The holidays are a busy time on the road. Between long-distance travel, winter weather, packed parking lots, and increased impaired driving, the weeks from Thanksgiving through New Year’s consistently see a spike in accidents and vehicle damage. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t realize their car was damaged until after the holidays are over—when they finally slow down, take a closer look, or notice something just doesn’t feel right.

January has become one of the busiest months of the year for auto body and collision repair shops, and for good reason. If your vehicle was damaged over the holidays, knowing what to do next can help protect your safety, your wallet, and your car’s long-term value.

Below, we’ll break down why accidents are more common during the holidays, the most common types of post-holiday vehicle damage, and the steps you should take moving forward if you’ve been in an accident.

Why Accidents Increase During the Holidays

Holiday driving creates a perfect storm of risk factors that don’t exist during the rest of the year.

Increased Traffic Volume

Millions of drivers hit the road for family gatherings, shopping, and vacations. More cars on the road naturally increases the likelihood of collisions—especially in unfamiliar areas or congested city streets.

Winter Weather Conditions

Snow, ice, freezing rain, and slush reduce traction and visibility. Even cautious drivers can lose control on slick roads, and minor slides can easily turn into fender benders or more serious collisions.

Shorter Daylight Hours

With darkness setting in earlier, visibility decreases during peak commuting times. Poor lighting makes it harder to spot hazards, pedestrians, or stopped vehicles.

Parking Lot Accidents

Busy shopping centers and crowded residential streets lead to door dings, bumper scrapes, and hit-and-run damage. These incidents often go unnoticed until days or weeks later.

Impaired and Distracted Driving

Holiday celebrations bring an increase in impaired driving, along with more distracted drivers navigating GPS directions or handling holiday stress.

All of these factors combine to make late December one of the most accident-prone times of the year—setting the stage for a surge in collision repairs once January arrives.

Common Types of Post-Holiday Vehicle Damage

Not all accident damage is obvious. Some issues may not reveal themselves until after the holidays when normal driving resumes.

Bumper and Fender Damage

Low-speed collisions, parking mishaps, and icy road slides often result in cracked, dented, or misaligned bumpers and fenders.

Scratches, Dents, and Paint Damage

Shopping carts, car doors, road debris, and plow-thrown gravel can cause cosmetic damage that worsens over time if left untreated.

Suspension and Alignment Issues

Hitting potholes or curbs hidden under snow can throw your alignment off or damage suspension components—leading to uneven tire wear or poor handling.

Hidden Structural Damage

Even minor accidents can cause damage beneath the surface, affecting your vehicle’s frame, sensors, or safety systems.

Sensor and ADAS Issues

Modern vehicles rely on cameras and sensors for features like lane assist and collision avoidance. These systems often require recalibration after an accident—even a small one.

Why January Is Peak Season for Collision Repairs

Many drivers put off addressing vehicle damage during the holidays. Between travel, events, and busy schedules, repairs often take a back seat. Once January arrives, reality sets in.

Drivers begin to notice:

• Warning lights or dashboard alerts
• Steering pulling or unusual vibrations
• Difficulty opening doors or trunks
• Visible rust starting to form
• Declining vehicle performance or safety concerns

Insurance claims also increase in January as drivers finally file reports for accidents that happened weeks earlier. This makes early January one of the most important times to address collision damage before it worsens.

What to Do If You’ve Been in an Accident Over the Holidays

If your car was damaged during the holiday season, taking the right steps now can prevent long-term problems.

1. Inspect Your Vehicle Carefully

Even if the accident seemed minor, do a full walk-around inspection. Look for dents, cracks, paint damage, uneven panel gaps, or fluid leaks. Pay attention to how the car drives as well.

2. Don’t Ignore “Minor” Damage

Small dents or cracked paint may seem cosmetic, but they can lead to rust, water intrusion, or worsening structural issues—especially in winter conditions where salt accelerates corrosion.

3. Document the Damage

Take photos of all visible damage and note when and where the incident occurred. This documentation is helpful if you decide to file an insurance claim.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Even if the accident happened weeks ago, it’s still worth reporting. Many policies allow delayed claims, especially for weather-related incidents or hit-and-run damage.

5. Choose a Trusted Collision Repair Shop

You have the right to choose your repair facility. Look for a shop with certified technicians, modern equipment, and experience handling insurance claims and advanced vehicle technology.

6. Schedule Repairs as Soon as Possible

January fills up quickly for collision repair shops. Scheduling early helps you avoid longer wait times and prevents further deterioration of the damage.

Why Prompt Collision Repair Matters

Delaying auto body repairs can create safety risks and higher repair costs down the road.

• Structural damage can compromise crash protection
• Misaligned panels may affect airbag deployment
• Corrosion can spread beneath damaged paint
• Suspension damage can affect braking and handling
• Sensor issues can cause driver-assistance systems to malfunction

Addressing damage promptly ensures your vehicle is safe, reliable, and retains its value.

Moving Forward After a Holiday Accident

The start of a new year is a natural time to reset—and that includes your vehicle. If your car was damaged over the holidays, January is the ideal time to take action. Whether the damage came from icy roads, crowded parking lots, or an unexpected accident, handling it now helps you avoid bigger problems later. Starting the year with a fully repaired vehicle isn’t just about looks. A professional inspection and proper collision repair can restore your vehicle’s safety, appearance, and performance, giving you peace of mind for the months ahead.

Our experienced auto body and collision repair team is here to guide you through every step—from damage assessment to working with your insurance company and restoring your vehicle to pre-accident condition. Don’t let minor damage turn into a bigger problem. Contact Purnell Body Shop today to schedule an inspection and get back on the road with confidence.