You know that feeling. You notice a dent you can’t recall getting or a scratch that shows up overnight. Your first thought? “It’s not a big deal . I’ll fix it another time .” Sound familiar? A lot of drivers have been there telling themselves that minor damage isn’t urgent.
But let’s face it—”another time” never happens. What begins as a tiny issue can grow into a bigger problem, one that eats up your savings and messes with your car’s condition. Here’s what happens when people try to avoid going to a professional auto body shop.
Calling Small Damage “Just Cosmetic”
At first glance, a little dent looks harmless. A faint scratch registers in your mind. You assume it’s about appearance and not worth the effort to get it fixed. That’s how the problems start to pile up.
What goes on:
- The protective paint cracks leaving bare metal uncovered and vulnerable to moisture.
- Rust starts to form and spreads underneath in just a few weeks.
- What could have been a $150 repair can turn into replacing an $800 or more panel.
- Selling the car becomes harder as rust drops its resale value when buyers notice corrosion.
Even tiny chips smaller than a dime let damage start and spread where you can’t see it. By the time visible rust shows up, fixing it at an auto repair shop is no longer an option.
Choosing the Cheapest Quote Without Asking Questions
In theory, it is quite logical for people to go for the best price, but there is an element of risk to go for the cheapest without knowing what they are botying. Some places will cut corners to keep their rates low seeming like a great deal at first glance.
Things to be cautious about:
- Aftermarket parts that aren’t made for your car’s exact needs
- Skipping safety system recalibrations after accident fixes
- No warranty given for the repairs they finish
- Rushing the job without allowing enough time for proper curing
Good auto body repair needs accuracy, the right materials, and enough time. Shops that claim to deliver all this at rock-bottom prices are cutting corners somewhere. Those “savings” will cost you later when the paint starts peeling or parts don’t line up.
Relying on DIY Videos for Complicated Fixes
Videos online make auto repairs seem simple. Mix paint fix the dent spray on some clear coat—it all looks easy. A few minutes later, your car seems brand new at least on video.
Actual results often prove otherwise. Skilled technicians dedicate years to mastering material properties and the correct methods. Those online tutorials never show the mistakes. Your home garage lacks a controlled spray booth. That $40 paint kit can’t match your car’s original color. And the suction cup dent puller bends the metal instead of fixing it.
When an experienced auto repair shop needs to fix both the initial damage and your DIY attempt, your costs might double. Some fixes might even require replacing entire panels because of unfixable mistakes.
Putting Off Repairs Forever
Life gets hectic. Repairing your car means dealing with insurance, finding other transportation, and being without the car for a while. You plan to take it in next week then push it to next month, and then say you’ll handle it “when life calms down.”
Effects of Delaying Repairs:
- A misaligned frame wears tires . This could lead to spending over $800 to replace them earlier than expected.
- Loose bumpers pull on their mounting points. Over time, this stress can crack the points.
- Damaged seals let water inside. Inside moisture may cause mold or mess with your car’s electrical systems.
- Tiny cracks will grow bigger because of road vibrations and changes in temperature.
- Damage on your car won’t stop getting worse while you’re busy. Waiting makes repairs harder and more expensive.
Why Skipping Insurance Claims Might Backfire
Some drivers skip insurance claims for small damage thinking their premiums will rise. Others avoid claims thinking small repairs aren’t worth more than the deductible. Both choices can backfire. Minor damage might hide deeper problems, or a later accident in the same spot could cause bigger troubles.
Insurance companies often grow cautious when they spot old damage mixed in with new claims. Sorting out which event led to what damage becomes almost impossible. Most insurance plans come with coverage that handles car body repair services, like collision protection comprehensive plans, or uninsured motorist coverage. Calling your insurance provider can help you understand what gets covered so you don’t end up paying out of pocket .
Conclusion
Picking the best auto body repair shop shouldn’t feel like risking the safety of your car. Spectrum Auto Inc. has been building trust and delivering quality service to the communities of West Nyack and Montrose for over 30 years with certified skills and honest work.
We earned I-CAR Gold Class certification and have Platinum-certified technicians keeping up with top-notch industry standards. As a Tesla-approved collision center and Carstar partner, we take care of anything from small scratches to serious collision repairs using original manufacturer parts and approved methods. To make things easier, we deal with your insurance company and provide lifetime warranties on our repairs.
FAQs
- If I ignore a little scratch, will it cause rust issues?
Yes, it can. The metal surface becomes exposed to moisture when the paint suffers from damage. Rust begins to develop within a period of 2-3 weeks and continues to spread throughout the material.
- Why is picking the cheapest auto body repair estimate a bad idea?
The selection of the least expensive quotation demonstrates that the company intends to utilize inferior components and violates safety standards while conducting work activities in a hasty manner. This can lead to problems later. Paying more upfront often gets you better quality work that lasts.
- Can I repair small dents myself to cut costs?
Trying to fix dents on your own makes things worse. Without the right tools, skills, and setup, it’s hard to do it . Shops might even charge more to fix mistakes made during DIY attempts.
- Does filing an insurance claim raise my rates?
Not always. Many insurance plans cover repairs without increasing your premiums when it comes to comprehensive claims. Look into your policy to know for sure.
- How can you tell if an auto body repair shop is certified?
Make sure they possess all the official authority certifications and are well-accredited, especially from factory-approved manufacturers, including Tesla and other OEMs. You should also ask if their technicians have proper training. Reliable shops show their certifications .
