Getting into a car accident can be extremely frustrating. It’s an inconvenience on the day of the accident, it’s an inconvenience while your car is in the shop for repairs, and it’s an inconvenience when you get that final repair bill. The whole process can be a bit intimidating, especially if you’ve never needed collision repairs before. Fortunately, if you pick a reliable collision repair company, it’s not as bad as you think. Today, in the Cox Collision blog, we’ll talk about what you can expect from a collision repair estimate.
Skip the Online Repair Calculators
The convenience of the Internet is appealing, but using an online repair calculator is unlikely to give you an accurate estimate. You might get a rough idea, but the online calculators can’t see any hidden damage. Collision repair estimates should be done in-person by a professional, so they can identify exactly what needs to be fixed and the costs associated with the repairs.
Find Out What Your Insurance Needs
Make sure to talk to your insurance company to see what they cover and what they need to pay you. Most insurance companies require you to get several quotes before they pay. It’s good to find this out before you go shopping for estimates.
What the Estimate Will Contain
When you bring your vehicle to a quality repair shop, they should be able to give you an estimate with each cost itemized. In a collision repair estimate, you should expect to see prices for:
- Materials
- Parts
- Paint
- Labor
Also, you’ll need to let your mechanic know if you want to have OEM parts for your repair. Original parts from the manufacturer tend to be more costly, but if you want your car back to its original condition, this is the way to go.
Your Decision
Once you have your estimate in hand, it’s up to you whether you want to go through with the repairs. Sometimes the cost of repairs outweighs the value of the vehicle, and you’re better off cutting your losses. Every scenario is going to be different, and that’s why it’s best to get a professional opinion.
Choose Cox Collision for Your Collision Repair
If you’re in need of collision repair in Springfield, Missouri, choose Cox Collision. We go the extra mile to make sure the job is completed properly, quickly, and at the most cost-effective price point possible. We want to make your collision repair experience as pain-free as possible. Contact us today for more information and to set up an appointment for an estimate.