When you have a car, it is going to need repairs at some point. But it can be stressful when you don’t know what to expect. To help you, here are the ten most common auto body repair questions and answers, so you know what to expect.
Do You Have to Inform Your Insurance of a Collision?
When you want auto body repair questions and answers, collision insurance may be the top item on your list. Collision insurance is auto insurance coverage that pays for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision or accident. One of the great things about this type of insurance is it doesn’t matter who is at fault.
An insurance agency will explain that collision insurance is not mandatory. Liability insurance is required by law in most states, but collision insurance is optional. A lender or leasing company typically requires you to have collision coverage if you are financing your car or leasing it. Regardless of what your collision is with, another vehicle or object, you are still covered. You most likely will have a deductible with this type of insurance.
This is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage starts. The deductible typically ranges from $250 to $1,000. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your insurance premium, but you have to pay more out of pocket if there’s an accident. If your car is totaled as a result of an accident, collision insurance pays out the actual cash value of your car. The cash value of your car is the value of your car minus depreciation.
Do All Body Shops Work With All Insurance Carriers?
When you have auto body repair questions and answers and you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to know which body shops are covered by your auto insurance plan. You may think that all body shops work with all insurance carriers, but that’s not always the case. Some body shops make agreements with specific insurance companies. When they do this, the body shop becomes a preferred repair shop.
These preferred body shops often have a streamlined process for insurance claims. They often have a good working relationship with the insurance company. However, some body shops work with multiple insurance companies. These companies typically do not have any agreements in place. The body shop is most likely still able to work with your insurance company to file a claim. You will get the necessary repairs done, but the process may be less streamlined or take longer.
It is in your best interest to check with your insurance company before selecting a body shop. This way, you can ensure that your insurance carrier approves the shop. When you get that approval, you will know that your policy covers the repairs you need. You should always research and read reviews to find a reputable and trustworthy body shop.
Do All Body Shops Handle Commercial Fleet Repairs?
When you are looking for auto body repair questions and answers for commercial fleet repairs, you will find that not all body shops handle them. There are body shops that specialize in working with individual customers and may not have the equipment, resources, or expertise to handle the unique needs of commercial fleet repairs. When you find a body shop that does specialize in commercial fleet repairs, they typically have experience working with businesses of all sizes. Most of these shops also work with commercial auto insurance companies.
A body shop that is able to handle commercial fleet repairs has specialized equipment and trained technicians familiar with the needs of commercial vehicles. This means they are able to work efficiently to get your fleet back on the road as quickly as possible. When you are looking for a body shop for your commercial fleet, you want to find one that has experience with your specific vehicles. You also want a company that has a good reputation for quality work and outstanding customer service.
How Do You Find a Great Body Repair Garage?
When your vehicle needs body repair work, it’s not unusual that you have auto body repair questions and answers on your mind. Finding quality auto body shops may seem like a challenge, but there are several steps you can take to find one. One of the best ways to find a quality shop is to ask around. You can ask friends, family, or coworkers if they have any recommendations for a good body repair garage. Again, word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a trustworthy and reliable shop.
There are online review sites like Yelp, Google, or Angie’s List that provide you with reviews from other customers. This is a great way to see what other people think and is saying about local body repair garages. You want to look for shops with high ratings and positive reviews. You should also look for body shops that have certifications from reputable organizations like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). These certifications indicate that the shop meets certain standards for training, equipment, and quality of work.
Believe it or not, your insurance company may be a great resource. They probably have a list of approved body repair garages that they work with. The insurance company has typically vetted these shops and may offer certain benefits like direct billing.
What Is Paintless Dent Removal?
Paintless dent removal is a common technique used to remove small dents, dings, and creases from a vehicle’s body. This process allows the service to be performed without having to repaint the affected area. Instead, specialized tools are used to gently push or massage the dent back into its original position. The intention is to restore the appearance of the vehicle without damaging the paint. This is an effective technique used in auto body repairs.
You may have auto body repair questions and answers about the paintless dent removal process’s effectiveness. It is most effective on shallow dents with no damage to the paint and no cracking or chipping. The technique can be used on any car part, including the hood, doors, fenders, and trunk. This is generally a less expensive dent repair method because it does not require any repainting or filling. In addition, it is typically faster because there is no need for painting or drying time. Paintless dent removal preserves the original factory paint of the vehicle.
What Happens During Collision Repairs?
One of the top auto body repair questions and answers is what happens when you have collision repairs. Auto body collision repair corrects the damage done to a vehicle after it’s been in a collision or accident. First, the vehicle is inspected, and the damage is assessed. This often involves taking photos, measuring the extent of the damage, and creating an estimate for the repairs. Some parts of the vehicle may need to be disassembled for repair to happen properly. This could include but isn’t limited to the bumper, fenders, or hood.
If the frame or structure has been damaged, special equipment and techniques may be needed to repair the damage. After the structure is fixed and secure, the damaged panels are replaced, body filler is added, and welding is completed. Next, the vehicle may need to be repainted. If so, this is when that happens. Once primer and paint have been applied and added, the vehicle is reassembled.
How Many Quotes Should You Get for Auto Body Services?
Another top auto body repair questions and answers you might want is how many auto body repair companies you should contact for quotes. The general thought is that you should obtain at least three quotes for your needed auto body services. This helps to ensure you’re getting a fair price and that the body shop you choose is reputable and qualified.
When you have multiple quotes, you can compare prices, services, and reviews to make an informed decision about which body shop to choose. When requesting quotes, you want to ensure that you provide specific information. This information includes a detailed description of the work needed and any specific requirements or concerns you may have. This way, you can feel confident that each quote will be accurate and based on the same information.
You want to use caution when selecting a quote. Many people want to go with the lowest quote; however, that’s not always the best choice. You should consider the reputation and experience of the body shop as well. You can look online for reviews and ratings. You can also ask your family and friends for referrals.
Is It Worthwhile to Get Add-On Body Repairs?
When you are facing an auto body collision repair, one of your auto body repair questions and answers may be should I add on? There are some variables that dictate whether or not it’s worth it. Add-on body repairs are items that may not have occurred during the collision but are scratched or dented already in the vehicle. While you have your vehicle in the shop, you can opt to fix these areas.
The determining factors may include the extent of the damage, the age of the vehicle, your budget, and personal preferences. For example, if your vehicle has minor scratches, dings, or dents, it may not be worth the cost of getting add-on body repairs.
However, if your vehicle has significant damage, which could include a large dent or a cracked bumper, it may be worth the cost to have it repaired. If you have an older vehicle with many miles on it, it may not be worth investing in additional body repairs. But, if your vehicle is newer and in good condition, it may be worth it. This could help your vehicle maintain its value.
Are Local Garages or National Chains Better?
When you are trying to make a choice between local garages or national chains for vehicle repairs, it can be a tough decision. One of the common auto body repair questions and answers is which one is better? Both options have pros and cons, and the choice depends on your preferences and needs.
A local auto body shop often has more specialized expertise in specific vehicles or repairs, while national chains have more standardized training across their technicians. A local garage may be more flexible in pricing. You can expect national chains to be more consistent in pricing across their locations.
National chains tend to have more locations and be more convenient, especially if you are moving or traveling frequently. On the other hand, if you are looking for a closer option, a local garage may be more convenient. Regardless of which choice you make, it’s essential to do research, read reviews, and get quotes from both options to make an informed decision. You should consider items such as warranty, customer service, and convenience when making your decision.
Can You Get Collision Repairs on a Totaled Vehicle?
When thinking about auto body repair questions and answers, you may want to know if you can have a car repaired if it’s been totaled. Most of the time, you can’t have auto body collision repair on a totaled car. This is because a totaled vehicle has sustained damage that exceeds its actual cash value or the cost of repair. The insurance company considers it a total loss when the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle’s value.
In these cases, the insurance company typically declares the vehicle a total loss and issues a settlement to you based on actual cash value. You can use this settlement to purchase a new vehicle or to pay off any outstanding loans on the totaled vehicle. You can choose to keep the totaled vehicle; however, it must be declared a salvage vehicle.
When you’ve been in a collision, you may have a lot of questions. This guide answers the top ten, giving you a strong foundation and everything you need to know.