If you’ve been in an accident and now need auto body repair, there are a few things you may not know about the process, and there may be some misconceptions that you have about how repairs can be handled. At Freedom Collision Center, we have put together some facts about collision repair to help you better understand the process.
Skilled appraisers can identify all the damage caused by the collision and provide you with an estimate that should be close to the final cost of the repairs. If you chose someone who is not as skilled in appraising, your estimate could be lower than the price of the repairs, so it may not cover everything needed to ensure the car is fixed.
Some auto repairs are not obvious until the work begins on your vehicle. Therefore the skill level of the appraiser is so important. They will have to convince the insurance company that there is a reason the damage was not seen during the first appraisal and why the new repairs are required.
If you hit something with your vehicle, the impact goes through the whole vehicle. This can break or bend body panels, interior pieces, frame components, and drive train parts. For example, many collision repairs will also require a wheel alignment because even small collisions can affect the position of your car’s suspension. Collision repair can be minor or major repairs depending on the type of damage that was done. Because of that, collision repair can range in the amount of time it will take to complete.
In some cases, there are cars that need a full tear down for an accurate estimate since a simple photo estimate may not show all the damage.
An insurance company considers a vehicle a total loss when the cost of the repairs is more than the value of the vehicle. For a new car, it would need to be nearly irreparable, whereas, for older vehicles, it is much easier to reach the threshold of a total loss.
Body shops like Freedom Collision center work directly with manufacturers and employ technicians who are trained to restore vehicles to their original specifications. When you get quality repairs, your vehicle will have the same structural integrity, functionality, and appearance as it did before the collision.
While your insurance company will likely suggest a body shop for you to take your vehicle to, you can choose a different shop if you see fit. It is recommended that you research the shop suggested by your insurance company as well as shops in your area to make sure you are choosing the best shop for your needs.
Freedom Collision Center works with most insurance carriers and has the knowledge and the tools needed to expertly repair your vehicle.
At Freedom Collision Center, we provide expert auto body repair to Morgantown and the surrounding areas to get your vehicle back out on the road. Contact us today to learn more!