No you should not repair your own car after an accident. While it may be tempting to save money by repairing the damage yourself it is not worth the risk. First you could end up making the damage worse. Second if you do not have the proper tools and equipment you could end up injuring yourself. Finally if the insurance company finds out you repaired the car yourself they may not cover the cost of the repairs.
Is it okay to repair your car after an accident?
In most cases yes you can repair your car after an accident.
Are there any special circumstances where you shouldn’t repair your car after an accident?
Yes if the accident caused significant structural damage to your car it’s best to take it to a professional.
How can you tell if the structural damage to your car is significant?
If your car was in a head-on collision or rolled over it likely has significant structural damage.
Is it okay to repair cosmetic damage to your car after an accident?
Yes you can repair cosmetic damage to your car after an accident.
What is considered cosmetic damage?
Cosmetic damage is damage that does not affect the car’s performance or safety such as a dent in the bumper.
How do you know if you can repair the damage to your car yourself or if you need to take it to a professional?
If you are not comfortable repairing the damage yourself or if the damage is extensive you should take your car to a professional.
How much does it typically cost to repair damage to a car after an accident?
The cost of repairing damage to a car after an accident varies depending on the severity of the damage.
What are some things you should do to prepare your car for repair after an accident?
Remove all personal belongings from the car clean out any broken glass and photograph the damage.
Where can you take your car to get repaired after an accident?
You can take your car to a body shop a dealership or a mechanic.
How long does it usually take to repair a car after an accident?
The length of time it takes to repair a car after an accident varies depending on the severity of the damage.
What are some things you should do to reduce the cost of repairing your car after an accident?
Choose a repair shop that offers a discount for cash payments get multiple estimates and compare prices.
What are some things you should do to avoid getting scammed when repairing your car after an accident?
Research the repair shop before you take your car there get multiple estimates and ask for referrals from friends or family.
What are some common scams people run into when repairing their car after an accident?
Some common scams people run into when repairing their car after an accident include being charged for unneeded repairs being overcharged and being given used or counterfeit parts.
What can you do if you believe you’ve been scammed when repairing your car after an accident?
You can file a complaint with your state’s attorney general’s office or the Better Business Bureau.
What are some things you can do to prevent getting into an accident in the first place?
Drive defensively obey the speed limit and don’t tailgate.
