Accidents that cause auto body repairs tend to be stressful. However, by being proactive and addressing car repair needs promptly, you can minimize the resulting costs and inconvenience.

The following are six things you might want to do after you experience auto body damage and before your repairs are performed. 

Do some research online to get an idea of how much repairs should cost

The Internet is a great resource when you need auto body repairs. Not only is the Internet great for finding auto body repair shops in your area, but it's also helpful when it comes to getting a good idea of how much your needed repairs should cost. 

Doing some research online to get an idea of typical repair costs is helpful when you're evaluating quotes from auto repair shops in your area. 

Compare costs between various auto body repair shops

If you want to find repairs for a competitive cost, you should get quotes from numerous garages. This way, you can compare your options and choose a cost-effective option. 

Check on the possibility of insurance coverage for repairs

Of course, you should find out whether your insurance will cover you for your auto body repair needs. If you have collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, it's fairly likely that you should be able to get repair costs covered.

Consider your vehicle's value

The value of your vehicle is an important factor in determining if you should get repairs done or have your vehicle replaced. In the case of a particularly old vehicle, you might be better off completely replacing your vehicle rather than having repairs done. 

You might want to discuss vehicle value with your auto body repair service. An auto body repair technician could give you some helpful insights on what you should do to address your vehicle damage. 

Figure out how long repairs are going to take

You need to know how long repairs will take because your vehicle will be in the shop in the meantime. This means that you won't be able to use your vehicle for everyday transportation until your auto body repairs are complete. 

Find an alternative means of transportation if necessary

If repairs will take a long period of time, you'll need to find an alternative transportation option. You might be able to have the costs of a rental vehicle covered if you have this type of coverage on your auto insurance policy. 

Contact a company that offers auto body repair services to learn more.