Why You Shouldn't Neglect Minor Bumper Damage

Car accidents -- even minor ones -- are not fun. Fortunately, most people will only have to experience the frustration of fender benders; from runaway grocery carts to slow-moving parking lot collisions, your bumpers usually take the brunt of the damage. You may notice your paint has scratched or chipped off, your bumpers are sporting some new (not shiny) dents, or you may not see anything (although that doesn't necessarily mean that there's nothing wrong).

Rather than ignore these bruises, it's best to get even the tiniest of scrapes looked at and repaired; let's find out why.

• Resale Value: You're not going to be driving that same car for the rest of your life. If you take good care of it, you'll be able to trade it in for a decent price when the time comes to upgrade; if you have damaged bumpers, however, potential buyers may think you're trying to hide more serious damage or even vehicle neglect. Though it may not affect your car's ability to drive, noticeable bumper damage can cost your hundreds of dollars in selling value.


• Safety: Bumpers are made of two components: the bumper absorber and the bumper bar. Because bumpers are designed to absorb the force of an impact sustained during a collision while protecting the engine compartment, trunk -- and most importantly -- you, damage to either one can compromise the safety of the vehicle's occupants. It's simply better not to take the risk.


• Insurance Claims: If you decide not to repair your minor damage and then find yourself in another accident, an insurance adjuster will most likely inspect your vehicle to determine how much damage was incurred. If they notice old bumper damage, they could rule that the previous accident compromised the structural integrity of your bumper, making the damage from the second accident more severe; you won't be covered for the resulting costs because it was determined to be your fault.

The hassle of taking your vehicle to a car paint shop or car body shop may seem too much, especially if you're strapped for cash at the moment, but it is always a good idea. Though you'll end up dealing with dent repair or repainting costs, the investment is always worth it.

If you're dreading the trip to the car paint shop, be grateful you're not facing the repercussions of a more serious accident; rear-end collisions comprised 33% of car crashes in 2014, and are estimated to occur on U.S. roads every eight seconds. They're also significantly more expensive to fix.

Looking for a reliable car paint shop? Call River North Collision Repair at (312) 403-6000 today.