Car crashes are still a common occurrence despite automotive safety technologies witnessing substantial improvements over the years. From radar-guided cruise control to fully autonomous self-
driving, these sophisticated features have curbed road accidents, but have not eliminated crashes completely. It is unfortunate to get into an accident in the first place, but the real challenges start after the crash, depending on the intensity and a host of other factors. Data reveals that in 2020, there were more than 5.2 million car crashes across the United States. Of these, 95,596 crashes occurred in Maryland. This number increased to 108,656 in 2021, depicting a trend. This means that the state is ranked 6 th across the country in terms of car crashes. It is also an at-
fault state, which means that if the other driver is responsible for a crash, you can pursue a claim against them for damages, even when there are only minor injuries. However, the most pertinent question in all this is about car repair after an accident. Where do you go? Who pays for it? Which mechanics to trust? These are all questions that you need to have answers to beforehand. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Reliable towing services come in handy

In most cases, after an accident, the car is left immobile. Even when a car can move, it is best not to drive it any further because it can increase the damage caused by the crash. As a resident of Maryland, you can contact Steve Geyers Towing & Recovery to provide you with comprehensive services in the event of a crash. You must only hire professional towing services because these companies can aggravate the damages to the car. Since they pull or lift the car to get it on the truck bed, essential components can suffer more, resulting in higher repair costs.

2. You are free to choose the repair shop

Insurance companies recommend mechanics and repair shops from their list of preferences. Most people believe that since it is the insurance company’s word, they have no choice but to get the car repaired by the suggested shop. This is far from the truth, though. The insurance provider can offer their suggestion, but at the end of the day, the final decision about which shop to go to lies with you. If you have a reliable mechanic who you’ve worked with previously, that works best. However, if you don’t, it is best to perform extensive research before committing to the repairs. Car repair, especially after a crash, is not something every shop can do perfectly. You need professionals with experience working on the make and model of your particular vehicle. At the same time, they also need to have particular certifications. You must take a deep dive into the shop before entrusting them. Your insurance company should have no objection to the mechanic of your choice.

3. Perform thorough price research first

Depending on the crash’s severity and your vehicle’s condition, you can be looking at a significant repair bill. Still, given that the car is necessary and you need to have it back at the earliest, it is important not to rush the decision to choose a repair shop. If you have a trusted mechanic, then by all means, let them handle the repairs for you. However, in case you don’t, the most appropriate way to move forward is to get multiple quotes. Many people assume that the idea behind getting quote estimates is to find the lowest price. That is far from the truth. The lowest quote doesn’t always guarantee high quality and reliable repairs, nor do the most expensive ones. What you need to look for is the best price. Any shop that provides an affordable quote with the promise to use quality parts and whose previous record speaks for itself is the ideal choice for you to get your vehicle repaired.

4. Insist on new parts when your insurance is paying

There are two choices when it comes to replacing parts for a car that has been in an accident. You can either get Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket ones. The thing about aftermarket parts is that they are not always the same high quality as OEM, and some of them can even void your warranty. Therefore, you must insist on getting OEM parts for the repairs. This is also something you should read before you sign the insurance policy for your vehicle. Aftermarket parts come from different manufacturers, and although they might be affordable, they are not the best choice. Vehicles under lease definitely have it in the insurance policies to include OEM parts. You should know about this and insist on when the car goes in for repairs after an accident especially. Without OEM parts, you can be sure of the fact that problems will arise as soon as the car leaves the shop.

5. Leave the insurance communications to the shop

Aside from initiating the claims process, there’s really no reason for you to act as a liaison between your repair guy and the insurance provider. Once you start the process, the insurance adjustor can visit the vehicle to assess its condition at the shop, and then they can take it from there. It is already a hassle that you don’t have a vehicle, and on top of that, if you start acting as the communication agent between the shop and your insurance company, you’ll be in for a huge nightmare. Your repair facility should manage the entire process for you, from the preliminary quote to the last invoice for the repairs carried out on your car.

Conclusion

Getting a car repaired after a crash is no easy feat. It becomes easier if you have a reliable mechanic on your speed dial, but if not, you’ll be in for some challenging situations. Still, you must be prepared for any untoward situation. When you get into a crash, the priority is always to ascertain that all the occupants are safe. Next, you need to find a reliable repair shop you select after comparing quotes and insist on OEM parts. At the end of the day, you get through the process hassle-free.