When your car is in an accident, you'll need to take it to an auto body shop for repairs. The extent of the damage will determine how much those repairs cost. These body shops categorize damage to give an idea of severity. Knowing how they define and classify car damage helps you understand the cost of the project.

Type of Damage

Body shops break vehicle damage down into a few main categories. According to Crockett Law, Category S indicates structural damage. This means damage to the vehicle's underlying structure that affects its frame or body. Category S damage is the most severe and complicated to repair.

Category N is for non-structural damage like dents, dings, or scratched paint on exterior panels that are less complex to fix. Mechanical damage is another category referring to problems with the engine, transmission, or other components. An auto body shop looks at what type of damage occurred to estimate repair complexity and cost.

Location of Damage

The location of the damage also plays a role in the complexity and cost of the repairs. Damage to multiple panels generally costs more to fix than a dent on a single panel. A scratch confined to one door is easier to manage than damage wrapping around neighboring sides of the car. Work limited to a bumper or fender is simpler than replacing an entire hood or trunk lid. Look at where the damage is to get an idea of the potential repair scope and ask the auto body shop for a full list of damaged parts to best estimate costs.

Severity of Damage

Car body shops further define damage by how severe it is. A small scratch or dimple is minor damage while deep dents, cracks in panels, or parts that require replacement are more significant. Severe damage could require straightening or pulling out dents rather than simply buffing out surface scratches. Things like paintless dent repair have made fixes for moderate dents much easier, but extensive damage still takes considerable work to correct.

When you bring your car to a body shop after an accident, they'll inspect and categorize the damage. This gives you an idea of how complex repairs will be. Being informed puts you in a better position to work with your auto body shop and insurance adjuster. With an accurate damage assessment, you can get your car looking like new again. Call National Body Works today if you've been in an accident and need auto body repairs.