• Local Car Insurance Myths That Cost Columbia Drivers After a Crash

    A car has bumped into another car in Surrey, BC

    Whether you have had the same car insurance company for years or recently switched providers, there is likely a lot that you don’t know or understand about your policy’s coverage and the claims process. It can be hard to get answers from your insurance provider. When you turn to friends and family or online sources for answers, you may encounter a lot of false information or myths. Here is a look at common car insurance myths in Surrey, BC, that can cost drivers after a crash.

    Myth #1: “If the crash isn’t my fault, I don’t have to pay anything.”

    Even if you’re not at fault, you may still have to pay upfront costs like a deductible until fault is officially determined. Also, some coverage types—like rental vehicles or loss of use—may not be included in your policy unless specifically added. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance coverage, you may need to pay for repairs if your insurance company won’t cover them.

    Myth #2: “My insurance will cover everything.”

    Many Columbia drivers assume they’re fully covered, only to find out too late that their policy doesn’t cover non-OEM parts, paint matching, flood damage, or custom equipment. Even full-coverage policies don’t necessarily cover everything. Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage can cover the cost of repairs under certain circumstances, but damage that occurs due to negligence, regular wear and tear, or lack of maintenance may not be covered.

    Myth #3: “I have to use the repair shop my insurance company recommends.”

    In British Columbia, you have the legal right to choose your own auto repair shop. Insurers may suggest preferred vendors, but the final choice is always yours. It’s best to get estimates from more than one shop in order to make sure you get the best deal. Ask friends and family to recommend a local auto body repair shop that they have used and had a good experience with. Before choosing a shop, read their reviews online, evaluate their experience and the services they offer, and consider setting up a consultation.

    Myth #4: “Filing a claim will automatically raise my rates.”

    Not all auto damage claims affect your insurance premiums. If you’re not at fault, your rate may stay the same. However, repeated claims, fault determination, and policy type do influence your premiums. Your insurance premium also won’t increase until it’s time for you to renew your policy, so you can shop around for a better deal rather than pay the higher premium.

    Myth #5: “I don’t need comprehensive coverage unless I drive a new car.”

    Choosing the cheapest auto insurance plan won’t do you any favours if you’re in an accident. The minimum coverage options typically won’t offer enough to cover all of the damage sustained in a major auto accident. You also might not be covered if your vehicle is damaged due to vandalism, weather or hail, or other unexpected situations. Investing in comprehensive auto insurance coverage protects you against costly non-collision events like theft, hail, flooding, fire, falling objects, and flying projectiles —all of which are increasingly common due to climate change and rising property crime.

    Myth #6: “The insurance company will always offer a fair settlement.”

    Your insurance adjuster is working for a huge, powerful, multi-million-dollar company. They do not have your best interests at heart. Insurance companies may offer the lowest possible payout by default, or devote an entire team to trying to find reasons to deny your claim. If your car is declared a total loss or if repairs seem rushed, it’s okay to ask questions or seek a second opinion. You may even consider hiring an attorney to protect your rights throughout the auto insurance claims process, or if you feel that your insurance company has wrongfully denied your claim.

    Myth #7: “I don’t need rental coverage—I’ll just manage without my car.”

    Not all auto body repair shops offer loaner vehicles or a pick-up and drop-off service. When you take your vehicle in for repairs, you will need to rely on friends and family for rides or take public transportation. Even if you think you only need a minor repair, it could end up taking days or weeks, especially if the shop is busy or shorthanded, the damage ends up being more extensive than previously assumed, or parts need to be ordered. If your policy doesn’t include Loss of Use or rental vehicle coverage, you could be left scrambling for transportation and paying out of pocket.

    Need Post-Accident Help or a Second Opinion?

    At Columbia Collision Repairs, we can help you separate car insurance myths from reality. We have extensive experience working with all major auto insurance companies in British Columbia. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about the auto insurance claims process for vehicle damage and repair. When you bring your vehicle to us, we will do a comprehensive assessment and inspection, full diagnostic testing, and a detailed estimate for vehicle repairs.

    We will work closely with your insurance company to make sure they have everything they need for your claim. Our goal is to make the auto insurance claims and auto repair process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. We can even arrange for pick-up and drop-off of your vehicle and a loaner vehicle. Call us now or contact us online to ask questions or make an appointment for collision repair or auto body repair in Surrey, BC. You can also use our convenient drive-through inspection process with no need to schedule an appointment.

  • Hailstorms and Hurricanes: Weather-Related Auto Body Damage in Surrey, BC

    Auto Glass & Windshield Repair Services in Surrey, BC

    Even a minor storm can cause major damage to your vehicle, and even minor damage can become major over time, especially without immediate repairs. Luckily, there are many things that you can do to reduce the risk of hailstorm, hurricane, and other storm damage to your vehicle. The first step is understanding the biggest threats to your vehicle and how hailstorms and other types of storms can affect your vehicle’s safety, beauty, and value. Here is a closer look at hailstorms and hurricanes and understanding weather-related auto body damage in Surrey, BC.

    How Hailstorms Impact Your Vehicle’s Safety, Beauty, and Value

    Hail can range in size from a pea to a softball. While even small pieces of hail have the potential to do major damage to your vehicle, damage from golfball- and softball-sized hail can be catastrophic. Hail doesn’t just do cosmetic damage; it can damage important vehicle safety features, destroy your windshield, damage your paint, and affect your vehicle’s overall safety and value. Some of the ways that hail can impact your vehicle include:

    • Reduced Structural Integrity – Hail dents can weaken the structural integrity of certain parts of your vehicle, like its frame, roof, fenders, and bumpers. This increases your risk of injury or major auto damage in a collision or accident. Over time, this damage will get worse and can lead to a total loss of your vehicle.
    • Compromised Safety – Hail can crack and chip windows and windshields, affecting your visibility. Minor cracks can get worse over time and cause the windshield to shatter unexpectedly, leading to major safety hazards. Depending on where the damage occurs and how extensive it is, it can interfere with vehicle safety features like cameras, windows, mirrors, windshield wipers, and sensors.
    • Mechanical Damage – Hail can damage your vehicle’s mouldings and allow water to enter. This can damage electrical components and affect safety features like airbags.
    • Increased Risk of Flooding and Water Damage – Without repair, hail damage can allow water intrusion, leading to rust and corrosion of crucial vehicle parts and components. You are also at a greater risk of flooding and water damage, as well as mould growth, foul odours, and upholstery damage.
    • Reduced Resale Value – Without immediate hail damage repair, your vehicle’s resale value may diminish.

    Common Types of Hail Damage to Vehicles

    Hail can cause a wide range of problems, ranging from minor to major. If these problems aren’t addressed quickly, there is a greater risk of them getting worse, more expensive, and more dangerous over time. The most common types of hail damage to vehicles are:

    • Chipped and Cracked Paint – Hail can chip and crack your vehicle’s paint, which affects its appearance and exposes the metal underneath to the elements, leading to rust and corrosion.
    • Dents and Dings – All sizes of hail can cause auto body damage ranging from minor dents and dings to major structural damage.
    • Broken or Chipped Windows, Mirrors, or Windshield – Hail can break, chip, or crack windows, windshields, and mirrors.

    Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle From Storm and Hail Damage

    The best way to save money and avoid the stress and inconvenience of vehicle storm damage is to be proactive. Pay attention to the weather, understand the risk of storms and storm damage in your area, and keep up with preventive maintenance on your vehicle. Here are some tips for protecting your vehicle from storm and hail damage:

    • Stay on top of preventive vehicle maintenance, which can ensure the safety and integrity of your vehicle.
    • Pay attention to local weather forecasts so that you know if a storm is coming.
    • Be aware of the risk of storm damage in your area due to high winds, hail, sleet, snow, ice, extreme heat, and extreme cold.
    • Park your vehicle in a garage or covered area during storms.
    • Keep trees and other vegetation on your property trimmed and pruned to reduce the risk of them falling during a storm.
    • Remove or secure any objects around your home’s exterior that could become flying projectiles in a storm.
    • Use a quality car cover if there is a risk of heavy rain, snow, hail, or extreme cold.
    • Do not park your vehicle under trees, underneath or near unsecured structures or objects, or near power lines during a major storm.

    l  Evaluate your insurance policy each year and consider investing in comprehensive insurance coverage.

    What to Do if Your Vehicle Is Damaged by Hail

    It’s important to act quickly if your vehicle suffers from storm damage or hail damage. Delaying repairs can cause them to get more extensive and expensive, and can threaten the safety of your vehicle and your safety when on the road. It’s important to report damage to your insurance company right away and begin the claims process, as a delay might affect claim approval. Here is a look at what to do after storm damage to your vehicle:

    • Document the damage thoroughly with photos and videos.
    • Review your insurance policy to confirm the damage is covered and to get information about how to file an insurance claim for hail damage or storm damage.
    • Contact your auto insurance provider to begin the claims process.
    • Get a detailed estimate for vehicle repairs from a trusted local auto body shop.

    Need Help After a Storm? Call Columbia Collision Repairs

    Columbia Collision Repairs has been providing quality, reliable storm damage repair for vehicles in Surrey, BC, since 1982. We have a team of highly skilled and trained certified auto repair technicians. We make it easy to get a detailed estimate for the cost of storm damage vehicle repair, and we’ll work with your insurance company on the claims process. Call us now or contact us online to make an appointment, or bring your vehicle into our drive-through inspection centre; no appointment is needed. We specialize in dent and ding repair, fender and bumper repair, auto glass repair and replacement, auto body repairs, and vehicle paint jobs.