Top 4 Auto Body Repair Myths And Their Truths
Car accidents can be quite scary. Once you've made sure everyone involved in the collision is okay, it's time to access the damage to the car. More likely than not you'll need the services of an auto body repair shop. Before you begin your search, you'll want to review these top four myths and discover their actual truths.
It's Cheaper to Buy a New Car
Unless your vehicle was completely totaled, it is a myth that it costs less to purchase a new car than to simply have your current car restored. First, a new car comes with monthly payments. Second, your insurance policy may cover some, if not all, of your auto body repair costs. A talented mechanic will have no trouble transforming your vehicle into a like-new condition that will get you where you need to go for several more years. That will give you time to put aside money for a new car when the time comes so that you can save money now.
I Can Handle Paintless Dent Repair Myself
While a small dent may not seem like a big deal, there is great skill needed to repair it without causing damage to the vehicle. Mishandling the repair of the dent could lead to chipped paint in another area of the car, a crack near the original dent and even the formation of a ripple in the metal surrounding the dent. It is best to leave this job to the auto body technicians who have been trained specifically to implement specific paintless dent repair techniques.
I Must Use the Insurance Company's Recommended Shop
While your insurance company prefers to work with a particular list of shops, it is a myth that you must go with their recommendation. You have the right to visit one or more shops to obtain your own estimates. It is then your insurance company's job to negotiate with the auto body repair shop of your choice. Depending on the type of insurance policy you have, the company may only be liable for a portion of the repair costs. It will then be your responsibility to negotiate the remaining balance of the bill.
It Won't Make a Difference if the Auto Body Shop Uses Generic Parts
Some auto body repair shops use generic parts or parts that were salvaged from another vehicle and it is a myth that these parts will work just as good as your original parts. If you want your car to run like it did when you first got it, then you'll need to stick with a shop that uses OEM parts. OEM stands for Original-equipment manufacturer, and these parts are made to fit your specific vehicle like a glove. That means they'll be more secure and perform better over the long run.
For more information or assistance, contact companies like Westside Fender/Body & Refinishing.