Getting into a major accident that leaves your car in pieces might have you thinking that it's time to get a new vehicle. This could be very concerning to you if money is tight right now. So, it's important in this situation to still move forward with the process of getting the car looked by a professional. What might look like unfixable damage to you could actually be not that bad in the eyes of an auto collision repair expert. Here's what to do if your vehicle sustains dramatic damage.

Take Photos and Contact Your Insurer Immediately

First things first, you will want to get the ball rolling with your insurance company before you pick out an auto collision repair center. The insurance company might ask for things like a copy of the police report or photographic evidence of what happened. Document the car and the scene if possible and send as much information as you can. If the car is indeed totaled, your policy will likely cover it, but the insurance company may still be interested in getting a professional's opinion.

You Can Pick Your Own Collision Center

Once the insurance company is ready to move forward, they may recommend a specific repair center. But you should know that you have the right to take the vehicle to any collision center or mechanic you see fit. Just know that if you go this route, you might pay for the repair out of pocket and then be reimbursed later. Going with the collision center suggested by your insurance may prevent you from having to pay anything besides the deductible. You should weight the pros and cons of each route, but the point is, you do have a choice here.

Don't Be Afraid to Get a Second Opinion

If your car is indeed totaled, you will likely receive the cash value of the vehicle minus your deductible. If you have an older car, though, the cash value might not be that high. In some cases, it might be better to find someone who can repair the vehicle instead of just writing it off. This is because a repair will ensure that you still have a working vehicle instead of just an amount of cash that might not be enough to buy another decent car. Don't be afraid to look around for the best possible collision center in your area if you want to push for the repair option.

Contact  collision repair centers like Collisions Plus Performance today for more information.