Your car bumpers take a lot of abuse, from unexpected hazards like runaway parking lot grocery carts, flying chunks of road debris, and minor fender benders. As a result, many drivers tend to ignore superficial damage to their vehicle’s bumper, and put off repairs to save some money and time. But is that a smart move when it comes to your safety in the long run? For starters, having a bumper with cracks, scratches or dents just doesn’t look good after you get your car washed. In addition, there are several other reasons why you should promptly get your bumper fixed, even when it’s only sustained minor damage. What follows are some of the more important ones.
Cars with damaged bumpers send up red flags to potential buyers, as it could mean you’re trying to hide more serious damage or even vehicle neglect. Noticeable bumper damage can drop your vehicle’s overall resale condition from one category to another, for example, “good” to “fair”, resulting in $100s in lost value. Even when trading it in at a dealership bumper blemishes are going to reduce what you’re offered, notably when your car or truck is newer. And, when you’re attempting to sell it outright most shoppers will probably pass once they see that damage.
Auto bumpers are made to absorb the force of an impact sustained during either a front or rear-end collision while protecting the engine compartment, trunk, and most importantly, the occupants. Even superficial damage can weaken the structural integrity of your bumper, notably its internal accident protection components like:
If either of these parts are weakened by a minor fender bender, when a subsequent collision occurs, especially a high-impact one, they could fail to protect the vehicle, driver, and passengers as designed. Not only does this pose a serious injury risk to the occupants, but it could mean more extensive, and costly, damage to your vehicle.
Let’s say that you decided not to have that minor front bumper damage repaired to save a
few bucks, and the absorbers and/or bumper bar were weakened without your knowledge. Later, you’re involved in another front-end accident, resulting in serious damage to the engine compartment. An insurance adjuster could potentially inspect the vehicle and notice the old bumper damage. They may then determine that the previous damage structurally compromised the bumper’s integrity, allowing the force of the most recent crash to cause more-extensive and “unnecessary” repairs. In a worst-case scenario, your insurer has the right to decline your claim altogether, and then you’ll be forced to pay out-of-pocket for all the repairs.
As you can see, it’s smart to get even minor bumper damage repaired promptly after an accident to protect you, your vehicle, and your wallet. Finding an auto body shop nearby that can expertly restore your bumper like new again is simple when you use the Carwise referral network. When you locate collision repair businesses in your area through Carwise, those shops employ technicians with the training, equipment, and experience to inspect your bumper- including any structural damage- expertly repair it, and have you back on the road again promptly and safely. Most work directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to, and warranty their work to restore your peace-of-mind. To search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body shop in your area, visit: www.carwise.com now!
