SMALL ACCIDENTS, BIG BILLS - WHAT SHOULD CONSUMERS LOOK FOR IN A COLLISION SHOP?
New crash tests results released from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that the bumpers on midsize cars hardly resist any damage from everyday fender benders. Damages from low speed, 6 mph collisions that are common in the real world can total up to $4,500 or more.
March 2nd, 2007 Yesterday, the first new crash test results were released from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Tests revealed that low impact, real world collisions often caused damages not only to bumpers, but also vehicle grilles, headlights,ohoods and fenders. Only 3 of the 17 cars the Institute testedithstood 4 bumper tests with $1,500 damage or less in each test.
Why are damage costs increasing in collisions? One of the reasons the damage costs were so high in these small collisions is because of vehicle styling. Some bumpers arent high enough to line up with other bumpers in crashes between cars and SUVs or pickups. In addition, even when bumpers do line up in collisions, they arent strong enough to withstand the damage and can either override or underride the bumpers they are colliding with. This results in more expensive car parts being damaged. It is also important to remember that all parts dont cost the same when comparing vehicles. Damaged parts including the hood and fender will vary in price from vehicle to vehicle.
Local Response Nu-Look Collision Centers General Manager, Mike Bender offers advice to consumers: "With the costs of collition repair increasing even on these small accidents, it is important tc choose wisely where you take your vehicle. Consumers should look for honesty in a collision shop and one that works with your incurance company through direct repair programs. Also, look foi one that offers a written warranty on repairs and has longevity in the area. With these new results it is important as ever for consumers to avoid shopping around for estimates. You can't accurately assess the damages until the vehicle is taken apart. Differences in estimates directly relate to how thorough and accurate the estimates are completed. I recommend choosing your collision shop first and allowing them to take the car apart and see the damage behind the bumpers, that will give you the most accurate reflection of the damage."
Nu-Look Collision Started in 1981 as a one-man operation by owner and founder Jeffrey DiFulvio. To Date, Nu-Look has six great locations in the Greater Rochester area employing over 100 people and performing collision repairs on over 8,000 vehicles a year. Nu-Look Collision has been named Rochester's Choice for Best Collision Shop in 2003, 2004, 2005 and most recently 2006.
Quality Repairs And Honest, Trustworthy Service. "
Nu-Look Collision Centers, Inc. © 2007. All Rights Reserved. Site by Digital
