If your vehicle has been in a collision in Columbia, MO, you’ll need a repair shop to get you back on the road. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before you choose a collision repair center. Prioritize free estimates, certified technicians, and high-quality parts as a starting point.
What Should You Look for in a Quality Collision Repair Center in Columbia, MO?
Free Estimates
It’s important you know exactly how much the repairs will cost before you start. A reputable repair center will provide you with an estimate that breaks down the cost. This estimate should always be provided free of charge, and you shouldn’t be put under any pressure to accept.
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Following a collision, it’s vital to have your car professionally inspected and repaired. You may be wondering if you can choose your own auto body shop in Columbia, MO, or if you need to use one recommended by the insurer. Let’s answer this question in detail.
Can You Choose Your Own Repair Shop After a Car Accident?
In short, yes, you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop after an accident. While an insurance company can recommend one they prefer, they cannot force you to use it. The insurer has to go along with whichever repair shop you choose.
However, there may be a clause in your policy that states that the insurer is not obligated to pay for repairs not carried out in one of their preferred or direct repair shops. This is something you should check right away.
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Being involved in a collision is never a pleasant experience, and having to get your car repaired can feel like a big inconvenience. A professional collision repair center in Columbia, MO can get your car looking as good as new and you back on the road in next to no time.
How Long Does the Collision Repair Process in Columbia, MO Typically Take?
A small repair can be completed in a day or two, possibly less if no painting is required. However, more extensive damage will take much longer, and depending on what’s required, could take a week or more to complete.
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If you’ve been in a collision in Columbia, MO, an auto body shop can get your car looking like new. They can liaise directly with your insurance company, but depending on your coverage, you may also need to pay some of the costs.
Will My Insurance Cover All the Damage After an Accident?
Although by law every driver has to carry liability coverage in Missouri, it’s not compulsory to have other types of insurance. This means that the damage to your vehicle may not be covered if you didn’t choose the most comprehensive coverage.
Liability insurance only pays for damage to other vehicles, not your own. Comprehensive coverage offers much greater protection, but typically against hazards such as storms or falling trees. To be certain that damage to your own vehicle is included, you need to hold collision coverage.
Read the rest of this entry »What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if your vehicle suffers serious damage. Once you have dealt with any immediate priorities such as calling the police and notifying your insurer, you should visit a local collision center in Columbia, MO. This will provide you with accurate information about the repairs that are needed and the length of time it’s likely to take.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Columbia, MO?
Check for Injuries
The safety of you and your passengers should always be your main priority, so before anything else, you should check for any injuries. If anyone appears to be seriously hurt, it’s best to refrain from moving them unless there’s an immediate risk of fire. You may also need to consider calling an ambulance to deal with any urgent or serious injuries.
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If you’ve been in a collision, the framework of your car may have been compromised, even if only minor damage is visible. The framework forms the skeleton of your car, so it’s essential that its integrity is preserved. Taking your car to an auto body repair shop in Columbia, MO ensures that the framework can be professionally checked, and any necessary repairs carried out.
How Can You Tell If Frame Damage Has Occurred After a Collision?
Visible Signs of Frame Damage
In some cases, damage to the framework will be immediately apparent. You may notice:
Misaligned Panels
Car panels should sit flush against each other, with an even alignment on each side. Misaligned or uneven panels could indicate that the underlying framework is twisted or bent.
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Following a minor road accident, it’s not always easy to know if your car has been damaged. Here are some subtle (and not-so-subtle) warning signs that you should seek out immediate collision repair following a bump, scrape, or crash in Columbia, MO.
7 Signs That Your Vehicle Needs Professional Collision Repair
Fluids Dripping Under Your Car
During a collision, hoses and seals can get cracked or jolted loose, allowing fluids to escape. It’s wise to pay extra attention to the tarmac under your car. If you see a mysterious puddle forming, your motor oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, or differential fluid may be leaking, which would require immediate attention.
Read the rest of this entry »Can Paintless Dent Repair Fix All Types of Dents?
Dealing with dents is irritating for any driver. Fortunately, many minor dents and dings can be resolved without paint, fillers, or sanding. And even deeper and more complex dents can be removed quickly and cost-effectively at your local collision center in Columbia, MO.
Can Paintless Dent Repair Fix All Types of Dents?
PDR Removes Only Minor Dents
With paintless dent repair (PDR), one of our skillful technicians can massage the dent out of a door or panel, quickly restoring the metal to its original form with no sign of damage. This doesn’t require filler or a new layer of paint.
However, these PDR methods are only possible with minor dents on parts of the bodywork that allow easy access to the panel’s rear side. The technician must reach behind the dent to apply gentle pressure. Quite large dents can sometimes be removed this way as long as they’re relatively shallow.
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