Tips For Reducing Your Car Repair Costs After An Accident
Even those who are fortunate enough to walk away from their car accidents with minor (or no) injuries, almost always have to reckon with some sort of vehicle damage. Unfortunately, even minor damage can end up being quite costly to repair, so it’s important to have a thorough understanding of Florida’s car insurance laws and how they could affect your ability to obtain reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle. There are also a few things you can do to help reduce your car repair bills after a crash. Read on to learn more.
Get Multiple Estimates
It’s important, when getting quotes from a mechanic or dealership on the cost of vehicle repair after an accident, to avoid accepting the first estimate you receive. Instead, reach out to multiple mechanics and get a few quotes, comparing them to get a better idea of what the cost of parts and labor will be to get the repairs that you need. Those who only obtain one estimate risk paying too much, or paying for inferior work. The best way to avoid this is to get multiple estimates from a number of trusted and qualified mechanics.
Think About Using Aftermarket Parts
When making repairs, many people prefer to use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. This means that the parts were made by the same company that manufactured the damaged vehicle. It is also possible, however, to use what are known as aftermarket parts, which are manufactured by different parts companies, but are designed to be compatible with certain makes and models of vehicle. If your repair requires new parts, consider asking your mechanic about aftermarket parts that are compatible with your vehicle. They can be just as effective, but much less costly than original parts from the vehicle manufacturer.
Avoid Driving Your Vehicle
Even if your car isn’t so damaged that you can’t keep driving it, try to avoid doing so. Driving a damaged vehicle is unsafe and continuing to use it could make the damage worse and require additional repair work. Recovering reimbursement for these costs can also end up being a lot more complicated, as insurers are usually unwilling to pay for damage that can be linked to things besides the original accident, like a driver’s continued use of the car. The cost of using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, renting a car, or taking the bus are often covered by insurance.
Call Today for Help with Your Car Accident Recovery
Even minor repairs can end up costing hundreds of dollars and more extensive work can result in the cost going into the thousands. Fortunately, accident victims who weren’t at fault for their crashes are often entitled to compensation for their losses, including the cost of repairing or replacing their vehicle. To learn more about filing a claim, and how to reduce your repair costs in the meantime, reach out to the experienced Florida car accident lawyers at Boone & Davis today. You can set up a free consultation by calling our office at 954-566-9919 or by sending us an online message.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/insurance/
floridabar.org/public/consumer/tip002/
