If you’re like most people, you probably think of car accidents as something that only happens to other people. You know they’re a reality, but you never really think about them happening to you. And if they do happen to you, well…you’re just not prepared for it.

It’s always a nasty surprise when your car gets damaged in an accident – especially if the damage is extensive. Suddenly, all those thoughts and worries that you tried so hard to push out of your mind come flooding back: How am I going to pay for this? Will my insurance cover it? What am I going to do without my car? These are all valid concerns, but they can be dealt with if you know what to do. So read on for some tips on what to do if your car ever gets damaged.

Contact Your Insurance Company

This is probably the most important thing you can do if your car is damaged in an accident. Your insurance company will be able to help you out with getting your car repaired, or even replaced if the damage is bad enough. They will also be able to help you with any other expenses that you may incur as a result of the accident, such as a rental car.

However, it is important to remember that you will likely have to pay a deductible before your insurance company will start covering expenses. This is why it’s always a good idea to have some money set aside in case of an accident.

Get an Estimate

If your car is not too badly damaged, you may be able to get it repaired without involving your insurance company. In this case, you’ll need to get an estimate of the repairs from a reputable auto body shop. They will be able to tell you how much it will cost to fix the damage, and you can then decide whether or not it is worth it to pay for the repairs yourself.

As seen at https://sullivanpdrestimator.com/pdr-estimating-tool-for-large-dents/, most body shops now use modern large-dents estimators that will give you the most precise estimate possible. This way you can be sure that you’re not being overcharged and that the PDR technicians will work diligently to fix your vehicle.

Decide on a Course of Action

Once you’ve contacted your insurance company and gotten an estimate, you can then decide on a course of action. If the damage is extensive and your insurance will cover it, then you can take your car to a body shop and have it repaired. However, if the damage is not too bad or if you don’t have insurance, you may be able to repair the damage yourself.

There are many do-it-yourself guides available online that can walk you through the process step-by-step. For instance, you can easily remove smaller dents from your car with a plunger or a vacuum cleaner.

Or you can cover small scratches with a touch-up paint kit. Just be sure that you feel confident in your ability to fix the damage before attempting it, as some repairs can be more complicated than others.

Consider Replacement

 In some cases, the damage to your car may be so extensive that it is not worth repairing. This is often the case with older cars that have been in multiple accidents. In these cases, you may be better off replacing your car entirely.

You can use the money from your insurance company to put towards a down payment on a new car, or you can use it to pay off any outstanding debts on your old car. Whatever you decide, be sure to shop around for the best deal before making a purchase. If possible, try to find a new car that is similar in make and model to your old one so that you can keep your insurance rates low.

File a Claim

If you do decide to file an insurance claim, be sure to do so as soon as possible. In most cases, you will have a limited time frame in which you can file a claim, so it is important to act quickly. Be sure to have all of the necessary documentation ready, such as police reports and medical bills.

You will also need to provide your insurance company with an estimate of the damage to your car. Once you’ve filed a claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much they are willing to pay.

Even though getting into a car accident is never a pleasant experience, there are some things that you can do to make the process go more smoothly. By following the steps outlined above,  you can be sure to handle everything in a timely and efficient manner.