Why you Must Repair your Bumper as soon as it’s Damaged
When you get involved in a major collision, it is a no-brainer that you need your car repaired as soon as possible. However, small scratches and dents on bumpers often go unattended for days or even months. As harmless as that may appear, it is actually in your best interests to repair your bumper as soon as it gets damaged. In this article, we will look at the most important reasons why a car owner must fix and repair damages to their bumper as soon as they occur.
1. Insurance
Even if you were not to blame for a collision that just happened, the insurance company might refuse to compensate you if they discover that you had a faulty bumper all along. In fact, the insurance company can also drop the cover altogether if you do not repair your damaged bumpers. If your insurance is somehow compelled to pay you, they will only pay a partial amount because they will argue that the old damage on the bumper had not been repaired in time as the law requires. It gets even more complicated if you get into an accident that damages the bumper in the same area. Never assume that the damage on your bumper is negligible because it is too small. That small dent could cost you a lot of money when the insurance refuses to pay up for more severe damage in the event of a collision.
2. Road Safety
Bumpers are not just there for the aesthetics they add to the car. They are fitted to add some extra security in the event of a collision. Without the bumper, small accidents that typically leave the passengers unscathed could turn fatal. This is a good reason to ensure your bumper is in excellent condition. However minor the damage may be, get it fixed because it could be the difference between life and death. Some of the damages may not be visible because some damages happen even without your knowledge – like say another driver collides with your car at the parking lot. So if you notice some fault lines in your bumper take your car for a mechanic inspection right away.
3. The law
Even though a small defect in the bumper may look harmless, it could be pointing to something more grave. For instance, a small dent in the bumper could be hiding an even bigger problem at the chassis level. This is the reason why the law requires that all vehicles must have a rear and front bumper that is in good working condition. The only exception to this rule is the older classic vehicles which were not designed to have bumpers. As a car owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your bumpers are in place and also without any defect. If a police officer notices something faulty with your bumper, you will be issued with a fine and your vehicle will also not pass inspection. If for no other reason, then remember that fixing your bumper is a requirement by law.
4. Resale value
Fixing your bumper as soon as it gets damaged is another way of ensuring your car value doesn’t go down. Keeping the value of your car is essential whenever you want to sell it or trade it in. Any minor scratch or dent on a car makes it lose value. The newer your car looks, the better the price it will fetch when you decide to resale it. And do not think that you can just ignore the damage now and then fix it when you want to sale the car. Minor damages will deteriorate over time and by the time you get to fix it; it will cost you a lot more. Need an expert to look at your bumper? Contact Braeside Smash Repairs today to help you return your bumper to its original state.