If you have been in a minor accident, such as a minor fender-bender or an accidental scrape against a pole, then you should still have your car checked out by a professional auto body repair shop. Many people only go to a professional auto body shop if they have been in a major accident because it is obvious that there is some work that needs to be done and most likely the repairs are going to be covered by your auto insurance policy since you are more likely to file a claim after a major accident. However, here are three reasons to have your car inspected by a professional auto body repair shop even if you haven't filed a claim and will need to pay out of pocket for minor repairs:

Prevent Rust:

Small scratches that lead to the metal underneath the paint of your vehicle need to be repaired. This is because when the metal is exposed, it is exposed to the outdoor weather conditions, such as rain, which is going to cause the metal to begin rusting. When this happens, it begins to spread and ruins the paint around it. This also leaves holes in your vehicle's body, which is going to be more expensive to fix than it would be to fix the small scratch that was there in the first place. All these scratches that reach the metal must be touched up and repainted to prevent rust. 

Keep Value High:

Many people don't realize how small scratches lead to a significant decrease in their vehicle's value. You definitely don't want this to happen to your vehicle if you plan on selling it in the future or you plan on trading it in. The amount that you receive for your vehicle will be significantly different if you leave small scratches be instead of having them fixed. 

Fix Hidden Damage: 

When your car is in a minor accident, it may not seem like a big deal. However, car's are much more delicate than you think. After all, they weren't built to be like bumper cars. There are many problems that can lead to bigger issues in the long run. For example, if the frame is slightly bent, it doesn't seem like a big deal, but since the frame of the vehicle is important for maintaining the structure of your vehicle, the bent frame can eventually cause issues with the way that the car drives. 

When you know these three reasons for having your car inspected, you can see why it's so important for your vehicle and your wallet in the long run. Contact a business, such as Blue Ribbon Auto Body, for more information.