Many drivers feel lucky if they can drive away from an accident with no more than a damaged bumper. However, while these issues may seem cosmetic, they can actually have a serious impact on the safety and drivability of your vehicle. Below are a few reasons to have a trusted collision repair expert check out your automobile after a fender bender.

How Does a Damaged Bumper Affect a Car?

1. Minimized Impact Resistance

Car bumpers are designed to absorb impacts and damage during a collision, cushioning the vehicle and everyone inside from injury. Even small cracks and dents can compromise its structural integrity and reduce its ability to protect you in a crash. If you get into another accident, the damage could be significantly worse if your bumper is already cracked, bent, or dented.

2. Unstable Attachments

Even if the damage to the bumper appears superficial, the hooks holding it to the car may be bent or broken. Unstable connections can break if the car hits a bump in the road, causing the bumper to fall off as you're in motion. Not only could this cause further damage to your car, but it also presents a danger to drivers behind you.

3. Concealed Damage

A collision that barely scratches the paint can cause more serious damage to the underlying structure of your vehicle. A slightly affected bumper can conceal dented metal, frame damage, or broken steering parts. Having a collision repair professional inspect the car is the best way to ensure that it’s safe to drive.

4. Complicated Insurance Claims

If you’re in another accident later, previous damage can make filing an insurance claim more difficult. Insurance companies won’t pay to repair preexisting damage, and deciding when each part of the car was harmed can take a while. This can result in lengthy delays and may even cause the insurer to deny your claim entirely.

5. Reduced Resale Value

If you plan on selling your vehicle, dents and scratches can drag your selling price down. If the buyer or dealership discovers more serious damage underneath the bumper, you might lose thousands of dollars on the sale. Prompt repairs help ensure you get the maximum value when selling or trading in your vehicle.

If you’ve been in an accident, Autoworks Collision Center in Rockford, MN, will completely restore your vehicle and provide the trustworthy service you deserve. Their ASE-certified collision repair technicians have been serving drivers throughout Wright County and the surrounding neighborhoods since 1995. They take pride in providing the most advanced service in the area. Visit them online to learn more about their collision repair services, or call (763) 477-6653 to make an appointment.