Auto Body Repair: Reducing the Drama With Your Love One

When you have been an accident, you may not want to trouble your loved one with this upsetting news. This is true especially if the accident was your fault. As far as the ticket is concerned, you should probably pay it right away. Sometimes, however, it doesn't even matter if the accident was not your fault you simply do not want your loved one to see the wrecked car.

You can get the damage fixed by taking your car to an auto body repair shop. Oftentimes the damage looks worse than it actually is. Soon after the accident, call a tow truck and have your vehicle transported to a mechanic. If you have a relationship built with a good mechanic, you should have no problems in getting the situation remedied.

Visit the mechanic at the auto body repair shop and find out the costs for the services. If the costs are within your budget, you should try to pay as soon as possible with cash. Paying with a credit card will set you up for failure. Your loved one may see the bill. The mechanic should call you directly in regards to any updates. Give him or her your cell phone number. If you give the mechanic your home number, your loved one may inadvertently take the call. Be sure to ask the mechanic the length of time that it would take to fix your vehicle. If the repairs will take only a day or so, you have a better chance at getting the vehicle's back without revealing the nature of the damage. You may also be able to delay telling your loved one that you were involved in an accident.

Have an additional service completed on your vehicle. You may get new rims, hubcaps or some other accessory to customize the vehicle at the auto body repair shop. Your loved one may think that you took the car in to get these services rendered. Even if he or she finds out that you were in an accident, seeing the changes to the vehicle may soften the blow. The person may not be as upset if the car's appearance is improved.

Arriving home without your vehicle can be tricky. You can tell your loved one that you had some vehicle problems and sent the vehicle to the shop. If your loved one asks further questions, try to change the subject. Lying is never a good option. Your loved one, however, may not press you for answers if you do not seem concerned.

When you pick up the vehicle and bring it home, your loved one may have further questions. You may casually admit that you were in a fender bender. When your loved one examines the vehicle and sees that looks better than before, he or she may not be as upset that the vehicle was an accident. The person may be grateful that you took care of the issue and that the vehicle is back. Having the services of a qualified mechanic can help keep the tension down in these situations.