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A fender bender or minor collision often results in small inconveniences, such as slight dents, a few scratches, or a chipped light or windshield.
These impairments may seem trivial at a glance, but at times, serious trouble may lurk underneath.
As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind- these hidden damages often go unnoticed by vehicle owners. When someone does not see an impairment, they do not repair it promptly.
Such negligence triggers complications in the performance, value, and safety of the vehicle. For this reason, people schedule routine check-ups with the car repair shops close to me.
Those who are new to the world of auto repair near me, this article offers insight into hidden damages and how far insurances cover them.
What Makes a Damage Hidden?
Hidden damages are internal injuries that arise as a result of a minor collision. As the name suggests, the defects are not visible to the naked eye. If inspectors inspect the impact half-heartedly, they can easily overlook such problems underneath the surface.
One more reason for the late diagnosis is that the symptoms of the fender bender do not occur immediately. Instead, they emerge over time, as their condition deteriorates further.
Nowadays, vehicles come with the integration of complex structures and advanced systems. A slight nudge to the exterior can misalign the frame, weaken the suspension, or cause malfunctions in the sensors.
How does a Fender Bender Affect the Vehicle’s Components?
Frame and Body
- Slight incidents can deform the frame and create difficulties in handling the vehicle.
- If damage occurs to the subframe, it causes uneven wear and vibrations during drives.
- Hidden cracks in the body mounts compromise the structural integrity.
Suspension and Steering
- A loose or bent control arm, ball joints, and tie rods hinder the stability of the steering wheel.
- If the struts, shocks, and springs get damaged, they may cause the tire to wear out.
- Concealed and untreated defects lead to directional pulls and fluid leaks.
Mechanical System
- There is premature failure of axles and constant velocity joints.
- The transmission and engine brackets experience vibrations and accelerated deterioration.
- The brake efficiency is hampered if the hoses, lines, or calipers are impaired.
Electrical and Safety System
The next-generation vehicles come equipped with sensors and cameras that are linked to safety features.
Exhaust and Underbody Parts
- The exhaust pipes, silencers, fuel lines, and tanks can break and leak.
- Tampered heat protective plates and the underside panels produce weird noises and make them unsafe.
Airbag System
Are Hidden Damages Eligible for Insurance?
Some insurance policies do cover certain unnoticed damages, while others offer partial protection or entirely exclude them. The following is a detailed overview of the non-visible impairments that policies account for:
Existing Injuries
The inspection indicates that the impairment emerged at a time before the collision, for instance, a bent frame from a prior incident. The insurer provides coverage for hidden damage for recent and sudden losses, not for old unresolved ones.
Standard Deterioration
The mechanic near me discovered that daily wear and tear caused the potential underlying defect..
The reason for exclusion is that ordinary aging stems from day-to-day use of the vehicle, like a worn-out suspension. Hence, these defects cannot be stated as a crash-related loss.
Depreciated Value
Most insurance policies do not cover the diminished value. This reduction is the drop in the resale market value of the vehicle, after repairs. Typically, sellers sell a car that has been a part of an accident at a lower price than a similar model.
Unauthorized Modifications
A custom upgrade not specified in the obtained insurance policy renders them ineligible. Furthermore, we exempt the spare parts purchased from the aftermarkets. You can ensure only brand-original parts unless you opt for special custom equipment.
Irrelevance to Collision
Failures or malfunctions resulting from insufficient maintenance and vehicle breakdowns, instead of minor collisions. Furthermore, to demonstrate, if the collision repair near me diagnoses the sensor issue as a software failure, the policy will not grant protection.
Below the Deductible Threshold
The insurance deductible is a share of the amount the policyholders pay out of their pocket. If the repair costs are a figure less than the deductible, the owner will bear them himself.
Delayed Reporting
The insurance companies demand prompt documentation of the incident. A specified period for notification is provided to all car repair shops close to me, which they have to abide by.
Scenarios for Complete Exclusion
Searching for an Insurance-Affiliated Ally?
Dr. Ralph’s Automotive Services Center is an auto repair near me that works directly with insurance companies. Moreover, we provide you with the best coverage policies out there to meet your needs after a fender bender.