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Auto-Body Repair Shops - The Ins and Outs

Now that your car has been in an auto accident, you need to get it repaired. But what auto body shop should you go to? Do you have to use the insurance-recommended shop?

Nowadays, almost any minor dent from a car crash is going to be expensive. If your deductible is $500 and the accident is your fault, the price of getting your car repaired is going to be a shocker. An Insurance Institute Highway Safety test reported in Consumer Reports showed that front-end car crash impacts at only 6 miles per hour can result in over $1,000 in repair costs and some were as high as $4,000.

Be wary of the body repair shops approved by the insurance companies. The ultimate goal of the insurance company is to keep the cost to repair your car as low as possible. Therefore, according to an IRS Market Segment Specialization Program, “An insurance company will not hesitate to use a particular shop that charges $27 per hour as opposed to one which charges $28 per hour.” Does this mean they will cut corners just to meet the insurance company required rates? No one really knows.

You also need to be aware that that generic or salvaged parts may be used to repair your vehicle. They are definitely cheaper than original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts, so insurance companies recommend that they be used in the repair. However, OEM parts were made to fit your vehicle exactly, and should be the preferred parts to use. If the accident was your fault, however, your insurance policy may require that you use the cheaper after-market parts.

The old saying “it always takes longer than you thought” is pervasive in auto body repair. They usually blame it on delayed shipment of parts, but it often is the result of too much work for too few mechanics. You can always check with the Better Business Bureau to see how many complaints have been lodged against the repair shop if timeliness is of a concern.

At the small cost of $1 or $2 per month, many drivers carry rental car coverage. However, the rental car limit is usually low and usually covers the cost of a compact car. If you need a larger vehicle while yours is in the shop, you should carry additional coverage.

You should also consider taking your damaged vehicle to a repair shop that specializes in your make of vehicle. European cars in particular use different kinds of alloys which require specialized equipment to make the repairs. Setting your vehicle to the manufactured precision standards can be difficult and should be performed by an expert.

For more information about Car Accidents, please see:

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accidents

Car Accident Checklist

Florida Highway Patrol Emergency Contact Program

Florida Accident Statistics: Orlando and Throughout Florida

View Our Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

If you are hurt, please call our Florida car accident attorneys and our Orlando car accident attorneys.

(800) 235-7060

Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Wooten, Kimbrough, Gibson, Doherty & Normand, P.A. represent accident and injury victims in Orlando and throughout Florida. Disclaimer: The information about personal injury cases on this website should not be taken as formal legal advice. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us to schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Orlando, Florida.