Body shop repairs in Knoxville TN
If your vehicle has been in an accident, body shop repairs are essential to restoring its appearance and functionality. However, while high-quality repairs can bring your car back to life, they can also impact its resale value. Even with a professional repair job, potential buyers often hesitate when they see accident history on a vehicle report.
Understanding how body shop repairs affect value and taking the right steps to maintain your car’s worth can make a big difference. Let’s explore the key factors, how insurance companies calculate diminished value, and what you can do to minimize the impact.
Why Do Body Shop Repairs Affect Resale Value?
Every vehicle depreciates over time, but accidents can accelerate that process. Even if body shop repairs in Knoxville TN are done perfectly, a reported accident history may make buyers cautious. Since vehicle history reports are easy to access, buyers can quickly find out if a car has been in an accident, leading them to negotiate a lower price or pass on the purchase altogether.
Many buyers assume a repaired vehicle might have hidden damage, even if it looks brand new. Additionally, repairs involving structural work, frame realignment, or panel replacements may raise concerns about long-term performance and durability.
How Insurance Companies Calculate Diminished Value
After an accident, insurance companies determine how much your car’s value has dropped using specific formulas. A common method is the 17c formula, which involves:
- Identifying the pre-accident value – Insurance companies use sources to find the car’s value before the accident.
- Applying a percentage cap – Typically, a 10% cap is placed on the pre-accident value to calculate the maximum loss.
- Assessing damage severity – The base diminished value is then adjusted based on the extent of the damage.
- Factoring in mileage – Since mileage affects resale value, additional adjustments are made to reflect wear and tear.
For example, if a car was worth $30,000 before the accident, its base diminished value might be $3,000. After adjustments for damage and mileage, the final diminished value could be much lower. While this formula is widely used, it often underestimates the real impact on a car’s value. For a more accurate estimate, hiring a professional appraiser may be necessary.
How to Protect Your Car’s Value After Body Shop Repairs
Even though auto repairs in Knoxville TN are necessary after an accident, taking the right steps can help maintain your vehicle’s value.
Choose a Certified Auto Body Shop
Not all repair shops offer the same level of service. Choosing a body shop with industry certifications like Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop ensures that your car receives top-quality repairs. Certifications from manufacturers or organizations like ASE and I-CAR indicate that technicians follow strict industry standards.
auto body shops in Knoxville TN
Use OEM Parts for Repairs
Replacing damaged parts with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts instead of aftermarket alternatives is another important factor. OEM parts match your car’s original specifications and offer better fit and durability. Since some buyers in Knoxville TN prefer vehicles with OEM parts, this choice can help maintain value.
Address Structural Damage Quickly
If your car has structural damage, such as a bent frame or misaligned panels, delaying repairs can make things worse. Ignoring structural issues can lead to additional wear and tear, lowering the car’s overall value even further.
Invest in High-Quality Paint Repairs
A vehicle’s appearance plays a significant role in resale value. If your car needs repainting after an accident, make sure the new paint blends seamlessly with the original finish. A professional auto body shop can ensure the best color match and application.
Can You Avoid Diminished Value?
While it may be impossible to prevent all value loss, there are steps you can take to minimize it:
- Keep records of all auto repairs and ensure they were done by a reputable service provider.
- Maintain your car regularly, keeping both the exterior and interior in great condition.
- If necessary, negotiate with insurance companies to receive fair compensation for diminished value.
Even with body shop repairs, a well-maintained vehicle with proper documentation can still attract buyers and hold onto more of its original value.
Quality body shop repairs can make a huge difference in maintaining your vehicle’s value. Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now to schedule expert repairs and protect your investment!
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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/
Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County
Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville
