More than 6 million auto accidents happen in the United States every single year. While they’re not a pleasant experience, they’re made even worse knowing the costly repair bills that lie ahead.

Auto body shops can be extremely pricey. The more extensive the damage, the higher your repair cost will be.

With some good planning ahead, you can potentially save yourself a lot of money and hassle down the road.

Keep reading for all the information you need to know about why auto collision repair is so expensive.

Auto Collision Repair Cost of Labor

Generally, the cost of labor for minor repairs, such as fixing a dent or painting a small area, will be much less than the cost of labor for major repairs, such as replacing a body panel or rebuilding a transmission.

The average cost of labor for auto repair is $50-$100 per hour.

It often requires the use of specialized equipment and skills that most auto repair technicians don’t have. This all translates into higher labor costs.

The Severity of the Damage

The repair process can be quite extensive depending on the severity of the damage. The damage will determine how long it will take to repair the vehicle. Minor damage can often be repaired in a few hours, while more significant damage can take days or even weeks.

The Make and Model of the Vehicle

Auto body shop repair can vary greatly depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

For example, a small dent on a Ford Focus may cost a few hundred dollars to repair, while the same dent on a Bentley could cost several thousand.

In general, luxury and high-end vehicles tend to cost more to repair after a collision simply because they use higher quality materials and have more intricate designs.

Cost of Parts and Materials

The cost of parts and materials is one of the main factors that determine the cost of collision auto repair. The type of materials used and the quantity needed will affect the final bill.

In some cases, the use of aftermarket or recycled parts can save money. However, these parts may not meet the same standards as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and could affect the value of your vehicle.

Insurance Policy

If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will most likely cover the repairs. If you do not have collision coverage, you will be responsible for the repairs. You will be responsible for paying that amount before your insurance company will cover the rest of the repairs if you have a high deductible.

Your insurance policy may also dictate what types of parts can be used for repairs. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay for repairs.

They often try to low-ball the repair bill or refuse to pay altogether. This can add thousands of dollars to the final repair bill.

Drive Safely!

No one likes being in an auto collision, but they are unfortunately a part of life. The average cost of auto collision repair is expensive, but there are ways to keep the costs down.

If you have been in an accident, the best thing you can do is to find a reputable collision repair shop that will work with your insurance company to get your car fixed as quickly and affordably as possible.

Explore the rest of our site to find more information about the auto industry, repairs, and more.