Why Should I Get Minor Bumper Damage Repaired?
January 8th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
Your vehicle’s bumpers can take a lot of abuse that can cause minor dings and dents. While you may want to wait on fixing them to save money or time, fixing minor damage to your bumper immediately can keep your vehicle safer in the long run. It also keeps your vehicle looking good and maintain the value if you decide to sell or trade-in.
Below are just a few of the reasons you should have minor bumper damage inspected and repaired immediately.
Bumpers And Vehicle Safety
The bumper of your vehicle is made to absorb the force of an impact of a collision. A dent, tear or small scratch can weaken the structural integrity of your bumper and compromise its safety. If your bumper bar or the inner foam is damaged, your bumpers could fail to protect not only your vehicle but the driver and passengers if another collision occurs.
Small dents can be fixed by a collision repair specialist or if the damage is too deep to be replaced, your bumper may need to be replaced.
Dents Can Lower Your Vehicle Value
If you plan to sell or trade-in your vehicle in the future, even small dents in your bumper can be a red flag and lower the value of your vehicle. A visible dent could tell potential buyers that your vehicle has been in an accident or that the vehicle wasn’t well taken care of and may result in getting less than your asking price. When trading in your vehicle at a dealership, dents can lower the trade-in value towards your newer vehicle.
Insurance Claims
It may seem like a good idea to hold off on filing an insurance claim for minor damage to your bumper to save money. If your bumper was damaged or weakened without your knowledge, and you are involved in a collision with the same bumper, your insurance company may inspect and find the old bumper damage. If your insurance company determines the previous damage structurally compromised the bumper’s integrity, they can charge more for unnecessary repairs or even deny the claim altogether.
If your insurance covers collision insurance, you may be able to file a claim and have your bumper damage covered by your policy. Check with your insurance agent and ask what would happen to your policy if you were to make a damaged bumper claim. They may cover minor damage, without increased insurance rates.
Having Your Bumper Repaired or Replaced
Even the smallest dent to a front or rear bumper can be a cause for concern. Ignoring minor damage can lead to a small tear or dent worsening and becoming a much larger problem. The auto repair specialists at North Star Collision can assess the damage and provide you with a quote on the costs to repair or replace your bumper to keep your vehicle safe and get you back on the road.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Orangevale, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Sacramento area including Folsom, Fair Oaks, and Roseville.
