LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — A new Florida law is changing what drivers are required to do after a car crash.
Under Senate Bill 488, you are only legally required to call police immediately if property damage exceeds $2,000 or if the crash involves injury or death.
The previous minimum was $500, which mechanics say is roughly the cost to fix a single scratch.
“To fix that gouge right, that scratch, we will literally have to fix the fender, blend into the bumper, blend into the door and that scratch will cost you the minimum $500,” said a mechanic.
Lou’s Total Car Care in Fort Myers says repair costs can quickly climb.
“If you have any vehicle that is over 2010, any small little damage is very costly,” Lou’s Total Car Care employee John Morales said.
Even small bumper damage can cost thousands to repair.
“You look at between 3500 for this and another 450 to $800 calibrate this, to get this itty bitty gouge repaired,” Morales said.
The make and model of a car can also increase repair costs. Vehicles manufactured after 2010 tend to have higher repair costs.
“Anything that’s affiliated with a BMW, Audi, Escalade, any every kind of realistically every new car, even the Honda Civic and Toyotas,” Morales said.
Morales said he always tells his customers the same thing: “Have your deductible as low as possible.”
He also warned that looks can be deceiving when it comes to damage.
“We have repair cars here up to $50,000 in body work repair, $50,000,” Morales said.
He added that drivers should protect themselves after any crash.
“Do not take someone’s word they’re going to fix your car,” Morales said.
Even under the new law, drivers are still required to stop after a crash, exchange information with the other driver, document everything and file a self-report with the state.