A minor accident can leave more than just a dent in your day. Even a simple fender bender often requires professional attention to restore your car’s safety, appearance, and value. Whether navigating insurance claims or needing expert help getting back on the road, understanding the basics of collision and paint repair is key.
This guide explains what to do after a fender bender, the difference between minor and major collisions, and how to find reliable repair services in Denver so you can drive confidently.
Difference Between a Fender Bender and a Major Auto Collision
Not all car accidents are created equal. A fender bender usually refers to a low-speed crash — think parking lot mishaps, stop-and-go traffic bumps, or tapping the car in front of you at a red light. These accidents often result in minor cosmetic damage like dented bumpers, scratched paint, or a cracked light.
On the other hand, a serious auto collision typically occurs at higher speeds, and the damage is deeper. Where a fender bender is skin deep, a major auto collision might involve the frame, the internals, and nearly always the body. All of these require more complex structural and cosmetic repairs and often involve towing, insurance claims, and longer turnaround times at the body shop.
Understanding this difference helps you decide what level of repair you need and whether insurance will cover it.
5 Steps To Take After A Fender Bender
Even a fender bender can leave you a little rattled. Depending on how hard you were hit, you might be pushed into traffic or the back of the vehicle in front of you. Whatever the specific circumstance, there are five basic steps to take after you’ve been in a fender bender accident.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess Your Vehicle’s Damage
Staying calm and in control of your emotions is the key here. Even if other drivers are emotional, keeping calm will help in the long run. Move to the side of the road to get out of oncoming traffic. Take note of visible damage and snap pictures of the damage you can see, even if it’s just minor dents. Documenting the other driver’s vehicle damage and license plate may be necessary. Remember, some damage, even a fender bender, isn’t visible after an accident and might turn up under an inspection by an expert technician at an auto body shop.
Step 2: Exchange Information and File an Auto Collision Report With the Police
Exchange necessary information with the other drivers involved in the accident, especially insurance documentation. Call the police and file a car accident report. The responsible driver might not want to do this, but it is recommended that the incident be reported. You might need official documentation later on.
Step 3: Call Your Insurance Provider to Start Your Auto Collision Claim
Don’t wait to contact your insurance provider; do it the same day. One or more of the drivers might now want to start a claim, because it can drive up your premiums. However, it’s essential to file the claim because damage from a fender bender can be undetectable and cause further damage up the road if not repaired immediately. No one knows their premiums will increase, but starting the claims process early helps prevent delays. Then, look for a trusted auto body repair shop with experience handling insurance-related repairs near you.
Step 4: Choose a Reliable Auto Body Collision Repair Shop in Denver
Like with a surgeon, experience is essential for collision and paint repair work on your vehicle. A professional autobody repair shop will have certified specialists on staff, including but not limited to paintless dent repair experts who might be called in to repair your fender bender. Accurate paint-matching and frame inspection are especially important if you need a paint job after a fender or major accident. These details affect your car’s appearance, long-term safety, and value.
Local tip: You have the right to pick any repair facility you choose to take your vehicle to. Do not always go with the insurance company’s recommended body shops. Many of them are contracted to save money for the insurance company and, in turn, cut corners on repairs. Look for an auto body repair shop in Denver that has expertise in handling insurance claims and can negotiate with the insurance company for proper repairs.
Step 5: Understand the Auto Collision Repair Process
Once your car is at the shop, getting a detailed damage estimate is the first step. Your insurance company needs to approve the repair costs, and the actual work starts at the body shop. This can include straightening the frame, repairing dents, replacing panels, and matching the paint so everything looks right.
You might only be without your car for minor fender repairs for a few days. But if there’s more extensive damage — especially to the frame or internal systems — expect the repairs to take a week or more.
When Insurance Will Pay for Car Body Repairs
Not all damage is automatically covered, so understanding what your policy includes is essential. If the accident was your fault, you’ll likely need collision coverage for insurance to kick in. If someone else caused the damage, their liability coverage should cover the repairs.
Your insurer will also assess whether the vehicle is repairable or considered totaled. If the cost to fix it exceeds the car’s value, they may offer a payout instead.
Some services — like minor dings or paint touch-ups — may fall below your deductible, meaning you’ll pay out-of-pocket. But for most moderate to major repairs, insurance typically covers most of the cost, especially if you’ve chosen a shop that works directly with your provider.
Auto Body Repair Denver Services You Can Trust
A fender bender is a funny way of describing a car accident, and in many ways, it minimizes the actual impact of the accident and the extent to which it might take to get it fixed. Denver Auto Body takes all auto accidents seriously by giving every vehicle in our shop a thorough inspection and damage and repair report, which car owners appreciate.
If you’re searching for auto body service near you, feel free to schedule an in-person appointment or contact us online for a vehicle repair quote without going to a body shop or talking on the phone. Our goal is to get your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. Our online form gathers all the necessary information, and we’ll give you an initial quote immediately. Or, if you want to talk to one of our specialists, call us directly at 303-288-6263.