Nobody plans on getting into an accident. But when it happens, things can get confusing pretty quickly.

What do I do first? Who do I call? Where should I take my vehicle? What will insurance cover?

We’ve been helping people answer those questions for years at Jim Yarger’s Body Shop. Here are a few things we think every driver should know.

1. You Choose the Body Shop

One of the biggest misconceptions after an accident is that your insurance company chooses where your vehicle is repaired.

You have a choice.

Your insurance company may recommend a shop, but you can choose the repair facility you feel most comfortable with. It’s your vehicle, and you should feel good about who’s repairing it.

2. Damage Isn’t Always Easy to See

A vehicle can look like it only has a dent or a damaged bumper, but there can be more going on underneath.

Today’s vehicles also have cameras, sensors, airbags and other safety equipment that can be affected in a collision.

That’s why it’s important to have the vehicle properly inspected — even when the damage doesn’t look that bad.

3. Cars Have a Lot More Technology Than They Used To

Modern vehicles can have systems that help with everything from braking to staying in your lane.

Things like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors and cameras have become common.

After a collision, some of these systems may need to be checked or re calibrated as part of the repair.

A good repair isn’t just about making the vehicle look good. It’s about making sure it works the way it should.

4. The Cheapest Repair Isn’t Always the Best Repair

It’s understandable to want to get your vehicle repaired for the lowest possible cost. But there can be a big difference between simply fixing visible damage and properly repairing a vehicle.

The parts, equipment, repair procedures and experience of the technicians all matter.

At Yarger’s, our goal is to repair your vehicle safely and correctly — not just make the damage disappear.

5. Parts Matter

Not all replacement parts are the same.

We recommend OEM — Original Equipment Manufacturer — parts because they’re designed for your specific vehicle.

Insurance companies may sometimes specify aftermarket parts. When that happens, we do our best to challenge those decisions and request OEM price matching whenever possible.

6. You Don’t Have to Deal With the Insurance Company by Yourself

An accident is stressful enough. Figuring out estimates, insurance questions and the repair process can add even more stress.

That’s where an experienced body shop can help.

At Jim Yarger’s Body Shop, we’ll work with your insurance company and help guide you through the process from the estimate to the completed repair.

7. A Good Repair Should Give You Confidence

When you pick up your vehicle, you want to know it was repaired properly.

At Yarger’s, we stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty on repairs.

We want you to leave knowing your vehicle was repaired right and that you’ve got a team behind you if you ever need us.

When You Need Us, We’re Here to Help

An accident can turn your day upside down in a hurry. Our job is to help make what comes next a little easier.

From a free, no-obligation estimate to working with your insurance company and getting your vehicle repaired, our “Can Do” people are ready to help.

You take care of the people involved.

We’ll help take care of the vehicle.

That’s the Yarger’s way.