After a car accident—minor or major—motorists are often left to wonder whether or not they should invest in collision repair—or if it is even necessary. While holding off on repairs may save you money in the short term and prevent you from being without your car, C&L Auto Body of Morris County, NJ, reminds consumers that leaving problems unattended can cost more down the road.

If you’re wondering if you should contact a local auto repair shop for collision work, consider all the ways immediate action can make the car-owning experience more enjoyable

5 Advantages of Immediate Collision Repair

1. Safety

The most important reason to get your car fully inspected and fixed after an auto accident is to protect your safety and that of others on the road. While it may seem that your car is fine, internal components could be broken and cause a dangerous malfunction while driving. Similarly, safety mechanisms—such as airbags—may not be functional, and that could cost you your life.

2. Insurance Coverage

If you have collision or comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you will be required to get repairs done to keep that coverage. Typically, providers will not continue to offer this extra coverage if you aren’t willing to keep the car in good condition. And if you are leasing or still making car payments, your lender will require this insurance to be maintained to protect their investment.

3. Undiscovered Problems

While your insurance claims adjuster will look over a vehicle to provide you with an auto repair estimate that they will cover, some problems may go undetected until a professional mechanic dives in. When this happens, they can work with your insurance provider to make sure additional problems are covered.

4. Corrosion

If only the body of your car was damaged, you may not feel that getting collision repair is necessary to maintain mechanical abilities. However, when left unattended, auto body damage is a major cause of rust. The longer corrosion occurs, the more likely it is that it will impact the frame, safety, and function of your vehicle.

5. Car Value

If you’ve paid off your vehicle, you run the risk of losing a big chunk of your investment if you choose not to seek out immediate collision repair. No matter what the age of the vehicle, problems caused by an accident will cause the car value to drop incredibly. In some cases, the vehicle may not even be able to be bought or traded in.

If you need collision repair in East Hanover, NJ, the services at C & L Auto Body can make the process a breeze. As a company that values customer service, they work with all insurance providers to get you covered—and keep you updated throughout the process.  Call (973) 428-4747 to schedule service or request an estimate.