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Winter can be a real pain. The cold makes you want to hibernate, and snowstorms can trap you at home for days. But it’s not just you feeling the winter blues — your car takes a beating, too. When the harsh weather leaves its mark on your vehicle, paintless dent repair often comes up as a solution.

“Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.” We all know that phrase. It reminds us to stay aware of what we see in our mirror, especially when changing lanes. But what happens when we can’t see anything in the mirror?

Driving is an essential part of our daily lives. It gets us from point A to B, helps us run errands, and allows us to explore new places. However, it also comes with its fair share of risks and challenges. One of the biggest risks is the inability to see everything around us while on the road — the so-called “blind spots.” Fortunately, today’s cars are equipped with powerful blind spot monitors that provide instant clarity on whether something is in a region you can’t see.

The aftermath of a car collision can feel like navigating through a maze in the dark. A once reliable vehicle is now a mangled mess, and you’re left with a critical question: should you repair or replace your car? While it may seem like a straightforward choice, the decision is often more complex, involving a multitude of factors from cost to safety. We’ll attempt to illuminate your path, helping you make the best decision for your situation.

When Is Damage Too Much?

Post-collision, the severity of your car’s damage is often the first parameter to evaluate. Small dents or scratches might not warrant a replacement and can be easily repaired. However, if your vehicle has suffered extensive structural damage, the cost-effectiveness and safety of repairing become questionable.

It’s important to remember that not all damage is visible to the untrained eye. Hidden damage, like that to the car’s electrical system or internal components, might only become evident later. These hidden damages can escalate the repair costs and potentially compromise safety. Also, if the car’s structural integrity is compromised, no amount of cosmetic repair can restore the vehicle to its original safety standards. Therefore, in such cases, replacing the vehicle might be a safer and more economical choice.

Considering the Vehicle’s Age and Condition

The age and condition of your car play a crucial role in the repair or replacement decision. Older cars with high mileage or existing problems might not be worth the cost of extensive repairs. On the other hand, newer cars with minor damage are often better off being repaired. Preserving the original parts of your vehicle, especially for newer models, can help maintain its value.

Are Repairs Enough to Ensure Safety?

Safety should always be the top priority when deciding between repairing or replacing your vehicle. Post-collision, it’s important that repairs restore the vehicle to its pre-accident safety standards. If the collision has affected critical safety features, such as the airbags, crumple zones, or anti-lock braking system, and these can’t be restored to their original state, replacement becomes the safer option.

Additionally, information is key to ensuring proper and safe vehicle repair. A professional inspection by certified technicians can uncover potential safety issues that might not be immediately apparent. For instance, a good auto repair technician might refuse to give your car back for safety reasons if you decline to have them repair it. This is because professionals understand the risk of driving a car that hasn’t been appropriately repaired and meets safety standards.

How Your Insurance Coverage Influences the Decision

Your insurance coverage can significantly influence the repair or replacement decision. Some policies may cover the cost of repairs up to the vehicle’s current market value. If the repair costs exceed this value, your insurance company might declare the car a total loss and reimburse you for the value of the car instead. If you don’t know your insurance policy details, consult with your insurance provider before making your decision.

Making the Best Decision After a Car Collision

Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace your car after a collision is a personal one, influenced by a variety of factors unique to your situation. Take your time, do your research, and consult with professionals who can provide expert advice and guidance.

When faced with such decisions, DFW Pro Bright Star is here to help. Our collision repair service can help you navigate the aftermath of a collision, providing fantastic fixes to even the worst damage. Don’t face this challenging decision alone – reach out to DFW Pro Bright Star today and let us lighten your load.

Understanding the insurance process can be confusing, especially when it comes to fixing a car that is totaled. If your vehicle has sustained damage beyond what can reasonably be repaired, you may have many questions. Will a collision center fix a car that is totaled? 

Many people aren’t sure what to expect when taking their vehicle to an auto collision center. After getting into an automobile accident, it’s usual for people to file insurance claims. However, the repair process experience may differ among various insurance companies. 

After filing a claim, you’ll need to get a collision repair estimate to determine the repair costs for your vehicle. It includes a description of the damage to help you decide whether to repair your vehicle. 

With our team of experienced and certified technicians, DFW Pro Bright Star is one of the region’s largest providers of auto collision services. Let’s cover some common questions about what goes into a collision repair estimate.

How Do I Get a Car Repair Estimate?

When you’re involved in an auto accident, the first step is to file a claim with your insurance company. Then, your insurance company will help set up your repair estimate with an auto collision center, also known as a body shop. 

A collision repair estimate will provide insight into the necessary repair service, including what your car repairs will cost. A collision repair estimate will vary depending on several factors, including labor rates, replacement parts, and the repair time for each action. 

Where Do I Get a Car Repair Estimate?

Depending on your auto insurance policy, your insurance company may require you to provide specific information on which collision centers you’re considering for the repairs. Some insurance companies may have a prepared list of auto body shops they can recommend. 

However, the decision of which auto repair center to use is your choice. If you have a repair shop you usually use to service your vehicle, you can select them to perform your auto body repairs.

What Does a Car Repair Estimate Include?

A car repair estimate, also known as a collision repair estimate, includes all visible damage related to the vehicle. If the auto collision center detects additional damage during the repair, your insurance company may reinspect the car. 

Discovering further damage isn’t unusual after the initial collision repair estimate. When writing the initial estimate, seeing all the damaged parts can be difficult. If the estimate needs to be updated, your insurance company will inform you and cooperate with your auto collision center.

What Part of the Car Damage Estimate Is My Responsibility?

For most auto insurance policyholders, your insurance company will cover the costs of repairs beyond your deductible. However, if you choose to repair your vehicle, you’ll be responsible for paying the deductible amount once the repairs are completed. Most insured drivers have an average collision deductible between $500-$1000. 

You can find information about your deductible in your policy documents or online. In some scenarios, you may be responsible for paying a portion of the damages, in which case, your insurance company will contact you. 

Contact Us for Professional Collision Repair Services!

Are you searching for a reliable auto body shop to handle your collision repairs? DFW Pro Bright Star specializes in providing an insurance-backed auto repair shop for high-quality collision repair. 

DFW Pro Bright Star is your one-stop frame, fender, bumper, and seat belt repair shop in Plano, TX. We have experienced technicians to fix these and various other auto collision repair issues. If you need state-of-the-art collision repair services, contact us today!

Most people know not to believe everything they read online — including the so-called “facts” spread around about collision repair shops. Unfortunately, some common misconceptions become so widespread that people take them as the truth without doing any additional research. Here are some of the most common myths about collision repair — and what you should really know about auto body repair shops!

There are millions of accidents on roads and highways in the United States each year. Unfortunately, you may be one of the victims of a recent accident. Aside from possible injuries, you must consider your car’s condition.

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, a thousand thoughts are running through your mind. You want to ensure you and your passengers are OK and see how the other driver is doing, and then you start to assess the damage to your vehicle. As you inspect your damaged car, you may start thinking about how you’re going to cover all of the damages. Your insurance should cover the majority of the damage — but only if you go to an insurance-recommended body shop. 

Nobody wants to get into an auto collision, yet it’s an unfortunate fact of life that millions of accidents happen every year in the United States. A 2019 report by the auto insurance company Esurance found that 77% of drivers surveyed had been in at least one car accident. That’s a lot of accidents — and that’s a lot of potential damage to your automobile.