Got a collision repair bill and looking for ways to save money?
Collision repair costs don’t have to break the bank, but only if you take smart action to save money. It’s always a major pain to hit another driver, have your car damaged, and deal with insurance companies. But the average total cost of repair in Q4 2024 was $4,667, and car accidents happen every 13 minutes in the US. Odds are, you’ll face this expensive headache again sooner than you want.
But you know what’s even worse than a dingy in your bumper? Getting ripped off on repair costs and poor quality work.
You deserve better than that. Here are insider tips and proven strategies smart car owners use to pay less for quality collision repairs.
Key Strategies We’ll Cover:
- Researching and Shopping for Repair Estimates
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies
- Weighing DIY Repairs vs. Professional Shops
- Sourcing Quality Parts at a Lower Price
- Advanced Money-Saving Tips
Researching and Shopping for Repair Estimates
The big secret to saving money on collision repair is this…
Always shop around for estimates before committing to a shop. Don’t you dare walk into the first body shop you see and agree to their price. Car owners who do this are throwing money away by paying hundreds or thousands more than they need to.
The simple three-estimate rule is critical. Get at least three estimates from different shops, then compare costs and services offered. Three estimates is enough to see a wide range of prices and scope of work. If two shops give you similar estimates, shop three will either exceed or fall short and tell you the complete story.
But don’t just get random estimates either. Focus on quality auto body shops in your area with proven track records and certified technicians. You always want to pay for the best top-quality car collision repair service you can find for your budget. Quality matters when it comes to safety and resale value.
Tips for Getting the Best Repair Estimates:
- Get detailed written estimates, never verbal quotes
- Ask about labor costs per hour
- Request parts breakdown (OEM vs aftermarket vs used)
- Confirm all warranty coverage
- Ask about potential hidden fees or additional costs
The difference between the highest and lowest estimate can be jaw-dropping. Some quotes vary by over $2,000 for exactly the same repair job, just because one shop included hidden fees and the other was transparent and honest.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are your friend, but they will only cover so much of your collision repair costs.
They aren’t the enemy, but they also won’t write you a blank check. The smartest thing you can do to save money on collision repair is to become an insurance company expert
Learn your policy’s ins and outs. Collision and comprehensive coverage will help with repair costs after an accident. But here’s the catch — your deductible amount also determines your out-of-pocket repair costs.
Tips for Working With Insurance:
- Report accident even if you don’t plan to file a claim
- Document all damage with photos and detailed notes
- Request a copy of the police report
- Don’t admit fault at the scene of an accident
- Keep all repair receipts and documentation
Advanced tip: Some insurance companies partner with “preferred” repair shops that offer incentives like guaranteed work, faster service, or waived deductibles. This can be a great way to save money and get quality repairs as long as the shop is reputable. Otherwise, steer clear.
Weighing DIY Repairs vs. Professional Shops
Not every repair needs to be done by a professional collision shop. In some cases, car owners can save big money by doing certain repairs themselves.
Be aware of which repairs you can DIY (paint touch-ups, small dents) and which require a professional (structural frame work, airbags). This DIY-vs-professional decision can be a big money-saver if you know what you’re doing
Repairs to DIY or Tackle at Home:
- Minor scratches and paint touch-ups
- Small dent removal (paintless dent repair kits)
- Broken mirrors or damaged trim pieces
- Interior damage like torn upholstery
- Simple bumper scuffs and scratches
Repairs to Leave to the Professionals:
- Structural damage to frame of car
- Airbag issues or replacement
- Calibration of advanced driver assistance systems
- Major paint work needing color matching or blending
- Any repair that may affect safety systems
Factor in the time and tools needed for DIY repairs, then compare against professional shop quotes. If you must take time off work to DIY repair and make tools purchases, sometimes the professional shop cost is worth your time.
Sourcing Quality Parts at a Lower Price
Where most people overspend is on auto parts. There are three tiers of parts: OEM (original equipment manufacturer), aftermarket, and used/recycled parts. Understanding the differences is key to saving money on parts.
OEM parts: The highest quality and best fit, but also the most expensive. Worth it for critical safety parts. Best for maintaining resale value.
Aftermarket parts: Cheaper than OEM by 20-50%. Quality varies widely by brand. Fine for non-critical components and cosmetic pieces. May void some warranties.
Used/recycled parts: Cheapest option, but variable quality. Best for older vehicles where OEM parts are no longer made. Always inspect carefully before use. Limited warranties.
Smart parts shopping strategy: Use OEM for safety-critical components like brakes, airbags, and seat belts. Aftermarket parts for bumpers, mirrors, and trim. Used parts for older vehicles or non-essential parts. Look for your own parts if your shop allows. Check online for deals but consider shipping costs and return policies.
Advanced Money-Saving Tips
Going pro-level with collision repair costs means knowing all the tricks. Some people don’t realize these additional hacks to save money
Timing repairs can save you money. Winter = higher demand after more weather-related accidents. Summer and slow periods = better deals as shops compete for business.
Negotiate repair costs. Pay with cash for 5-10% discounts. Bundle multiple repairs for volume discount. Ask about senior, military, or AAA discounts. Time repairs in slow season to have more negotiating leverage.
Ask about parts and labor warranties. A reputable shop will offer good guarantees if they stand behind their work. If they won’t warranty the parts or work, that is a major red flag.
Red flags to avoid at body shops:
- Estimate significantly lower than others
- Pressure to sign on the spot
- Cash only payment policies
- No brick-and-mortar physical address
- Refusal to let you see work area
Quality indicators to look for in body shops:
- Clean, organized facilities
- Certified technicians
- Updated, modern equipment
- Good BBB ratings and reviews
- Manufacturer certifications
Prevention and Long-Term Strategies
Keeping your car in top condition, parking smart, and driving safely also have their place in saving money on collision repairs. Here are the long-term collision prevention tips to use:
Don’t forget about proper vehicle maintenance. Keep tires properly inflated, brakes in good shape, and lights working. Preventive maintenance makes your car less likely to be in an accident.
Defensive driving courses lower insurance premiums in the long run. A few hours of safe driving education can pay off in lower repair costs.
Parking strategically is your first line of defense against dings. Park in well-lit areas or covered garages. Choose safer parking spots that protect from door dings.
Evaluate if higher deductibles make sense for you. The higher your deductible, the lower the insurance premium. Safe drivers with good records can benefit.
Summary
Collision repair cost doesn’t have to be so expensive or stressful when you know the right strategies. By shopping smart for estimates, negotiating with insurance, weighing DIY repairs, sourcing quality parts at a lower price, and understanding timing and negotiation tactics, you can easily save hundreds or thousands on repairs.
But the best strategy of all? Prevention and safe driving so you never have to face collision repair costs at all. Safe drivers take these strategies and run with them.