If you drive a relatively new car with collision cover, your choice of what to do following an at-fault accident is typically straightforward. Your insurance company will cover the damage in most cases, and you can continue with a freshly repaired vehicle. Unfortunately, many people aren't lucky enough to be in this situation.

Whether you drive an older vehicle out of necessity or because you're simply saving some cash, your decisions following a severe accident can be tricky. You may find yourself with an old beater in poor condition and a repair bill that exceeds the car's value. While saving your trusty ride might seem the right thing to do, it's not always a safe or financially sound move.

How Collisions Affect Your Car

Most modern cars use a unibody design, which means that nearly every part of the vehicle forms an integral element of its structure. These vehicles don't use a traditional frame, so almost any impact can affect their overall structural stability. Seemingly minor damage to a quarter panel or fender can signify substantial underlying issues.

These problems can affect numerous aspects of your car's performance. In many cases, you may burn through tires more quickly, be unable to keep your alignment in spec, or even find your vehicle difficult to control at certain speeds. Without addressing these issues, your car may become unsafe to operate, potentially increasing the odds of a future accident.

Unfortunately, repairing frame damage can often be expensive, and that's without accounting for any mechanical damage your car may have suffered in an accident. As a result, you can easily find yourself with a repair bill that far exceeds your resale value. An insurance company might total your car under these conditions, making it all the more painful if you need to shoulder the bill.

The Case for Cash

If you find yourself in this situation, it's worth considering the convenience of selling your car to a cash junk car buyer. Although it might be painful to give up your vehicle for scrap value, it may be the option that provides the best financial return. Taking this approach comes with numerous benefits compared to attempting to fix your car or driving it in its current condition.

Not only will you avoid taking a potentially hazardous vehicle back onto the roads, but you'll also get some cash that you can put towards a more reliable ride. Since selling a wrecked car on the private market can often be time-consuming and frustrating, going with a cash buyer will usually get money in your pocket much faster.

If your goal is to get back into safe, reliable transportation, it's almost always a better idea to get cash quickly for your wrecked beater. Although you'll need to say goodbye to your old ride, you'll be taking the most cost-effective and safe approach to getting yourself back on the road again.