Ensuring Quality Repairs To Your Car After A Collision
Posted on: 28 April 2022
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If your insurance company deems that your car's collision repairs don't exceed the cost of your car, then you should take it to a collision repair shop if you intend to keep it. If the cost of repair exceeds your car's value, then your insurance company will declare it totaled. If getting your car repaired is on your radar, then consider these tips to get the best collision repair possible.
Choosing a Repair Shop
You don't have to choose a collision repair shop that is affiliated with your insurance company. You have the right to choose any repair service. Collision shops provide you with warranties, not your insurance company. So if your insurance company states that you must go to a certain shop or you will void your warranty, this is false. But if you are nervous about it, double-check with your insurance company and your chosen collision repair shop. It is a good idea also to check to see if you have an extended warranty on your vehicle.
Just make sure that you choose a repair shop that inspects the entire car since impacts jolt the entire vehicle. There may be unseen damage to your framework or to your wheels or drivetrain. Ask your collision repair shop to provide any warranty in writing as well as written confirmation as to whether they are using original manufacturer's parts (OEM) or aftermarket (non-OEM) parts to repair your car.
Will My Car Look Like New?
If you chose a reputable repair shop that offers warranties on its work, a satisfaction guarantee, and high-quality OEM parts and materials, then your car should look and run as it did before the collision.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
If you drive your car off the shop's property and something goes wrong with your vehicle, you may be able to sue the shop for faulty repair work or negligence. However, if you did your due diligence before getting your car repaired, there should be no issue. If there is, it is up to you to consult a lawyer to see if the shop is liable for damages.
The Bottom Line
To ensure quality collision repairs, you have to have the damage appraised by your insurance company first. Thoroughly check out any collision repair shop before taking your car in for repairs by checking reviews and talking to others who have used the shop for collision repair. Get everything in writing no matter how small the repair, warranty, or guarantee.