Highly Advanced Vehicles Lead to Higher Repair Bills
Auto Club (AAA) released a press memory. It stated that cars equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), can cost twice as much to repair following a collision due to expensive sensors and associated calibration requirements. These include after-market options, such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and others,
Even minor incidents which damage this type of technology add up. This includes windshields, bumpers, door mirrors and more can add up to $3,000 in additional repair costs. With one out of three Americans reporting they are unable to afford an unexpected repair bill of $500, it’s imperative for you to review your auto insurance policy and consider the potential repair costs if your car features such modern systems.
“Advanced safety systems are much more common today, with many coming as standard equipment, even on base models,” said John Nielsen, managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA. “It’s critical that drivers understand what technology their vehicle has, how it performs and how much it could cost to repair should something happen.”
More AAA Observations
Nielsen goes on to report how common windshield chips and cracks are, especially for drivers who drive long distances or commute.
“(A chip or cracked windshield) may be an eyesore on a regular car, but when it falls in the line of sight of a camera or the driver, it becomes a safety issue that needs immediate attention by a facility qualified to work on these systems.”
Windshields are far from the only area vulnerable to costly repairs. Vehicles with ADAS may also have radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors located in or behind the front and rear bumpers or body work, as well as built into the side mirrors. While many drivers will not suffer the misfortune of being in a collision, these parts can easily be damaged in other innocent pursuits, such as while pulling out of a garage, hitting a mailbox or bumping into stationery objects.
Many variables – such as vehicle make and model; type and location of sensors; and location of repair work, can impact ADAS repair costs. Research reveals the *ranges listed for typical ADAS repair expenses:
- Front radar sensors used with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control systems: $900 to $1,300
- Rear radar sensors used with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert systems: $850 to $2,050
- Front camera sensors used with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keeping systems. (This does not include the cost of a replacement windshield): $850 to $1,900
- Side mirror or rear camera and front mirror sensors used with around-view systems: $500 to $1,100
- Front or rear ultrasonic sensors used with parking assist systems: $500 to $1,300
*These are estimates and not a guarantee of associated costs. Your C&L Auto Body customer service representative will advise you about specific costs after you bring your vehicle in for an estimate.
Where to Have Advanced Systems Repaired
Although replacing the sensors in driver assistance systems is relatively straightforward and can be performed by most mechanics, careful calibration is required to restore the system to proper operation. Doing this requires special training, tools and knowledge. Before taking your vehicle in for repair, verify the facility. Make sure they can properly repair and calibrate the damaged system(s). What’s more, request proof of the work once complete. If you go with C&L, we can assure you that we have the expertise and experience required to repair your vehicle and return it to pre-collision condition.
About C&L Auto Body
Whether or not your car includes advanced systems, you have options when it comes to auto body repair needs which result from an accident. And it is illegal for your insurance company to demand you use one shop over another. The “go-to” partner for auto body repair in the San Gabriel Valley since 1970 is C&L Auto Body. We will even help you arrange for a rental car. And we will work directly with your insurance company, so you won’t have to! C&L Auto Body is owned and operated by the Buonsanti family, who strives to treat clients like family. Come by the shop at 781 E San Bernardino Road in Covina, contact us via email today, call (626) 445-6630 or visit CandLAutoBody.com.