Avoiding Claims? Costs of Major Car Repairs Without Insurance Aid
car repairs
Rising insurance costs are a major decision when people have an accident or need auto repairs.
Sometimes, it is cheapest for the vehicle owner to fix the damage out-of-pocket.
When you want to avoid turning in a claim to the insurance company, here are four items you may need to cover.
Paintless Dent Repair
Believe it or not, this kind of repair may not cost you much. Say, for instance, you bump into your car door with the grocery cart.
As long as there is not a deep scratch or missing paint, you can have this damage fixed for as little as $150 for a dent the size of a dime.
This cost can reach as high as $1,000 for multiple spots or larger dents.
If your deductible is $500, and you have to pay a higher insurance premium, then it may be cheaper in the long-run to cover this cost yourself.
Fender Replacement
Minor wrecks may not cause a lot of damage. Sometimes, the bumper or fender is the one thing that takes the brunt of the impact.
If that is all you have to replace, then the cost can range between $300 and $1,500.
Again, if your deductible is high, then paying this cost might make more sense for your overall budget.
This is especially true when putting in a claim will lead to raised premiums and deductibles later on.
Of course, if you do decide to put in a claim, always ask your insurance company what if any effect it will have on your future coverage costs.
Windshield Cracks
Automotive repair services handle windshield swaps and repairs a lot. Whether you are in an accident or a branch falls on your window, turning this claim in to the insurance company can raise your rates more than the cost of the car repairs.
For small chips and cracks, it might cost $300 to $500 to repair. If you need a new windshield, then the top cost is usually around $1,000.
When your deductible is the same as the repair, then it is worth it to avoid making a claim for this repair.
Car Paint
Many car parts can come off and get painted without the need to do the entire vehicle.
However, this job requires specific paint matching technology. Sometimes, you can find a special on full vehicle paint jobs.
Either way, the total cost for this repair can range between $500 and $7,500.
If you can get the paint job for a reasonable price, then it may be worth the cost.
When you have the money to pay for car repairs instead of making an insurance claim, it can be beneficial.
There is no paperwork, no claims representative to deal with, and your insurance premium will stay the same.
Unless your deductible is low, it may be best to outsource the work to a local auto body repair shop and pay it yourself.
Category: Automotive
