If you were in a car accident and your vehicle needs collision repairs, you may feel overwhelmed by the process. With so many opinions and information available online, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction.
Unfortunately, several myths about collision repairs exist among our social circle and online communities that can mislead car owners and potentially cost them more money. In this article, debunk four common myths about collision repairs so you can make informed decisions and get your vehicle back on the road safely.
1. You Cannot Fully Restore a Damaged Chassis
This misconception does not have any basis to justify itself. A qualified auto repair shop can fully restore your vehicle’s chassis regardless of the damage it receives.
Most new vehicles have a unibody design. This design combines the body of the vehicle to the frame component. Damage to unibody frames is simpler to fix because it consists of several pieces that make up the whole vehicle. As a result, if a single component of the automobile gets damaged, a body repair professional can quickly fix the affected component and get the vehicle back on the road.
2. You Must Use the Recommended Auto Repair Shop
Most individuals believe you must transport your automobile to the repair facility that your insurance company recommends because any repairs an independent body shop attempts or completes would void your warranty. That is untrue.
Although most insurers provide a list of recommended body shops, they do not require you to follow this list. You are free to select whichever store makes you feel most comfortable.
Also, repairs an independent body shop does will not cancel the warranty on it. In fact, the insurance provider will still bargain with the shop of your choice over the price of the necessary accident repairs even if you take your car there. Warranties on collision repairs are the responsibility of your body shop, not the insurer.
Also keep in mind that the body shop, not the insurance, will be responsible for any warrantees on collision repairs. No matter where you take your automobile for repairs, as long as you preserve the invoices and documentation of the services they rendered and the sum you paid, your warranty will still be in effect. The warranty for the repair work is separate from the warranty on the car itself.
3. Only the Dealership Can Repair Your Vehicle Correctly
While the majority of dealerships use highly qualified personnel and use the most recent tools and equipment, many independent body shops also employ highly qualified technicians and have the required tools to complete the required repairs.
Additionally, you have no assurance that the dealership will make the repairs using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, nor do you have any assurance that the fixes a dealership makes will return your car to its pre-accident state. Thus, find an auto repair shop that offers you value for your money and with the necessary certifications to repair your damaged automobile.
4. Your Insurance Company Will Cover the Full Repair Costs
Your insurance policy will not cover all sorts of damage an accident brought on. Normally, if another motorist is at blame, their insurance company will cover the cost of the repairs.
Nevertheless, if you were at fault, you might have to pay an upfront fee when you pick up your car after repairs. Always check the fine print of your insurance policy to ensure that you are knowledgeable of any modifications your company made to your policy.
Contact us at Best Collision if you need auto body repairs. We serve vehicle owners within Houston, TX, and surrounding regions.