Everyone knows that auto body and collision repair services are not cheap. After all, even minor collision repair services can cost hundreds of dollars. You can seek help from your auto insurance, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll always pick up the bill, leaving you to shoulder the costs on your own. So, if you want to save more money on your auto body repair, it’s best to check out different options. Here are some ways to find the right service with a payment plan you can afford.
Using the Repair Shop’s Own Plan
Many auto repairs shops offer their own plans. This is great, but plans offered by collision repair specialists are often expensive. Before you sign up for any payment plan, you need to make sure that you know their terms and conditions. For instance, how much are you going to end up paying in interest? This should be one of your top questions.
Auto repair shops earn commissions when vehicle owners sign up for payment plans. Are you paying extra to benefit the company? That is another question you want to ask yourself. So, make sure you’re well-aware of these factors before anything else.
Speak to Your Bank
You should also speak to your bank. Most banks offer emergency loans for urgent repairs or home improvements. A bank loan’s interest rate is probably lower than a loan from your repair shop. If you have a good credit score, there is no reason why you should not contact your bank.
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Paying by Credit Card
Yes, you can use your credit card to pay for the repair. But, make sure that you use a credit card that offers a low-interest rate or no interest at all. If your credit card has a high interest rate, it’s not your best option. However, if the first two routes don’t work, you can temporarily rely on your credit card. Some credit cards offer no interest for the first 6 months to 12 months on new purchases.
If your credit card doesn’t offer this benefit, apply for one that does. Alternatively, pay for the repair on your credit card, and transfer the cost to a card that offers free balance transfers. This way, you can pay off the price of your auto repair much faster.
Don’t forget that taking out a loan of any kind, or applying for a new credit card, can negatively affect your credit rating. So, make sure that you pay off any money you borrow as soon as possible.
Other Loans
Should you take out a payday loan? Although payday loans are easy to access, they are often expensive to pay back. Explore all of the alternatives before you take out a payday loan to cover auto repair costs.
Related Content: 4 Ways to Finance Your Auto Repairs
Save More on Auto Body and Collision Repairs
Repairs can be costly, depending on the extent of the damage to your car. Whatever the situation, don’t immediately settle for the first payment option you come across. You’ll never know what you can save in interest if you explore some other options. For the best service, reach out to California Collision. Our team makes sure to give you the best price guarantee for all your auto concerns. Call us today for more information!