After a fender bender, you may wonder how serious the damage is, how much repairs will cost, and how long you’ll be without a vehicle. Kilani Fender of Wahiawa, Oahu’s premier auto collision and car refinishing service, explains the differences between cosmetic and collision repairs to give you an idea of what to expect when your car or truck requires body and/or frame repairs.

• Cosmetic Repairs: Minor damages—such as dings, scratches, small dents, scrapes, or other localized damages that do not affect your car’s operation—are considered cosmetic repairs. Such damages may lead to corrosion or other exacerbated problems over time, but they do not impair your vehicle’s safety, and they do not require immediate repair in order to get your car on the road after an auto collision. Cosmetic repairs are less expensive to fix than are collision repairs, and they usually take no more than a day to complete.
• Collision Repairs: These are far more serious than cosmetic repairs and often involve extensive body or frame damage. Crucial parts may be missing from your vehicle or extremely damaged. Usually, your car is inoperable or unsafe to operate after this type of damage. Even a seemingly minor fender bender can result in collision repairs if the frame is damaged or if several body panels are involved. Collision repairs can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to complete depending on parts availability.

After a fender bender or more serious accident, contact Kilani Fender, Oahu’s most trusted auto collision and car refinishing experts. Visit them online, or call them at (808) 621-4888 to arrange for a free quote.