What Is Betterment and How Does It Affect Auto Body Repairs?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know what “betterment” is. It’s a term that is used in the collision repair industry, and it can be confusing for people who are not familiar with it. Let’s review what betterment is and how it affects auto body repairs, discuss whether or not betterment is fair, and what you can do if you think you’ve been overcharged for collision repairs.

What is Betterment in Auto Collision Repair?

Betterment is defined as “the cost of bringing a vehicle back to its pre-accident condition.” This means that if your car is damaged in an accident and needs repairs, the auto body shop may charge you for the cost of parts and labor to bring your car back to its original condition, plus an additional charge for betterment.

How Does Betterment Affect Auto Body Repairs?

If your car is totaled in an accident and you need to have it replaced, the insurance company will only pay you the actual cash value of your car, minus any deductible. The actual cash value of your car is the current market value of your car, minus depreciation. This means that if your car is five years old and you paid $20,000 for it, the actual cash value of your car may only be $15,000. If the insurance company determines that it will cost $25,000 to replace your car, they will only pay you $15,000, and you will be responsible for the remaining $10000.

Is Betterment Fair?

Some people feel that betterment is unfair because it penalizes people who have older cars. They argue that if you have a newer car, the insurance company will pay to replace it with a new car if it’s totaled in an accident, but if you have an older car, they will only pay you the actual cash value of your car, minus any deductible.

What Can You Do When It Comes to Collision Repair?

If you think you’ve been overcharged for collision repairs, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance department. You can also contact an attorney who specializes in auto accident cases to discuss your legal options.

Ready to Get Collision Repair That Works? Start With Grove Collision Repairs!

No matter what your collision repair needs are, Grove Collision Repairs is here to help. We’re a full-service auto body shop that can handle everything from minor dents and scratches to major repairs. We work with all insurance companies and can help you navigate the claims process. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate!