18 Jul The Real Cost of Delaying Collision Repairs
Being in a car accident or collision is stressful and scary. The added anxiety associated with dealing with your insurance company or paying for auto repairs can make the whole situation even worse. However, while you might be tempted to put off collision repairs until you have more money, doing so can actually increase the cost of repairs when you do eventually get around to bringing your vehicle to a collision center.
At National Auto Collision Centers, we do everything possible to reduce the stress of auto service and repairs. We will make sure your insurance company has all of the documentation it needs, provide you with a detailed and fair estimate for the cost of auto repair services, and provide you with a loaner vehicle if you need one. We hope that this makes it easier for our customers to turn to us immediately after an accident and get the auto collision repairs they need. Here is a look at the real cost of delaying collision repairs.
Further Damage to Your Vehicle
When you continue driving a damaged vehicle, you increase the risk of sustaining further damage. Even minor auto damage can affect the safety and structural stability of your vehicle. Putting it through added wear and tear by continuing to drive it may result in bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
Increased Risk of Another Accident or a Breakdown
Ignoring auto body damage or collision damage can increase your risk of another accident. There may be damage to key vehicle safety features or crucial vehicle systems, which can lead to a breakdown. You’ll then end up paying even more for automotive repair or vehicle collision repair.
Higher Auto Repair Costs
Ignoring vehicle damage will give it time to get worse, especially if you keep driving your car every day. Eventually, you will need more extensive repairs and may even need to replace entire parts or components, which can quickly get costly. Getting your vehicle repaired right away can save you stress, keep you safe on the road, and reduce the cost of auto service and body work.
Problems With Your Insurance Company
When you don’t report an accident to your insurance company right away, or if you delay getting your vehicle repaired, they may think that you’re being negligent. Unrepaired damage can cause your insurance rates to increase, and you can even face problems with future insurance claims. If your insurance company thinks a future accident was partly or wholly caused by previous vehicle damage that wasn’t repaired, they can deny your claim.
Reduced Resale Value
When you try to sell your vehicle, you may be required to provide proof of auto repair and maintenance. If a potential buyer finds out that your vehicle was involved in a collision and there is no proof of vehicle repairs, it’s unlikely they will want to buy your car. If you took too long to schedule repairs, the resale value of your car may go down.
At National Auto Collision Centers, we can help you maintain the safety of your vehicle by providing fast, reliable collision repair and maintenance. Use our accident checklist to make sure you do everything necessary after an accident, and then call us or contact us online to schedule an appointment at one of our collision centers in Tucson, AZ.