How to Save Money on Repairs After a Car Accident

Almost every driver is going to be involved in at least a few accidents over the years, and those mishaps can become very expensive if you aren’t careful. Luckily, with a little patience and some professional assistance, you should be able to recoup your losses and move on with your life before you know it.

Contact Your Insurance Immediately

Every insurance company has slightly different regulations, but most of those providers require their clients to contact them within 24 hours of an auto accident. Failing to file a report within that time frame could void your insurance, and that mistake might end up costing you quite a bit of money. 

Once the report has been filed, the insurance representative should tell you where you can go for repairs and what is going to be covered.

Hire an Attorney

Unless the collision was nothing more than a minor fender bender with no injuries, you will probably want to contact an attorney. Insurance companies are always trying to increase their profits, and they often do everything in their power to pay out as little as possible. 



An auto accident attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance representatives so that you receive a fair settlement. They will also be able to represent you if the situation escalates into a trial.

Work With a Local Dealership

While smaller mechanic shops are a great option for minor repairs, you might want to head to a dealership if the damage is extensive. Most dealerships have larger service departments that can handle bigger projects, and some of them offer discounts to customers who purchased a vehicle through them.

It will also be much easier for the dealership to order replacement parts, and that should save you quite a bit of time and money.

Don’t Report Minor Dents and Dings

Every state has slightly different laws regarding what must be done after a minor accident. In most states, a driver doesn’t need to report an accident if no one was injured and less than $500 worth of damage occurred. 

For minor damage, paying the deductible could be more expensive than simply paying for the repairs yourself. You might not even need to have the damaged repaired if it is nothing more than scuffed paint or a scratched bumper.

If a recent accident has caused a huge leap in your insurance premiums, then you should consider taking a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies will reduce your monthly premiums if you take one of those courses within a few months of a collision.