Sideswipe accidents are one of the most commonly dismissed types of collisions — many drivers assume the damage is "just cosmetic" and not worth pursuing beyond a basic repair. But sideswipe collisions frequently cause more damage than meets the eye: door panels, fenders, rocker panels, mirror assemblies, and side trim can all sustain damage that requires professional repair. More importantly, even a seemingly minor sideswipe creates a permanent diminished value loss once the accident appears on your Carfax report. Arizona drivers who were sideswiped by an at-fault driver typically recover $1,200 to $5,000 or more in DV.
Sideswipe accidents commonly occur during lane changes on the I-10, I-17, Loop 101, and Loop 202 — and also in tight parking structures and drive-throughs throughout the Valley. The damage pattern from a sideswipe often spans multiple panels, which means the repair record on Carfax can look more extensive than the actual damage felt at the time of impact. Orlando Auto Body's I-CAR Gold certified technicians restore sideswipe damage using OEM parts and color-matching technology that makes the repair invisible. But invisible repairs don't make the Carfax entry disappear — your car's value is still diminished. That's why we include a free $450 Diminished Value Appraisal Packet with every qualifying sideswipe repair.
Don't make the mistake of ignoring a sideswipe's impact on your vehicle's value. The at-fault driver's insurance company is counting on you thinking it's "not a big deal." But $1,200 to $5,000 in lost value is a big deal, and it's money you have a legal right to claim. Call Orlando Auto Body today for a free sideswipe DV assessment — we'll show you exactly what your car lost.