Getting into a collisionâ€"even if it’s “just†a fender benderâ€"can be nerve-racking. As soon as you make sure everyone’s okay, the financial questions start Autel MaxiCOM MK808. Would it be better to pay out of pocket rather than pony up cash for the deductible? Is the other person’s insurance company offering you a fair price? And, if you’re found at fault, do you really need to get your bumper repaired? Really, who’s going to notice that little dent, anyway?
It’s easy to start trying to justify skipping a repair that doesn’t seem like that big of a deal or shopping around for a repair shop that somehow charges a fraction of the going rate. Sometimes there are avenues for saving money that are legitimate. For example, some drivers might save money by paying cash for repairs instead of going through their insurance company. You need to consider if your insurance premium will go up (and how much) as well as the deductible vs. out of pocket costs. However, there are also some things you should never do after an accident.
Don’t Give In to Bullying Tactics
Insurance companies have one goal when you’re the victim in a collision: Get you to settle for as little as possible. Let’s say you were rear-ended by someone who has XYZ Insurance. That XYZ agent doesn’t want you to wait and find out if you perhaps have some lingering pains Autel MaxiSys Pro, or for your trusted mechanic to dig deeper into potential damages that might not be noticeable on the surface. Instead, you might be romanced with the promise of a quick settlement as long as you sign off immediately.
Don’t feel bullied or pressured into accepting any compensation immediately. The second you accept a compensation payment from an insurance company, you’re no longer entitled to further payments. That means if the damage to your vehicle is worse than it appears, or if something like whiplash pops up a week later, you’re out of luck.
Don’t Skimp on Repairs
Make sure you go to a body repair shop that will provide you with a full analysis of the damage. Sometimes there are safety concerns even when the damage doesn’t look all that bad. Other times, you might be agreeing to lowering the value of your vehicleâ€"and you’ll regret that decision when it comes time to sell or trade-in your ride. Even when a vehicle isn’t totaled, the integrity of it has been irreparably damaged in an accident. What would you prefer? An accident-free car or a repaired one, even if they look the same? Your future buyers will have the same opinion.
No matter what, don’t rush into any decisions after an accident. You’re understandably shaken up, and this is no time to make big financial decisions. Take your time, operate on your own terms and timeline, and make sure you have a reputable repair shop on your side so that you don’t miss any big red flags. Hurrying and settling rarely work in your favor, so slow down and wait for the dust to settle.
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