Major Car Collisions: How to Handle the Financial Aspects of Auto Repair
A major collision could occur at the head, side or back of a vehicle. First, you have the mental and emotional damages of being in a major car wreck. Now, you have the financial damages of repairing your car and replacing it with different parts.
Know which steps that you should take to handle the inevitable auto repairs and challenges.
The Average Costs of Car Repairs
Determine the average costs of making different repairs to your car. Look for estimates on different websites and make comparisons of the information you find. You’ll find that a general checkup costs an average of $100.
The work needed to replace certain car parts, like brake pads, spark plugs or mufflers, varies from $100 to $500.
A major head-on or side collision is two or three times more expensive. The costs exceed thousands of dollars, so the average replacement cost for an engine is $600, $200 for the windshield and $500 for the hood.
The damages could be so severe that the entire vehicle must be replaced.
Some vehicles are bigger and more expensive, like trucks and luxury sedans, so the average prices are higher. The type of auto shop, its location, including its proximity to competitors, and the economy also affect the final prices.
Avoid Mechanic Rip Offs
Another major concern is the possibility of mechanic rip offs if you don’t do your research correctly. Even in a moment of weakness, some mechanics take advantage of your desperate need to fix a badly damaged car.
Only work with a trusted auto repair professional who you’ve used for years. If you don’t know any, research tips on how to find the right mechanic, which takes only a short amount of time to do.
Tips to Handle the High Costs
Review all of the ways that you can ease the pain of paying for expensive car repairs. A windscreen repair is always less expensive than a replacement. First, consider every possibility of getting a repair over a brand-new replacement.
Do it Yourself
If you are mechanically inclined and are good with car repair, you may be able to fix the car up yourself. This would save you a lot of money on the labor costs of having to take it to a professional mechanic.
You will still have to pay for your own parts and tools to be able to do the job, but depending on the damage, it could save you a lot of money at the end of the day. However, it may cost you more in terms of time.
When All Else Fails
If all else fails, and you can’t get your car repaired for a reasonable amount of money, then you might consider scrapping it and buying a new or used car as a replacement.
If the accident is bad enough and you have totaled your car, more times than not, it will cost you more to repair it than the actual car is worth. If this is the case for you, it is better to just let it go and save the money in your bank account.
The repairs are too much for some drivers, and they choose to wait until they can afford to buy a new car. The insurance company may tell you so by refusing to pay damages that exceed their limits.
In some cases, it’s not worth risking your life to drive a damaged car just to save money. If that situation, order a car rental and save to buy a new vehicle replacement.
Category: Consumer Complaints
