Does Auto Insurance Cover Repairs after Car Accident?

Recent research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that the overall costs to society as a result of car accidents exceeded $340 billion in 2019. When broken down further, that means every person in the U.S. paid an average of $1,035 just to cover the expenses associated with motor vehicle crashes! This figure included costs for increased insurance, environmental impacts, tax increases, congestion-related costs, and lost time.

One of the most common expenses you’ll endure in a personal car accident is the costs required to repair your vehicle. Does car insurance cover car repairs, though? The short answer is ‘yes’, but it will take some effort on your part to determine which insurance policy to pursue compensation from, prove fault, document your losses, file your claim, and negotiate a settlement.

If you’re looking to fix your car after an accident, then it might be your best option to first consult with a car accident attorney about your options. In many cases, you won’t have to pay for your car repairs on your own, especially if you have insurance or another party caused the accident. Learn more about the best way to get your car repaired after an accident below.

Options for Car Repairs After an Accident

Before you determine how to move forward with getting car repairs after an accident, you need to consider your options. Far too often, individuals get into a crash and attempt to handle everything on their own out-of-pocket because they’re afraid of increasing insurance premiums, involving the police, or causing a problem with the other involved party. While all those feelings are valid and normal, you need to take specific steps to uphold your rights so that you can take advantage of your options for resolving the expenses associated with any auto accident repairs.

One of the best options for dealing with vehicle damages is to utilize an existing car insurance policy. Depending on the facts surrounding the crash, that could mean pursuing a claim with your own policy or the policy of the person who caused the accident.

Whose Insurance Pays for a Car Accident?

So, whose insurance pays for a car accident? Typically, the at-fault driver will need to use their car insurance policy to cover the damages of the accident. You’ll need to prove that the other party was at fault for the accident, though, in order to successfully pursue the claim. You’ll also need to document all your losses to get fair compensation.

When you experience a significant crash, your losses might exceed a car insurance policy’s limits. If that happens, then you’ll want to discuss your situation in more detail with an attorney. Depending on what happened, you may have other options for recovery, like pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver or another liable third party.

Should You Go Through Insurance or Pay Out-Of-Pocket?

When considering who pays for car accident damage after a car wreck, it’s important to remember that you pay for car insurance specifically for this type of situation. Other drivers also pay into their policies in the event of an accident. When you pay out-of-pocket for your losses rather than filing an insurance claim, you essentially negate the entire reason you’re paying for car insurance.

Further, fault in an accident is important. If you weren’t at fault, then you certainly shouldn’t have to bear the costs of your losses out of pocket.

Car Repairs After an Accident: Step-by-Step

If you’ve made the decision to handle auto insurance repairs through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, then you need to know what to do after a crash to protect your rights to compensation. Below, we’ll go over what to do step-by-step.

Assess Safety, Document the Scene, and Report the Accident

First, you immediately need to assess your safety. If you’re at risk of getting struck again, then move out of the road and onto the shoulder for safety. Next, check yourself and everyone else for any serious injuries. Call 911 or the non-emergency police line to request assistance from the police. If you’re not seriously injured, then start documenting the scene by taking photographs, asking nearby witnesses for their contact details, and looking for nearby cameras.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Within a few days, you need to report your accident to your insurance company. When you do, be sure not to trust your insurance agent. You’ll need to inform them that you need your car repaired after the accident, but you may not want to go into details about the extent of your losses or fault until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. The right attorney will explain your legal and policyholder rights and help you better understand how to navigate an insurance adjuster.

Assessing Vehicle Damage and Choosing a Repair Shop

The next step in seeking crash car repairs is determining the extent of your damage and choosing a repair shop to work with. When you inform your insurance company about the accident, they may recommend specific repair shop options. You might also want to get a few different estimates before choosing who to work with. Ultimately, it’s your choice where you decide to go.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help?

Accident lawyers play a major role in assisting injured individuals get the compensation they deserve. To begin with, consulting with a car accident lawyer will help you get a full understanding of all your legal options and rights. After discussing your insurance policy with your attorney, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on how to handle your losses. If you decide to hire the lawyer, then your attorney will help you value your losses, document your damages, file your claim, negotiate with your insurance provider or the other party’s legal team, and represent you if your case goes to court.

FAQs

Do you have more questions about car insurance and how to handle your vehicle repairs? In general, speaking directly to an attorney about your accident and options is the best way to get a solid legal answer you can rely on. That said, we’ll go over some basic answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about car accident repairs below.

Can I Choose the Repair Shop After an Accident?

Yes. Under the law, it’s your decision to choose what auto repair shop to work with after your accident. Your provider might recommend a few different options, but they will still have to pay for your losses if you don’t follow their recommendations.

What if the Other Driver is At-Fault and Has no Insurance?

Unfortunately, not every driver carries the proper collision coverage, even when it’s a legal requirement in the state where the accident happens. If the other driver is at fault but they don’t have insurance, then getting compensation for your accident vehicle repair expenses will be a bit more complicated. You might have to resort to seeking coverage under your own policy if you carry uninsured motorist coverage. If you don’t have this type of coverage, then you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.

What Happens When Neither Party Has Insurance?

When neither party has the right insurance and your car was damaged in the accident, you can’t recover uninsured damages from any insurance policy. Instead, you’ll want to talk to a lawyer about filing a personal injury claim against the at fault driver. Unfortunately, if you were at fault, then your options will be very limited.

Do You Have More Questions About Your Car Accident?

Handling the aftermath of a car accident is always a challenge, and when you’re focusing on your physical recovery, that makes everything even more complicated. The good news is that our firm here at Kermani LLP has over a decade of experience helping clients who have been injured in car accidents. You can lean on our knowledge and experience to guide you through your claim.

If you have any additional questions about your crash, your legal options, or your rights, then we can help. Schedule a call with our team now to talk more about what happened with our car accident lawyers.