The Most Common Auto Body Repair Claims in Alaska
December 3rd, 2015 by Eli P
Alaska is the largest state in the U.S., with thousands of miles of wide open roads. But with nearly one million registered vehicles throughout the state, it’s inevitable that accidents will occur and people will need to file an auto body claim on their damaged vehicles. Given the topography of the state, it’s no surprise that the majority of these claims result from weather and wildlife conditions. However, in some cases, people are to blame. Here are some of the most common causes of auto body repair claims in the 49th state.
Moose Collisions
Many states have high rates of auto collisions due to animals in the road. In Alaska, the #1 offender is the moose, with hundreds being struck and killed by cars or trucks each year. The areas with the highest incidence of moose auto body damage claims are the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Mat-Su Valley.
Other forms of wildlife that cause frequent collisions on Alaska roads include caribou, bear, and bison. The problem is that roads often cut through their travel corridors, causing the animals to cross the road during their spring and fall migrations. Animal collisions also tend to increase during the winter months when the days shorten and darkness increases. Drivers should be extra vigilant during December, January, and February.
Cold Weather
By itself, cold weather doesn’t cause auto body claims. But it can cause damage to other parts of the vehicle that lead to collisions resulting in auto body damage. In extremely cold temperatures, critical fluids such as oil and brake, power steering, and transmission fluid can thicken, causing the steering or brakes to malfunction. To avoid collisions due to thick fluids, check them on a regular basis.
Icy Roads
With cold, snowy weather comes icy roads. Although most Alaska drivers are equipped with rugged snow tires and chains, unseen patches of ice still cause a lot of collisions that require auto body repair. Even experienced Alaska drivers need to exercise caution by allowing plenty of distance from the vehicle in front of them and paying close attention to road conditions.
City Driving
In Alaska, more than half the registered vehicles in the state are in two main cities: Fairbanks and Anchorage. Put that many cars into a concentrated space and accidents are bound happen. From rear-end collisions at stop lights, to running red lights and stop signs the driving that people do in cities contributes to a high number of auto body claims.
Stolen Cars
Unfortunately, a lot of cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles get stolen in the state of Alaska. Although many get recovered, many of these come back with damage that requires auto body repairs. Some of the most frequently stolen vehicles include Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, and Dodge pickups, Honda Accords and Civics, the Ford Taurus, and Jeep Cherokees and Grand Cherokees.
Let Us Fix It For You
If you experience a collision that results in an auto body claim, Fix Auto offers a full line of prompt auto body repair services. Come see us at one of our convenient Alaska locations. You can find us in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Gambell, Juneau, Soldotna, and Palmer.
