Got in a Car Crash Recently? Here's How You Can Go About the Repairs

If you recently were in a car crash, hopefully, you walked away without a scratch. Even if you didn't get injured, your car probably suffered some damage. Whether it was a little or a lot, you need to go about handling the repairs. But where should you start?

Assess the Damage

Some damage to your car from a crash might be visible to the human eye and obvious to you. However, some of it might be lurking underneath the hood or inside the vehicle. 

If you can safely drive it away from the scene of the accident, then you should drive it to your mechanic promptly. On the other hand, if you have even the slightest suspicion of not being able to drive it safely, then arrange for it to be towed.

Get a Quote

Once your car is at an auto body repair shop, have the mechanics will look it over from bumper to bumper. You might have to pay for certain diagnostics, but you need to know everything that is wrong with the vehicle before you authorize repairs. Make sure you get a detailed quote from them with an itemized breakdown.

Get More Information

If the total repair bill is higher than your car's remaining value, then the car is probably totaled, and you'll just get a check from your insurance company. 

On the other hand, you might be in a position where you need to pick and choose which repairs need to be done. Safety and operational issues have to be fixed, but cosmetic damage might not.

Save Money

Your insurance provider might have set amounts they reimburse for in terms of repairs. If your mechanic can do it for less, you might get to save some money. Likewise, you might be able to call around to other mechanics to see if anyone offers cheaper quotes.

Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Bodywork might need a professional shop, but a lot of individual vehicle repairs might be things you can do on your own or with a buddy in your own garage or driveway. 

The Internet has tutorial videos for nearly every make and model of car out there, and you can find used parts from junkyards from coast to coast with just a little online shopping.

In conclusion, it's hard to live in most parts of the country without a car. Hopefully, you won't be without yours for very long. Follow these steps to make sure repairs after a crash happen right.