If you have been involved in an accident or even just a fender bender, the next thing to do is figure out how to restore your car to its previous condition. Auto body repairs can be quite costly depending on the damage to your vehicle. You basically have two options when it comes to autobody repairs: you can either pay on your own or file a claim. According to Safer America, private insurers handle the cost of approximately 50% of car accidents, while individuals pay 26% and third parties pay 14%. This is important to keep in mind as you read on to learn what you need to know about paying for auto body repairs.

Should You File a Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?

There are several things to consider before you make this decision. First, take a look at how many people were involved in the accident. This is usually the deciding factor when it comes to whether you should handle the costs on your own or file a claim. For instance, if you were involved in an accident with another vehicle and both cars sustained damage, it may be a good idea to file an insurance claim. The other driver will expect you to handle the cost of repairs if you were the one at fault. On the other hand, if they were at fault, their insurance would pay for the damages. However, there are things you can handle on your own. For instance, if you hit a stone and damage your bumper, you can probably manage the cost of auto body repairs.

Is the Deductible Higher Than the Cost of Repairing on Your Own?

Each time you file an insurance claim, you will have to pay a deductible. This is the amount of money you agree to pay towards the cost of repairs before you get your money back from the insurance company. For instance, say you are involved in an accident and your vehicle sustains damage worth $3,000. If you have a deductible of $500, you will pay $500 and the policy provider will pay the remaining $2,500. In this instance, it makes sense to have the insurance company cover the cost. However, in some instances, you may have a deductible of $500, while the out-of-pocket repair cost is only $350. If that's the case, you may want to cover the cost of auto body repairs on your own.

What's the Job Estimate?

When it comes to auto body repair, never be deceived into thinking that the first place you go to get a quote is the right place. Until another assessment is given by a second and third auto body repair shop, you won't be able to make a comparison to get a better idea of how much it really costs and who to work with. Get several estimates from the auto body repair shops in your area to find out which one is the cheapest. Keep in mind that the cheapest might not always be the best. You should also read reviews online to see if previous customers are generally satisfied or aren't happy with the quality of results before you hire the cheapest repair shop.

What if You Can't Afford Repairs?

While you should ideally have an insurance policy or savings to cover the cost of auto body repairs, life doesn't always work that way. In some instances, you may not be able to use any of these avenues to pay for the repairs for one reason or another. Unfortunately, if your car has sustained serious damage, waiting to save money so you can repair it later might not be an option. In such an instance, you can negotiate for a lower cost or you can ask the auto body repair shop for a payment plan. You can also get a personal loan if you have a good credit score. This will help you get your car fixed in a timely manner. Taking too long to get your car repaired can lead to more damage and more costly repairs.

These are some of the things you should consider when paying for auto body repairs. You can also get advice from your insurance agent if you are not sure how to go about things. Give us a call to get in touch with us if you need auto body repairs.