Unexpected car accidents can be overwhelming both physically and emotionally. The recovery process can be intimidating, from dealing with insurance and analyzing the damage to your vehicle. If this unfortunately becomes your reality, then it might be beneficial to seek out professional guidance at a collision center. An auto collision center specializes in evaluating damage to vehicles and restoring them to their pre-collision state. At City Side Auto Body, we are equipped with the most advanced tools and knowledge to solve your vehicle's issues, which may be preferable to scrapping your car. With that in mind, should you take your car to a collision center? We will go over everything to consider before deciding to bring your vehicle in.

Cost of Repairs

The first factor to consider before bringing your car to a collision center is the price of repairs. It's imperative for you to be informed before you decide to take your vehicle to the shop. One aspect that will affect repair costs is the severity of the damage. The extent to which your vehicle is damaged will greatly impact how much you can expect to pay. Minimal damage, such as minor scratches or dents, will be relatively cheap to fix, but this changes when there's major damage or components that need replacing. With significant damage, you can expect the price to rise substantially, and you will need to speak with a collision center expert to know exactly how much you'll be paying.

Part quality is also a factor in repair costs. Trusted collision centers use only genuine or high-quality aftermarket parts on your vehicle, and auto collision shops often have direct relationships with suppliers. The experience of the experts and the time they put into your vehicle will also impact your vehicle repairs. Our professionals at City Side Auto Body are trained in auto body repair and will ensure your vehicle is fixed safely and correctly at a fair price. If your vehicle has insurance, then you're in luck. According to Safer America, private insurance companies pay about 50% of repair costs, with the crash victims paying just 26%. Third parties pay about 14% of the total costs. This can be a major relief to victims who can use the insurance money to get their vehicle fixed professionally.

Age of Your Vehicle

Another important factor to keep in mind when considering collision repair is the age of your vehicle. How old your vehicle is can affect your car's overall value, which could be less than the cost of repairs. If this is the case, then your resale value is less than repair costs, you must determine if investing in repairs is worth the price. It could potentially be more beneficial to sell the damaged car as is and purchase a new car. For some people, they might have a sentimental connection to their car and be willing to fix it even if it's not cost-effective. It's all about making the best personal decision and being happy with what you end up doing. Keep your insurance coverage in mind for this part, too. Many older vehicles may only be under liability coverage, so be sure to review your policy before making any decisions. If your older vehicle has a long history of maintenance issues due to wear and tear or other causes, then it may not be cost-effective to continue fixing the same issues.

Time of Repairs

The time it will take for your vehicle to be repaired is another factor to take into consideration. It's important to know what to expect when it comes to repair duration, so be sure to speak with our experts to stay informed about your vehicle. This will allow you to plan for your time without your vehicle. For example, if you don't have another car, then you can adequately arrange transportation to work, the grocery store, or wherever else you need to go. With that in mind, let's discuss some factors that can determine how long you will be waiting for your newly repaired vehicle to be ready.

The severity of damage will significantly impact your car's time in the collision center. Minor issues may only take a day or two to fix, while severe damage can take much longer. Our experts will be able to give you an estimate of the timeline for your vehicle based on the repair complexity. Another factor that might affect the wait is the availability of necessary parts. If you have a relatively common car with readily available parts, then you might not have to wait long for the shop to receive those parts. If your car is older or parts are not readily available, then waiting for the parts may bring about some delays when your car is being repaired. Having trusted suppliers at City Side Auto Body, we are able to do what we can to reduce delays as much as possible.

The workload of the auto shop can impact the time for your vehicle to be ready. If the shop is getting swarmed with work, then it might take them a bit longer to make their way to your vehicle. We are proud to have a number of resources, such as efficient scheduling, to expedite your repair process. Be sure to discuss this with your chosen shop's experts so you're not caught off guard by the timeline. The complexity of repairs and potential customization could possibly introduce delays in the process. For example, if your car needs matching paint, it may take a bit longer to find a fit. If you want don't want to wait as long, then they may be able to speed up the process by matching your vehicle with a part of a different color! If the complexity of repairs is high, such as specialized work requiring many parts and advanced equipment, then you'll need to be sure to communicate with the auto shop to stay informed on the timeline.

When you are considering bringing your car to a collision center, make sure you keep all of the previous tips in mind. Repair costs are obviously important to consider since it includes parts, damage severity, and the skill and time of the experts. Don't forget to check your insurance policy to see how you can alleviate any of the cost burdens. Also, remember your vehicle's age to determine if investing the time and money into repairs is worth it for you. If you don't have access to another vehicle, then make sure you keep repair time in mind. Be sure to speak to the professionals you're hiring about the length of time it will take them to make repairs. If repairs are necessary, then you'll want to prepare other transportation while your vehicle is being repaired.

In the end, the decision to bring your car to the shop is your own and depends on personal circumstances and budget. Temporary solutions may seem more cost-effective but you will not beat the quality of craftsmanship and safety that a professional can provide. Be sure to consult a reliable auto body center expert before making any final decision and review the pros and cons of all your options. Our collision experts here at City Side Auto Body are proud to offer free estimates and are always happy to discuss our services and options available to you. Get in touch with us today!