What Factors Affect the Cost of Auto Collision Repairs?

February 27, 2025

What Factors Affect the Cost of Auto Collision Repairs?

When you're involved in a car accident, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: how much will it cost to repair my vehicle? The cost of collision repairs can vary significantly depending on multiple factors. At Morrow Collision Center, we believe in full transparency, so let’s take a closer look at what factors affect the cost of auto collision repairs.

1. The Extent of Damage

One of the biggest factors affecting repair costs is the severity of the damage. Minor dents and scratches will cost significantly less than major structural damage. If essential components like the frame or suspension are affected, the repairs become more complex and expensive.

2. Type of Vehicle

The make and model of your car play a big role in determining repair costs. Luxury and foreign cars often have specialized parts and materials that can be more expensive and timelier to replace. Additionally, newer models with advanced technology and sensors require specialized repair techniques, increasing labor costs.

3. Replacement Parts

The choice between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts, or used OEM parts can impact the cost. OEM parts tend to be pricier but ensure a perfect fit, while aftermarket or used parts might be more affordable but may vary in quality and compatibility. Your insurance company may not cover the full price of NEW OEM parts, so be sure to check your coverage!

4. Labor Costs

Labor charges differ from shop to shop and market area, and depend on the complexity of the repair. High-tech features, like adaptive cruise control or collision avoidance systems, require skilled technicians, which can raise the cost of labor.

5. Paint and Finish

If your car requires a new paint job, the cost will depend on the quality of paint, the number of coats, and whether custom paint matching is necessary. Some finishes require more precision and may increase costs. There are many types of paint finishes such as metallic, pearl, gloss, matte, or flat coats. Be sure to do your research on which may suit your preferences and needs best.

Morrow Collision Center is proud to offer the PPG MoonWalk® system, ensuring the highest level of finish and precision. This state-of-the-art paint mixing technology provides exact color matching and a smooth application, so whether you’ve had a minor fender-bender or a more significant collision, we’ll restore your vehicle to its pre-accident beauty with unmatched accuracy and efficiency.

6. Insurance Coverage

Your insurance policy and deductible can significantly influence how much you pay out of pocket. Comprehensive and collision coverage can help reduce your expenses, but if you have a high deductible, you may still need to cover a portion of the repair bill.

7. Additional Repairs and Hidden Damage

Sometimes, additional damage is discovered once repairs begin. Hidden damage behind panels or under the hood can lead to unexpected costs. A thorough inspection by a trusted collision repair center can help identify these potential expenses early on.

Bring Your Car to Morrow Today & Get an Honest Estimate

At Morrow Collision Center, we provide detailed estimates to help you understand the cost of your auto repairs. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure quality repairs, getting you back on the road safely and efficiently.

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5 Signs Your Vehicle Was Damaged in a Minor Collision

October 16, 2025

Most drivers have been there, you’re pulling out of a parking lot, someone backs up too quickly, or you tap bumpers at a stoplight. The impact feels so small that you might not think much about it. But here’s the truth: even a “minor” accident can cause hidden damage to your vehicle. If left unaddressed, that damage can get worse over time, leading to costly repairs or even safety risks down the road. At Morrow Collision , we specialize in diagnosing and repairing collision damage of all kinds, from small dents to major structural repairs. And we’ve seen countless cases where what looked like “just a scratch” turned out to be more serious underneath. Most vehicles have plastic bumpers that can bounce back after a collision but could hide possible damage. Here are five warning signs that your vehicle might have damage after a minor collision, even if you didn’t feel it at the time. 1. Uneven Tire Wear or Alignment Issues One of the most common hidden problems after a fender-bender is a misaligned suspension or frame. Even a low-speed impact can throw your car’s alignment off balance. Signs to watch for include: Your steering wheel pulling to one side Vibrations while driving Tires wearing down unevenly Ignoring these issues can lead to premature tire replacement, poor handling, and reduced safety. A quick post-accident alignment check at a certified collision center like Morrow Collision can help you catch problems early. 2. Strange Noises After the Accident Does your car make new squeaks, rattles, or grinding sounds after a small bump? Don’t dismiss them. These noises can point to: Loosened suspension parts Damaged brakes Bent frame components Even if your vehicle looks fine, these sounds indicate that parts of your car may not be functioning correctly. Catching the issue quickly could prevent further damage and keep you safer on the road. 3. Difficulty Opening Doors, Hood, or Trunk If you’ve noticed your doors or trunk are harder to close or don’t line up properly anymore, that’s a clear sign of structural damage. In many cases, the impact causes subtle frame shifts that throw off your car’s alignment. Furthermore, if you notice a discrepancy in the size of gaps from one side to the other on your vehicle, such as a wider gap on one side of your hood compared to the other, that could also be an indicator that there may be structural damage. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also create safety risks especially if your doors or trunk don’t latch securely. At Morrow Collision, our technicians use advanced measuring systems to detect frame shifts and restore your vehicle back to manufacturer specifications. 4. Warning Lights on Your Dashboard Modern vehicles are full of sensitive sensors that can be affected by even the smallest accidents. After a collision, you may notice warning lights like: Check Engine ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Airbag system alerts These aren’t lights to ignore. They indicate that vital safety systems may not function properly if you’re in another accident. A professional collision repair shop can run diagnostics to pinpoint the issue and restore your vehicle’s safety features. 5. Small Dents or Paint Damage That Spread That little dent or scratch might not bother you now, but it can lead to bigger problems later. Unrepaired dents can expose your car’s frame to rust, especially during wet fall and winter months. Likewise, paint cracks may worsen with temperature changes, turning a minor cosmetic issue into a major body repair. At Morrow Collision, we offer expert paint and body services to fix damage early, saving you time, money, and stress. Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Minor Collision Damage It’s tempting to brush off a low-speed bump or a parking lot tap, but doing so can cost you more in the long run. Even if your car drives normally, unseen damage could affect: Safety (airbags, brakes, structural integrity) Longevity of your tires, alignment, and suspension Resale value of your vehicle By scheduling an inspection after any collision no matter how small, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your vehicle is safe and fully repaired. Trust Morrow Collision for Expert Auto Body Repair At Morrow Collision, we’ve been helping drivers in Lincoln, Nebraska and surrounding areas for over 20 years with trusted, high-quality collision repair services. Our certified technicians use the latest technology to spot hidden damage and bring your vehicle back to pre-accident condition. We work with all major insurance companies, making the repair process smooth and stress-free. Whether it’s a tiny dent or a bigger repair, our goal is the same: keep you safe, protect your investment, and get you back on the road quickly. Contact us to schedule your post-collision inspection with Morrow Collision today and let us take care of the rest.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Fall: Maintenance Tips

September 4, 2025

As the vibrant colors of fall emerge and temperatures begin to dip, it's a reminder that winter isn't far behind. Changing seasons bring wet leaves, early morning frost, and shorter daylight hours, all of which can affect driving conditions. Preparing your vehicle now is key to staying safe and avoiding accidents. While routine maintenance is important, accidents can still happen. That’s where Morrow Collision Center comes in, offering expert collision repair to restore your vehicle if the unexpected occurs. 1. Check Your Tires and Brakes With cooler temperatures, tire pressure can drop, reducing traction on wet leaves or frost-covered roads. Inspect your tires for tread depth and wear, and make sure they’re inflated to the recommended PSI. Brakes are equally critical, autumn roads can be slippery, and functioning brakes reduce stopping distances. If your brakes show signs of wear or make unusual noises, schedule an inspection. Morrow Collision Center can repair any collision damage caused by brake-related incidents, keeping your vehicle safe and reliable. 2. Inspect Windshield Wipers and Lights Rain, fog, and early frost make visibility a priority. Replace worn wiper blades and refill washer fluid with a formula suitable for colder weather. Also, check all exterior lights like headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are fully functional. Poor visibility is a common factor in fall fender benders, and addressing these issues early helps prevent accidents. If a collision does occur due to visibility issues, Morrow Collision Center provides fast, professional auto body repair to get your car back in top condition. 3. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Exterior Fallen leaves and early frost can damage paint and trap moisture against your vehicle. Regular washing and waxing protect your car’s finish and prevents corrosion. Minor dings and scratches from autumn hazards can be repaired quickly with paintless dent repair at Morrow Collision Center, preserving your vehicle’s value and appearance. 4. Check Fluids and Battery Cooler weather can affect your car’s battery and essential fluids. Test your battery to ensure it holds a charge, and top off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. A weak battery or low fluids can contribute to accidents if your car stalls unexpectedly. In case an accident does happen, Morrow Collision Center offers comprehensive collision repair services, including frame straightening, bumper repair, and auto glass replacement. 5. Common Fall Accidents and How to Handle Them Even careful drivers may encounter minor collisions in the fall. Wet leaves, slippery roads, and poor visibility increase the risk of: Fender benders in parking lots or at intersections Sideswipes from tight lanes or crowded streets Rear-end collisions in traffic or during sudden stops Morrow Collision Center is equipped to handle all types of collision damage, restoring vehicles safely and efficiently. Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure repairs meet factory standards, and we work with all major insurance companies to simplify the claims process. 6. Plan for the Unexpected Even with preventive measures, accidents happen. Keep your vehicle documentation, insurance information, and emergency contacts handy. If an accident occurs this fall, having a reliable collision repair partner like Morrow Collision Center ensures your car is returned to you quickly and safely, often with rental car assistance through our Hertz Preferred Partner program. Conclusion Fall driving brings beautiful scenery but also extra hazards. By inspecting tires, brakes, lights, and fluids, you can reduce the risk of accidents. However, collisions can still occur, and when they do, Morrow Collision Center provides expert repair services, including paintless dent repair, auto glass replacement, bumper repair, and full-frame restoration. Trust our certified technicians to restore your vehicle and get you back on the road safely this fall. Contact us here!