Key TakeawaysQuick summary: OEM parts offer the best fit and quality, while aftermarket parts are the budget-friendly option with widely varying quality.OEM parts are made by the original manufacturer, fit exactly, and help maintain warranty and resale value, but cost 30 to 100 percent more.Aftermarket parts come from third-party companies...
what is frame damage on a car
Key TakeawaysQuick summary: Frame damage means the structural skeleton of a car has been bent, twisted, cracked, or otherwise compromised.The frame holds the engine, suspension, body panels, and safety systems together, so damage can affect handling, tire wear, and safety.Most modern cars use unibody construction, so frame damage refers to...
diminished value claim after accident
Key TakeawaysQuick summary: Diminished value is the loss in a car's market value after an accident, even when repairs are done well.Because the accident appears on the vehicle's history, buyers offer less, creating a gap between pre-accident and post-repair value.You can file a diminished value claim with the at-fault driver's...
insurance claim process for car repair
Key TakeawaysQuick summary: The insurance claim process for car repair follows a predictable sequence from filing the claim to picking up your repaired car.File your claim right away with your policy number, accident details, the other driver's information, and photos of the damage.After filing, you receive a claim number and...
Paintless Dent Repair vs Traditional Repair: Which One Is Right for You?
Key TakeawaysQuick summary: Paintless dent repair works best for small to medium dents with intact paint, while traditional repair handles damage where paint is compromised.PDR uses metal rods and glue-pulling tools to massage dents out from behind the panel, keeping the original paint.PDR costs 50 to 70 percent less than...
how much does auto body paint cost
Key TakeawaysQuick summary: Auto body paint pricing depends on the size of the job and the labor, materials, and prep involved, not just the paint itself.Small scratch or scuff repair runs about 150 to 500 dollars, while a single panel repaint runs 300 to 1,500 dollars.Full vehicle repaints range from...
what to do after a car accident
Key TakeawaysQuick summary: After a car accident, staying calm and following a clear set of steps protects your safety and your claim.Stop and stay at the scene, since leaving even a minor accident is illegal.Check yourself, passengers, and others for injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt.Move to safety,...
how long does collision repair take
Key TakeawaysQuick summary: Collision repair time depends on the severity of the damage, ranging from a few days to a few months.Minor repairs such as small dents and bumper scuffs take about 1 to 3 days.Moderate repairs like fender or door replacement typically take 1 to 2 weeks.Major repairs take...
How Long Does Auto Body Repair Take On Average
Key TakeawaysQuick summary: Auto body repair time depends on the damage, ranging from a day or two to more than a week.Minor cosmetic work takes a day or two, moderate damage a few days to a week, and major repairs a week or more.Timelines depend on damage extent, parts availability,...
Common Types Of Auto Body Damage And How To Fix Them
Key TakeawaysQuick summary: Vehicles face many types of body damage, and each has its own proper repair method.Dents can be fixed with paintless dent repair when the paint is intact, or traditional repair when creased.Scratches range from buffing light clear-coat marks to priming and repainting scratches down to bare metal.Hail,...