24 October 2016
 Categories: , Blog

After you have been in a collision and taken your car in for repairs, you may be surprised to find that your or the other driver's insurance company doesn't cover the entire cost of certain replaced parts. These are known as betterment charges, and many car owners only learn about them after they have been in an accident. The following four parts are commonly replaced without full coverage, meant to prevent the insurance company paying more than the actual value of the damaged part. 

Installing Fresh Tires

Tires are frequently either damaged in a crash or overdue for replacement when the car comes in for repairs. In these cases, the insurance company may factor in the age of and wear on your current tires, leaving you to make up for the difference in value. This is usually determined by the remaining tread on the tire as compared to its original condition. 

Updating the Muffler

You may not think of your muffler as a part that needs replacing. But if you live in an area with high humidity or road salt usage, your muffler may rust within as little as a few years of regular driving. This gradual weakening is further exacerbated by the strains of your exhaust system, particularly when you often operate your car in the cold. If the insurance company or your repair service can't track down the exact muffler model for your vehicle, you may need to pay extra for a newer version. 

Replacing the Battery and Belts

Insurance companies often insist on replacing any worn belts or batteries to ensure that other, more serious repairs function as intended. The good news is that these parts are usually inexpensive and frequently replaced anyways, meaning you might just write them off as regular maintenance. 

Refreshing Your Suspension

Your car's suspension system is constantly working to absorb the bumps of the road, but that can lead to deteriorated springs and other worn-down parts. Because of this, if your car needs significant body work, your suspension system may also be replaced with a betterment charge attached. Before signing off on the repairs needed to bring your car back to a roadworthy condition, inquire about any betterment charges you will be incurring. If you disagree with the insurance company's judgments, you may be able to dispute them. By understanding what to expect and why betterment charges exist, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises while still ensuring that you are properly compensated for the accident and its damages. 

For more information, contact local professionals like Central Body Company, Inc.