Do you have to fix your car right away if you’re in an accident or collision?

Unfortunately, with accidents come physical damage and with them, emergency spending. In the case of a major collision, the vehicle gets sent directly to a repair shop (or the scrapyard!). But what do you do when the damage is less extensive?

To fix now or to wait

Before contacting your insurer or a mechanic, it’s important to determine if the damage caused by the incident puts you or other road users in danger. In other words, you need to make sure your vehicle is still functioning properly. A scratch caused by a shopping cart doesn’t have the same consequences as a cracked windshield that comes loose. A shattered windshield needs to be repaired immediately, whereas if it’s just a minor chip or crack from a flying piece of gravel, you can wait a few days.

Even a seemingly minor frontal collision can be bad news for what’s under the hood. A damaged radiator, for example, can have disastrous consequences. Sometimes, a collision will mess with your wheel alignment. This can cause uneven and premature tire wear.

Wondering what shape your vehicle is in? Why not have it inspected by an expert? They’ll tell you if the vehicle is safe to drive or not. After that, you can make an appointment with an autobody shop for any necessary repairs.  

Can I drive a vehicle that’s been in an accident?

It’s all about safety. A vehicle that isn’t working properly can be very dangerous on the road. Police officers have the right to stop any unsafe vehicle on the road and ticket the offending driver. They can even require the vehicle to be taken off the road.

To make a claim or not to make a claim

Having a vehicle repaired is often expensive. So it can be tempting to file a claim with your vehicle insurer. Before you do so, here are a few things to consider.

First of all, are you the sole driver involved in the accident? According to Suzanne Michaud, Vice President of Insurance with CAA-Quebec, for any damage more serious than a simple scratch on a door, if there’s another driver involved, you should notify your insurer. “If you don’t file a claim and the other driver submits one that lays the blame on you, it could affect your driving record and cause your insurance premium to go up, which is what most people who don’t file a claim are trying to avoid,” says Michaud.

The age of the vehicle is also a factor in the decision to file a claim. Most recent vehicles are insured both ways, so physical damage is covered. But older vehicles that are worth less are sometimes only insured for civil liability.

The extent of the damage and the necessary repairs are also factors to consider. It’s important to keep in mind that any claim you make could cause your insurance premium to go up the following year. So if the cost of the repairs isn’t too high, it may make more sense to pay it and avoid a bigger premium.