Associated Collision Center wants you to be safe and aware, this blog contains great info on Fixing Front-End Damage After a Car Collision.

Everyone wants to stay safe on the road. But accidents happen, and it’s important to be prepared in the event of a collision. There are a number of common types of car accidents that can lead to front-end damage to one or more involved vehicles. They include head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, single vehicle collisions, and T-bone collisions, among others.

If you’ve been involved in a collision and sustained front-end damage, then it’s important to choose a collision repair shop you can trust to handle any repairs and get you back on the road safely.

You’ve been in an accident. What should you do next?

Whenever your car comes into contact with another vehicle, object, or person in Oregon, you’re legally required to stop and return to the scene.

It’s necessary to do your due diligence to make sure all involved parties are okay, check for injuries and damage, and exchange information. It’s also important to take specific steps to protect your interests, in case the other driver isn’t honest with the police or their insurance company.

Here’s what you should do after an accident:

• Check for injuries and move to safety.
• Don’t admit fault and take photos of the scene and damage.
• Call the police and file a report if necessary.
• Exchange information with involved parties and witnesses.
• Call your auto insurance provider (from the scene if possible) and ask any questions you have about filing an auto claim.
• Seek medical attention, if necessary.
• Take your car in for collision repair; make sure you choose a reputable auto body repair shop with experience in front-end damage repair.

Steps You Should Take To Evaluate Front-End Damage

After you’ve exchanged information with other drivers and witnesses, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at your vehicle to assess visible damage so you have as much information as possible.

Here are a few steps to follow when evaluating front-end damage:

• Check the front bumper and fender: These are the most common areas to be damaged in the event of a front-end collision. Look for any cracks or dents and measure them if possible.
• Look for cracks in your headlights: Many people drive with broken headlights thinking it’s not a big deal. But working headlights are essential to safe driving and even minor cracks can seriously impact your visibility and lead to future accidents.
• Check under the hood: Most car engines and transmissions are located in the front of the car, so it’s recommended that you check to see if there’s smoke or any obvious leaks.
• Assess your windshield: Even small cracks in your windshield can grow to become a serious problem. Identifying small damage in the glass early is the best way to avoid large cracks that will impact your visibility and be more expensive to fix.

Keep in mind that not all damage to your car will be visible. Hidden damage can lead to serious risks down the line and impact the functionality of your car. That’s why getting your car checked out by a professional is always advised.

Problems That Occur with Front-End Collision Damage and Estimated Repair Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of damage that occur in front-end collisions, as well as the estimated cost to repair front-end damage. Also learn more about repair timelines!

Frame

Depending on the angle of the collision, it’s possible that the frame of your car could be dented, scratched, chipped, or bent out of place. If left unremedied, frame damage can lead to more serious issues like rust and weather-related damage.

Depending on the extent of the damage and the tools required to fix dents or other frame damage, you could be looking at costs anywhere between $500 for minor repairs and $10,000 for total frame replacement.

Bumpers

In front-end collisions, bumpers are generally the first part of your car that makes contact. That’s why they’re often damaged. From minor scrapes and cracks, to dings and dents, to complete detachment from the vehicle, there are a variety of ways your bumper can be damaged in this type of collision.

Bumper repair can cost between $500-$1,500, while replacement costs $1,000-$3,000.

Suspension and Alignment

Suspension parts are vulnerable to breakage in front-end collisions. When they break, they can also cause alignment issues that can make your car difficult to drive. Repairs depend on the specific type of damage. But here are some suspension and alignment repair estimates to keep in mind:

• Shock-absorber replacements: $200-$1,500
• Strut replacements: $50-$800
• Coil-spring replacements: $50-$900
• Wheel alignments: $20-$500

Transmission and Engine Damage

The engine and transmission are located in the front of your car, making them vulnerable to damage in front-end collisions. Engine damage, radiator damage, oil leaks, and transmission-fluid leaks are all possible in the event of a front-end collision.

Transmission repairs generally cost between $500-$2,500. Replacing a transmission depends on a variety of factors, and can range anywhere from $2,500-$7,500. Repairing your car’s engine can vary substantially, typically falling somewhere between $2,000 and $4,500, while replacements generally start around $4,000.

Hood Damage

The hood of your car is built to pop up in the event of a front-end-collision. But it can still sustain damage, and it’s important to get hood damage fixed as soon as possible. That’s because damage under the hood can cause more serious system issues with your engine and other components.

Depending on the extent and location of the damage, hood repair can cost between $500-$2,500.

Wheels and Hubs

In a front-end collision, your wheels can get bent, which can cause serious problems on the road and impact your ability to drive safely. They can also lead to issues with your brake system.

The cost to repair damaged wheels and hubs can vary substantially depending on the type of damage (small scratches vs. punctures and bent wheels) and the number of wheels that have issues. In general, you can expect repairs to cost somewhere between $500-$1,500.

Electrical

Electrical systems in modern vehicles are complex, and can be damaged by virtually any type of collision. There are also a number of electrical components that can be impacted and may need to be replaced, so it’s difficult to predict cost estimates without a proper diagnosis.

That being said, electrical repairs usually cost anywhere from $100-$2,500.

Aesthetic Damage

Aesthetic damage may not always impact the functionality of your car, but it can definitely be an eyesore. Superficial cracks, dents, and scratches can also get worse over time, leading to lengthier and more costly repairs.

If you notice superficial scratches after a front-end collision, the cost could be anywhere from $150-$1,000 depending on the size, location, and depth of the damage.

Headlights

Broken headlights are common after a front-end collision, and even seemingly minor damage can be dangerous.

If the damage is severe, replacing your headlight assembly will usually cost about $350-$2,500 per headlight. However, if you just need to replace the bulb, you can usually get a new one for as little as $30 depending on the brand.

Windshield

Windshield damage will vary greatly depending on the severity of the collision. You could be looking at a completely shattered windshield or just a small crack. However, even tiny damage is likely to expand over time, which could result in having to replace the entire windshield.

In general, cracks smaller than a quarter can be fixed for about $50-$150. But replacements are more expensive, usually falling between $500-$2,000. Replacements will lean on the higher end if there is a camera mount involved.

This blog was contributed by by Suzanne Mackin

What to know more? please visit our last month’s Which Color Car Gets Dirtiest the Fastest?  All Blog listing can be found here.

Associated Collision Center wants you to be safe and aware, this blog contains great info on Which Color Car Gets Dirtiest the Fastest.

When shopping for a car to buy, color is an important consideration for most car owners. After all, most people spend time in their cars every day, and there’s no point in having a car if you don’t find the color to be attractive. But there’s another side to the color decision that often gets overlooked—which is the easiest car color to keep clean? 

Car owners throughout the U.S. have different feelings towards washing their cars. Everyone wants a clean car, but many don’t like to put in the effort to get it that way. Those that do think nothing of spending every weekend washing, waxing, and detailing their car. Less motivated car owners are more likely to run their ride through an automatic car wash once a month, if that often. As a result, they tend to be more interested in the best car color to hide dirt. If you lean towards the car wash approach, you may be interested to know that the color of your car can influence how often you have to wash it to keep it looking good.

What Is the Best Car Color? 

White, black, gray, and silver top Kelley Blue Book’s list of the best car colors in 2021. KBB also indicated that color can impact the residual value of a vehicle. 

A popular color today may be a desirable choice for buyers now and within the next five years, according to KBB. In other words, the most popular color today may be the same or different in the next five years or longer. It can also change much sooner. 

If you plan to sell your car within the next few years, you may want to choose a popular color. This may help you stir up demand for your car and get the best price for it down the line. 

Furthermore, if you want to maximize the resale value of your car, consider a neutral color over other options. Neutral car colors tend to appeal to large groups of buyers. Some neutral colors may be easier to clean than others, too.  

What Will Be The Best Car Colors In The Years to Come? 

The BASF 2020-2021 Automotive Trends report indicates the following colors may be the most popular among consumers in the next three to five model years: 

• Dark seltzer 
• Redolent red 
• Abstraction blue 

The report indicated gray will likely remain a popular core color going forward, too.

How Fast Do Cars Get Dirty?

Car color has nothing to do with how fast a car gets dirty. The accumulation of dirt and grime on your car depends on several factors, such as:

• Where you live
• How much you drive
• Where you park the car when not in use 

A dry, dusty climate or a rainy climate will get your car dirty faster. Driving in smoggy urban areas will also get it dirtier quicker. If you like to go off-roading, the dirt can pile up in just a few hours. 

The real issue is that some car colors show dirt more than others. This makes them seem to get dirty quicker than car colors that are better at hiding dirt. If you enjoy washing and waxing your car, having a color that easily shows dirt may not be important. On the other hand, if you would rather spend your time doing anything besides scrubbing dirt off your vehicle, then having the best car color to hide dirt will make a difference.

There’s something to be said for selecting a color that cuts down on how often you have to wash your vehicle. That’s where knowing the easiest car color to keep clean can help. Fewer washes reduces the time spent on washing, saves water, and leaves more money in your pocket. 

Anyone who has ever owned a white car knows it is not easy to keep clean. In fact, when it comes to the best car color to hide dirt, it sits near the bottom of the list. However, it is not the hardest color to keep clean (keep reading to find out which is the worst). The next time you purchase a vehicle, you might want to think twice about following the trends when it comes to car color.

What Is The Best Car Color To Keep Clean? 

Beige, light blue, light gray, and silver are the best car color choices for those who want to keep their vehicles clean. In addition, white paint can hide dust and debris well. But, dirt that accumulates can be tough to hide on a white car.

Choose The Best Car Color to Hide Dirt

One way to reduce your car washing chores is to choose a color that “hides” the dirt and grime that accumulates on the exterior of your car. Of course, it doesn’t actually hide the dirt. Instead, the color enables the dirt to blend in rather than stand out. Because the dirt is less obvious, you can go longer between washes. 

What is the best color to hide dirt on a car? Some form of light brown, such as beige, tan, champagne, or khaki. This should come as no surprise since the color that is similar to a light dusting of dirt is predisposed to hiding your car’s dirtiness better than other colors. Yet, most people don’t think about this when buying a car. After light browns, grays and silvers also do better than others at looking clean, even with a fair amount of dirt on the surface of the car.

Avoid Car Colors That Easily Show Dirt

So if brown, gray, and silver are the best choices for hiding dirt, what are the dirtiest car colors? Perhaps surprisingly, the car color that gets dirtiest the fastest is black. In fact, all darker colors have problems staying clean – hence the need to choose light browns when trying to reduce the frequency of car washing. 

Black and other dark-colored vehicles tend to accumulate water spots after rainstorms. They also tend to attract large amounts of dirt, bird droppings, pollen, and other grimy substances that are easily visible. Depending on where you live, white can also be a problematic color in terms of showing the dirt. If you drive on dirt roads or live in an area with red clay, a white car likely won’t stay clean for long.

Which Is The Easiest Car Color To Keep Clean?

Again, the answer depends on several factors that have more to do with how you treat your car rather than its color. One of the biggest factors is the quality of the paint job and how often you wax your car. Old, worn-out paint tends to accumulate dirt and other substances because it isn’t as smooth. Plus, dirt tends to adhere more easily to cracks and chips in the paint. Conversely, dirt doesn’t stick as readily to a well-waxed car with a smooth glossy surface. You may be thinking that waxing your car is more time-consuming than washing. You can always have it detailed, which will cost more but save you a few hours of serious elbow grease. 

When it comes down to what is the easiest car color to clean and what is the best car color to hide dirt, browns, grays, and silvers can reduce your trips to the car wash or hours spent washing and waxing by hand. But no matter the color, taking good care of the paint will ultimately save you time and money.

How To Keep Your Car Color Clean And Shiny

Here are three tips you can use to keep your car color clean and shiny.

1. Wash Your Car
   Wash your car regularly. This allows you to remove harmful debris from your car and protect it against rust. You should wash your car in the shade whenever possible. It also pays to wash your car in the morning or evening since the sun is less intense at these times. If you are parked in the sun, let your car’s exterior cool down before you wash it.

2. Dry Your Car
   After you wash your car, dry it with soft, clean towels or microfiber towels. You can also use chamois (also referred to as shammies), which tend to soak up water better than regular towels and limit the risk of wet spots.

3. Wax Your Car
   Apply a wax coat to your car to protect your paint and finish. Wax seals your car’s exterior and protects it against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, salt, and harsh weather conditions. It can leave your car looking shiny and new, too. 

If you find your car color appears faded or notice severe paint damage, Fix Auto USA can help. We offer comprehensive paint repair services to help you keep your vehicle looking its best. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 800.INFO.FIX.

This blog was contributed by Fix Auto Palm Desert

What to know more? please visit our last month’s What to do if you hit a Deer.  All Blog listing can be found here.

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If you hit a deer, move your car to a safe area off the main road. Do not go near the deer since it can use its legs and hooves to harm you.

Next, call the police to report the accident. Check your car for any damage and take photographs of the roadway and your vehicle. Then, contact your insurance company to file an insurance claim.

Is It Illegal To Hit a Deer and Drive Off?

It is not illegal to hit a deer and drive off. However, most states request you notify local authorities to let them know if a deer is badly injured. Also, it can be a potential hazard to leave an injured deer, so a call to local authorities may be warranted.

If you swerve away and damage another car or property, then it is illegal to drive off. In this instance, call the police and your insurance company.

How To Report a Deer Hit by a Car to the Police

The police can walk you through what to do if you hit a deer. Police officers can provide step-by-step instructions to ensure you and your vehicle are safe until help arrives on scene.

You can also receive a police report after police respond to your deer-hit-by-car accident. The report can help you file your insurance claim.

Are Deer Accidents Common?

The Insurance Information Institute states deer accidents are more common during deer season, which runs from October through December, than other times during the year. Many of these accidents take place on highways and in suburban neighborhoods.

State Farm reports U.S. drivers, on average, have a one in 116 chance of a collision with an animal. It also notes over 1.9 million animal-related collision insurance claims in the U.S. between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020.

How To Avoid Deer Accidents

Here are five tips to help you avoid deer accidents and other animal-related collisions:

1. Watch The Road
   Keep your eyes on the road and focus on what’s ahead. If you spot a deer, this will give you ample time to react appropriately.

2. Use Your High Beams
   When appropriate, use your car’s high beams to spot animals’ reflective eyes and increase your field of vision.

3. Wear Your Seatbelt
   Wear your seatbelt to reduce the risk of injury in an animal-related collision.

4. Be Cautious When Driving At Dusk And Dawn
   Remain on high alert at dusk and dawn; animals tend to be active during these times.

5. Use The Middle Lane
   Drive in the center lane when traveling on a highway when possible. This gives you extra room and lowers your risk of hitting an animal.

What To Do If Your Car Is Damaged During A Deer Accident

Never assume your car is safe to drive following a deer accident. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, and other safety hazards. If your car seems unsafe to drive, get it towed.

Damages from deer accidents are usually covered under comprehensive insurance. Contact your insurance provider to verify your coverage and get your claim processed. If your car is damaged during a deer accident, Fix Auto USA can help. Our certified collision repair technicians can fix damage to your vehicle’s bumper, fender, and other exterior components. To learn more or to schedule a service appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 800.INFO.FIX.

This blog was contributed by Fix Auto Cathedral City

What to know more? please visit our last month’s Explore the ins and outs of a fender bender collision and how to best protect yourself.  All Blog listing can be found here.

Associated Collision Center wants you to be safe and aware, this blog contains great info on Exploring the ins and outs of a fender bender collision and how to best protect yourself.

Chances are, if you drive long enough, you’ve either caused a fender bender or been a part of one. They’re called accidents for a reason and humans are great at causing them. The worst part about driving is the accidents and fender benders top the list for Texans. Knowing what to do in such incidents as well as how to protect yourself beforehand can help you save money and hassle. Explore the ins and outs of a fender bender collision and how to best protect yourself.

What Is a Fender Bender?

In Texas, a fender bender is a nickname for minor automobile accidents. They typically involve two or more parties, low speeds, and minor contact. Here are some common examples of fender benders drivers may face:

• Backing out of your parking spot at H-E-B.
• Being hit in the drive-through line for Whataburger by a distracted driver.
• Rolling into another vehicle at a stop after prematurely letting up on your brakes.
• Running a stop sign and causing a small accident.

There are other examples, but you get the idea. Minor automobile accidents are what we are referring to.

Should You Plead Not Guilty to a Fender Bender in Texas?

Legal advice should come from your attorney, however, the best way to handle any auto accident in Texas, including a fender bender, is to let your auto insurance company do its job.

Document the accident, exchange information, and present truthful evidence of the events at hand allowing your car insurance company to act as a mediator to determine fault and move forward with restoring the losses involved.

What To Do in a Fender Bender in Texas

Each fender bender is different but the top priority is safety. Make sure that it’s safe around you and if there is an injury, you’ll want to report the incident and get any parties the right medical attention as needed.

If everyone is ok, you can begin with the following:

• After checking to make sure that everyone is ok, you’ll want to document the damage.
• It can also be a good time to respectfully but clearly document that everyone involved is ok.
• Fender binders usually mean the vehicles are drivable. Be sure to get to a safe location to protect the vehicles and the parties involved.
• Exchanging information is important including your insurance information and valid driver’s licenses.
• Contact the police when necessary. This can help you as they can provide a police report for insurance.
• Notify your insurance agent to provide a statement. You can also determine the best course of action for your needs.

Texas is an at-fault state. This means if you are found to be the cause of an accident, you’ll be responsible for paying to restore any losses. But again, accidents can be complicated.

While the most straightforward method for dealing with any auto accident is to get a police report and file a claim with your insurance provider, different situations call for different actions. Here are some examples:

What To Do in a Fender Bender With No Damage in Texas

Don’t flee the scene and proceed as normal. You’re going to want to document the event, make sure everyone is ok, and let your insurance agent know.

There are some scenarios in which drivers may not need to involve police which include if the accident doesn’t involve the government, the damage is under $1,000, there are no injuries, and so on.

We’ll touch more on this later, but if both parties can exchange information and vehicles can be driven safely, you may be able to handle the incident between the affected parties.

Note: this can be risky. Even with a minor fender bender and no police report, there are many things you may face by not going through proper channels. No matter what, including if you decide not to file a claim, it’s always recommended that you notify your insurance provider.

What Do You Do After a Non-Injury Fender Bender Collision in Texas

If no one is injured and there isn’t much damage, again, you can handle things from driver to driver. But doing so comes with the same risks listed above and no matter what, you should always document the incident and contact your insurance company.

How Much Does a Fender Bender Cost Texas Drivers?

In Texas, fender benders can range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand. Some reports go as high as showing Texas drivers paying an average of $13,000 per fender bender.

But every accident will be depended on several factors to determine the severity of the wreck and how much you’ll need to pay to restore the loss.

A smaller fender bender involving a slight tap on the bumper while in line at the drive-through is going to cost much less to restore than an incident in traffic involving more than two vehicles.

Overall, each fender bender accident can be a costly endeavor to overcome. Drivers should also be mindful that even in accidents involving only two parties, depending on your insurance coverage, you may have to restore losses for others and yourself.

Fender Bender Insurance Options for Drivers in Texas

Your auto insurance is going to be a key component in the event of a fender bender, but not all coverages are the same. Depending on your accident, certain insurance policies apply to specific needs as car insurance isn’t blanket protection.

Assessing your insurance needs with an insurance agent is the best course of action. Learn more about the different types of coverage options that will come in handy the most if you’re involved in a minor car accident:

Liability Coverage

Seeing as all drivers in Texas must have liability coverage, this protection is non-negotiable. If you cause a car accident, big or small, liability coverage pays to restore the loss of the other party.

This includes both restoring property loss and medical expenses. Fender benders are usually less severe, but with liability coverage alone, you won’t be able to restore your vehicle or medical costs through insurance.

Collision Coverage

Your collision coverage is great protection and instead of looking at fault, it simply pays you to restore damage to your vehicle after a car accident.

Drivers who are looking for more coverage for less can enroll in full coverage which combines both liability and collision with another form of coverage, comprehensive coverage, for a more complete form of protection. Comprehensive coverage protects you from damage that comes from non-accident-related incidents.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Fender bender hit-and-runs are a great way to ruin your day. With this coverage, you can protect yourself from having to repair your vehicle out of pocket.

Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

Although the risk is lessened because fender benders typically have less impact, this coverage can help pay for the injuries of those involved. This includes the other party, your bills, and your passengers.

Will a Fender Bender Raise Insurance for Texas Drivers?

Yes, in many cases a fender bender will raise your car insurance rates for drivers in Texas, but there is a lot to consider:

• First off, it depends on whether you are at fault or not at fault. If you are found to be at fault, your rates will go up.
• If you are not at fault, you may still find that your rates will go up. This varies from brand to brand and is an important consideration when determining our auto insurance provider.
• Depending on how many fender benders you’ve been a part of in the past if you have a lot of claims, your rates may also rise regardless of fault.

Driving comes with many different scenarios and depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may or may not have your auto insurance increased. Here are common examples of accidents that do not raise your rates:

• If you are the victim of a hit-and-run.
• If your vehicle is parked legally but struck by a moving vehicle.
• You experience a rear-end collision with another vehicle and there is no ticket issued to you while driving.

Being the driver at fault during an accident is going to play a major role in how your fender bender insurance claim is handled among other things.

Do Fender Benders Have To Be Reported?

Reporting a fender bender in Texas can help you save money and hassle when it’s time to submit your claim. Failing to report your fender bender to the police and your insurance provider can lead to complicated legal actions later on.

Proving that you aren’t at fault for an accident takes evidence and involves an investigation. Here are some of the things you’ll need to help prove your innocence:

• A police report detailing the accident.
• A statement, written or otherwise, from the other driver that admits fault.
• Proof of reimbursement from another party such as a legal document.

Notifying your car insurance provider is important, but there are times when involving your auto insurance company could lead to some issues:

• The cost to restore your vehicle after a fender bender isn’t significantly much more than the price you pay for your deductible.
• You can agree with the other party to handle things outside of insurance.

It’s more than worth noting, however, that failing to use your insurance company can also leave you dealing with issues down the road. So, it would be a notable risk on your part.

A common example includes personal injury disputes. While a fender bender may not leave much more than some cosmetic damage, if you are injured from the incident down the road without going through proper channels, you may be stuck with paying the medical costs alone.

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Whether you swerved to avoid a pedestrian and hit something else, or another driver made an error and struck your vehicle with theirs, getting your car, truck, or SUV repaired is important. Most newer vehicles today are made with a unibody frame. What does that mean, and how does it affect the repair process? Here’s everything you need to know, so you can choose the right auto body repair shop for unibody repair.

WHAT IS A UNIBODY FRAME?

A unibody frame is exactly what the name implies. The frames on unibody vehicles are all made from one piece, with the chassis and the body of the vehicle joined as one. That’s different from the way cars were typically made in the past, when the body was made separately from the chassis, and then attached to it later. Unibody frames have been around since the 1930s, and were occasionally used on vehicles. But most companies didn’t use this option, because it was more expensive and not well-known.

In the last couple of decades, though, unibody frames have been made in ways that are less expensive to manufacture, while still providing quality, value, and safety for drivers of cars with these frames. The unibody design is a safer, solider alternative, and it also makes the vehicle lighter and more fuel-efficient. Unibody frames have specific “crumple zones” that are designed to take the impact of an accident, which protects the driver and passenger.

Since unibody designs help to reduce injuries and save lives, and they’re also lighter and better for fuel economy, it’s understandable that car manufacturers made the switch. Now, it’s harder to find a vehicle that doesn’t have a unibody design, unless you choose one that’s significantly older. In time, it will likely be nearly impossible to find a non-unibody design, unless you choose a classic car.

HOW DO SHOPS HANDLE UNIBODY FRAME REPAIR?

The one downside to a unibody frame is that it can be more difficult to repair than the chassis-on-body options older cars were built with. The reason behind this is that the unibody is all one frame, so if a part of the frame is damaged in an accident, the entire frame is damaged. In a collision, the frame of a vehicle can bend, crumple, twist, or actually break apart. That impacts the vehicle’s structural integrity, which needs to be fully restored before that vehicle is safe to drive again.

Unibody repair has to take this structural integrity issue into account very carefully. There are two main issues with repairing a unibody vehicle. Those are the safety of the people inside, and the way the vehicle actually drives down the road. Not having proper repairs can mean that the driver and passenger are at greater risk of harm, because the vehicle won’t handle another impact or accident properly. Inadequate repair can also mean the vehicle doesn’t “track” straight, putting strain on its systems.

Driving a vehicle with a damaged frame is never a good idea. Not only could another accident mean serious bodily harm, but you could be wearing out your tires, suspension, and other vehicle systems due to misalignment from the original accident. Instead of taking those kinds of risks, it’s best to bring the car to an auto body repair shop, and get a rental vehicle until your car has been properly fixed. Depending on the extent of the damage, it can take a little while to get the unibody frame straight again.

IS A REPAIRED CAR AS GOOD AS A NEW ONE?

If your vehicle’s unibody repair is handled by a qualified shop and performed correctly, you’re just as safe in that repaired vehicle as you would be in a new one. Before unibody frames became so commonplace, this wasn’t always the case. Straightening and repairing a unibody frame wasn’t as common, and more vehicles were “totaled” by the insurance company after an accident. There were even some people who believed a unibody vehicle couldn’t ever be repaired and would never drive straight after a collision.

Fortunately, that’s no longer something you have to worry about. If your insurance company isn’t writing your vehicle off as totaled, that means they agree that it can be restored to factory, manufacturer levels of safety and security for you and your passengers. That’s great news, because you won’t need to get a new car. Instead, you can get yours repaired and continue to enjoy driving it. You’ll have your car back, and you’ll also have plenty of peace of mind to go along with it.

Cost will be a factor in your insurance company’s decision, as well. Even if your vehicle can be properly repaired, if the cost to do that is too much the insurance company may write off the car anyway. A few hundred to a few thousand dollars in cost is common when performing a unibody repair. In some cases, though, the estimate can be much higher. Your insurance company might decide the car isn’t worth the cost to repair, even if the repairs could make the vehicle whole again.

CAN ANY AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP FIX YOUR VEHICLE?

Theoretically, you could take your vehicle in for unibody repair at any auto body repair shop that advertises that service. But you may not want to just pick a name off of your search results. Instead, make sure you’re looking for the best quality repair options in your area. Most insurance companies have a list of companies you can choose from, or will let you select any shop in the area that’s licensed, and insured properly. With certified technicians and a good reputation, that’s a shop you can feel safe trusting.

You probably also want OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, although some aftermarket options can be good choices, as well. Talking with an auto body repair shop you’re considering can give you plenty of insight into whether they’re the right shop to meet your needs, so your vehicle can be repaired the right way.

At the end of the day, it’s your vehicle. It’s undoubtedly important to you to have it repaired correctly, so you can drive it safely and get back on the road as quickly as possible. The more you understand about unibody repair, the more confident you can feel when working with the repair shop, for a better overall experience.

What to know more? please visit our last month’s blog Quiz Your New Driver Before They Hit the Road a complete Blog listing can be found here.

Associated Collision Center wants you to be safe and aware, this blog contains great info on Quiz Your New Driver Before They Hit the Road.

Letting a new driver loose on the roads can be nerve-wracking. Luckily, you can help your teen to be better prepared by giving them this quiz.

1. What should you do if you spot an emergency vehicle with its lights on?
   a. Pull over to the left
   b. Ignore it
   c. Pull over to the right
   d. Let it pass and then follow it
2. What do you need to always have with you while driving?
   a. License
   b. Registration
   c. Insurance card
   d. All of the above
3. When can you turn right on red?
   a. Anytime
   b. After making a complete stop
   c. When there is a sign that says “No turn on red”
   d. All of the above
4. How loud should you play music?
   a. As loud as you want
   b. At a non-distracting level
   c. Under 25 DB
   d. None of the above
5. Where are you likely to see a speed limit drop?
   a. Yell at the other driver
   b. Drive away if the damage isn’t bad
   c. Ensure the safety of passengers and yourself, then exchange information like phone numbers and insurance information.
   d. None of the above
6. What should you do if your vehicle is hit?
   a. Yell at the other driver
   b. Drive away if the damage isn’t bad
   c. Ensure the safety of passengers and yourself, then exchange information like phone numbers and insurance information.
   d. None of the above

The next section will include fill-in-the-blank questions. These will be specific to the vehicle your teen drives:

1. Where is the parking break?
2. How do you use the windshield wipers?
3. How do you use the windshield wiper fluid?
4. Where is the child lock?
5. How do you turn off the child lock?
6. What is the legal maximum number of passengers you may drive?
7. Where is the spare tire?

ANSWERS:

1. What should you do if you spot an emergency vehicle with its lights on?

Answer: C. Pull over to the right. This is a good rule of thumb for new drivers to know. However, it’s important to explain that there will be times when they need to move in other directions for an emergency vehicle to pass. The bottom line is to ensure the vehicle can pass in an orderly fashion.

2.   What do you need to always have with you while driving?

Answer: D. All of the above. In the event you are in a car accident or get pulled over, you will need these documents present to deal with each situation. Always make sure to have these with you when driving your car, even for a short distance.

3. When can you turn right on red?

Answer: B. After making a complete stop. Although you can turn right on red as long as there is no sign prohibiting it, you must still be sure to come to a complete stop before turning.

4. How loud should you play your music? 

Answer: B. At a non-distracting level. While there is no federal law that limits the volume level of music in a car, a new driver should always be focused on the road first. Ensure that music is kept at an appropriate level that still allows you to focus on the road.

5. Where are you likely to see a speed limit drop?

Answer: D. Both b & c are correct. Expecting a speed limit drop and knowing when to slow down will help keep these areas safe while also keeping a driver out of trouble.

6. What should you do if your vehicle is hit?

Answer: C. Ensure the safety of passengers and yourself, then exchange information like phone numbers and insurance information. Although we hope these situations never happen, it’s good to be prepared for if they do. When your vehicle is hit, the first important thing is the safety of everyone involved. After that is secured, the driver can decide whether to call 911 or simply exchange information with the other driver. A 911 call would depend on the severity of the collision and the discretion of the driver.

What to know more? please visit our last month’s blog Can I Repair my Car After Flood Damage? a complete Blog can be found here.