always going to be questions concerning fraud and dealings with any kind of repair work. Seeking guidance through a reputable shop is the safe way to approach repairs without being mislead or scammed. If you need more answers concerning collision repair, complete the online contact form, and an experienced agent will get back to you with the answers you need to safely and honestly repair your vehicle.