- Contact insurance. Immediately after a car accident happens, get yourself and your car to a safe place. Then exchange information with the other driver and contact your insurance company.
- Choose an auto body shop. In most states, insurance companies legally can’t steer you to choose a specific repair shop. However, some companies offer a list of preferred mechanics.
- Take your car to the repair shop. Once you make an appointment with a mechanic, you’ll need to figure out how to get your car there if it’s not drivable.
- Follow up with insurance and the auto body shop. Double-check with your insurance about any repair shop documentation or other requirements that you’ll need to get reimbursed for repairs.
- Confirm repairs. Your mechanic will call to let you know when your car is ready. ...
- Pay for repairs. If you’re found at fault for the accident, you’ll need to pay your deductible before your insurance company authorizes the repairs.
- Unhappy with your claim? Find a better car insurance company. Enjoy low rates for mature drivers, plus perks like new car replacement and lifetime repair guarantees.
- Bottom line. Getting into a car accident and dealing with the insurance claims process can be frustrating, but knowing what to expect and which steps to take can help you ...
- Frequently asked questions about car repairs. Do I have to use the money I got from my claim to fix my car? ...
How do I get my car repaired after an accident?
- Many factors go into the length of time you can expect your car to be repaired
- Foreign or specialty cars may take longer because parts are harder to find
- The extent of your damage will impact how long it takes for your car to be fixed
How to get your car repaired after an accident?
Take your car to the repair shop
- Check to see if you have roadside assistance with towing from your car insurance company.
- If you’re an AAA or other road club member, see if you can get towing.
- Hire a towing company to bring your car to the shop.
How long do car repairs take after an accident?
How long does it take to repair your car after an accident? Car repairs after a vehicle is in an auto accident can take from a few days to a few months, depending on the extent of the damage.
Do I need to make car repairs after an accident?
Well, not every damage needs to go to the auto body shop for repairs. If the car damage is minimal and you have some basic tools that you can use perfectly well, you can do the repairs yourself.
Is it worth fixing damage on a car?
Many times, fixing your damaged car will be the best option – especially if the repairs will be covered by your auto insurance. Buying a new car can be costly, leaving you with five or more years of debt, while getting it repaired (depending on the damages) might cost you a few thousand dollars.
How much does it cost to fix a destroyed car?
Your estimated cost of repair could range anywhere from $1500 to $2500 depending on where you decide to fix it. Now in another scenario where the same vehicle sustained a severe crash, and the unibody frame of the car got wrecked alongside other core components. Then the cost of repair can skyrocket dramatically!
What is the process after having a car accident?
After the car accident, immediately determine whether anyone is injured. If so, call 911 to get an ambulance and police on the scene. Even if the incident was minor and everyone is cooperative, consider calling the police. That way you'll have an official report to give to your insurance company.
How much money does it cost to restore a car?
For a complete car restoration, you will need to have a budget of $30,000 to $70,000 to finish the process. The prices will vary with each car model, condition of the car, and the quality of parts you choose.
How much does it cost to replace the whole front end of a car?
Generally, the costs of repairing the front part of a car that has been damaged in a collision or an accident can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to about $10,000 in extreme cases.
What are the 7 steps to dealing with a car accident?
Be prepared for an accident. ... Make sure everyone is OK, then call the police. ... Call your insurance company. ... Gather and exchange insurance information. ... Determine if a claim needs to be made. ... Keep track of repairs. ... Look for lower car insurance rates. ... Frequently asked questions.
What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?
Even if you know the accident was your fault, don't say sorry or admit guilt at the scene as your insurer might have a clause about it. Exchange details with the other's involved and get in touch with your insurer to report the incident.
What happens if you don't report an accident within 24 hours?
If you wait several days, then your insurance company could claim that your injuries were sustained elsewhere. However, many people get involved with minor fender benders. There's no real damage to the vehicle, and all parties feel fine. You may be hesitant to report the accident, but it's still usually a good idea.
What happens if another driver is at fault for an accident?
If the other driver is at fault for the accident, his or her auto insurance is responsible for covering car repair costs. Typically, the at-fault driver's insurance policy can only pay up to the limits of the driver's policy. FOR EXAMPLE, if that driver's policy has a limit of $10,000 for property damage and the car accident caused $12,000 worth ...
What is the best way to dispute a car insurance claim?
If you need to dispute a car insurance claim, you have a few options. Mediation. During mediation, an unbiased third party moderates a non-binding discussion between you and the insurance company. Generally, the mediator offers a solution, but neither party is required by law to accept the solution. Arbitration.
How to dispute an insurance company?
Auto Insurance Company Disputes 1 Mediation.#N#During mediation, an unbiased third party moderates a non-binding discussion between you and the insurance company.#N#Generally, the mediator offers a solution, but neither party is required by law to accept the solution. 2 Arbitration.#N#Unlike mediation, arbitration is more binding as both parties must abide by the decision of the arbitrator; thus, it's practical to attend arbitration with an attorney. 3 Small claims court.#N#Basically, small claims court is an alternative to arbitration. You can choose to use or not use an attorney, but you and the insurance company must abide by the judge's decision.
What happens if you skid on an icy road?
For example, you skidded on an icy road and crashed into a telephone pole. The accident happened while your vehicle was parked. For example, a tree fell on your vehicle. Generally, when you're at fault for the accident you can tap into your collision or comprehensive coverage, or opt to pay for car repairs yourself and avoid filing a claim ...
Can you pay for repair costs yourself?
You can either: Pay for the repairs yourself and seek reimbursement from the insurance company.
Does comprehensive insurance cover hail damage?
For example, if your car is damaged during an overnight hailstorm, your comprehensive coverage probably will pay to fix the damages. Using your comprehensive or collision coverage requires filing a claim with your insurance company and paying a deductible before the coverage kicks in.
Can you pay for car repair out of your own pocket?
Whether or not you have comprehensive and/or collision coverage , if you're at fault for the accident, you have the option of paying car repair costs out of your own pocket as opposed to filing a car insurance claim .
1. Which Insurance Company Should I Use to Handle My Claim?
You can choose which insurance company to use if you are not at fault for the accident.
2. Can I Choose Which Auto Shop to Use?
Often times, the insurance company that you go through has a preferred auto repair shop that they use.
4. Do I Have to Keep My Car if It's Totaled?
If your car is totaled in an accident, you can choose to keep the car or not.
5. Do I Have to Accept The Offer on My Vehicle?
This goes back to a total loss of your vehicle. Just because they say they figured out your car is worth $4,000 and they will send you a check in the mail, doesn't mean that you have to accept that amount.
We're here to help
This article has discussed some facts that will enable you as the insured to negotiate wisely on your behalf.
Getting Your Car Towed after an Accident
Who is going to tow your car from the scene of an accident and pay for storage fees if it’s not drivable?
How to Navigate Property Damage to Your Vehicle
The first stage for an insurance company in any car accident is to conduct an investigation into how the incident happened. The results of this investigation will determine who pays for the damage.
How Will I Get My Vehicle Fixed?
In the event someone is involved in an auto accident, they will need to have a professional inspect their vehicle and provide an estimate of the damages sustained and how much it will cost to repair these damages.
What Happens after My Vehicle is Inspected?
After the vehicle is inspected and the damage amount is initially determined, a person will be provided a check for the repair of the damages sustained by their vehicle.
Getting Your Car Repaired After an Accident
Now the owner has to make a decision on where they would like their vehicle repaired. A person is free to choose which auto body shop and/or mechanic to repair their vehicle though suggestions will be provided by the insurance company should a person have nobody in mind for repairs.
Are There Additional Fees For Property Damage Claims?
If a person has an injury claim in addition to their property damage claim, will they be charged attorney’s fees for their property damage claim?
How to address damage to your car?
The first step to address damage done to your vehicle is to submit an insurance claim. You should call your insurance company on the day of the accident as soon as law enforcement has been called and any medical needs have been handled.
Should I have my car inspected after an accident?
Have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible after an accident. This inspection will determine whether or not your insurance company considers the car totaled or not. As with a towing provider, your insurance company may recommend an auto body shop to handle the inspection or you may choose a trusted shop yourself.
What happens after a car accident?
After a car accident, there is generally a car claim filed with the car owner’s insurance company. Then, there is the matter of a claims adjuster as well as the auto body repair shops. If your accident just resulted in a tiny fender bender and no major damage, then you may opt to just get the car repaired yourself- especially if your car deductible is a lot more than a mechanic charges you to push out some dents. Most car accidents result in a car insurance claim. After the claim, your car insurance company will produce an estimate. Then, the auto body shop that you and your insurance company agree on, will get the money for the repairs. But sometimes, you may come out “on top” by taking care of the repairs yourself. Here’s what you need to consider:
Can you fix your car on your own?
Even if you own your car “free and clear” and you don’t have to use an insurance-approved body shop, your insurance company may give you a side eye if you want to fix your car on your own. This can result in your car insurance company unwilling to continue your coverage of collision or comprehensive coverage. Additionally, if there is other damage to the vehicle that is later discovered, then your car insurance company may not cover the repair of that additional damage.
Can you get insurance for a car accident?
Your insurance company may not agree to pay for the damage, due to the fact that you previously fixed the car on your own . In these kinds of situations, it may not be worth the money you’d be saving, doing the fixes on your own. You may even find that you come out paying more money in the long run.
How long does it take to replace a broken windshield?
A broken windshield can often be replaced in a day or two, while extensive damage or damage to a classic, foreign, or limited-edition car can take weeks or even months to complete, especially if the needed parts are difficult to find.
Can a car be fixed sooner?
Not only will your car be fixed sooner, but the details of the crash will still be fresh in your mind. Once you’ve contacted your insurance company and filed a claim, you’ll be assigned a claims adjuster who will help guide you through the process and inform you of any time limitations for using your coverage.
Can you use insurance money to repair a car?
If you don’t want to use the money you receive from your insurance claim to fix your damaged vehicle, and prefer to pocket the money instead, you are generally allowed to do so if you own the car outright. If you have a car loan, however, you’re usually required to have the damage repaired because your lender will want to keep ...
Do you have to pay for a car if you own it outright?
The answer usually depends on whether or not you own the vehicle outright. If you’re making payments on your car, that means the lender technically still owns it and has a vested interest in retaining its value. In this case, you’re typically required to have it repaired. If you own your vehicle outright, you’re usually free to use ...
Can you fix a car if there is no lien?
If the damage isn’t too extensive and you’re fairly handy, you might want to do the repairs yourself. If there is no lien on your vehicle (i.e. you own it outright), you are free to take a crack at fixing the damage yourself. However, this is not recommended for anything more than very minor damage.
Why does insurance require repairs?
The insurance company will require repairs if you want to continue your vehicle's comprehensive or collision coverages. The insurance company does not want to keep insuring a vehicle for future physical damage if the vehicle was already damaged and not repaired. A second accident would compound any existing damage.
What does it mean when you have a loan on your car?
If you have a loan on your vehicle, it means you should get the car repaired. Again, your car insurance company may assign or need to pre-approve the mechanic. Your lender will want their collateral—the car—to be fully working and want you to repair any damages. If you are still making payments on the loan, you do not own the car free and clear. ...
Can insurance give you the option to repair a car?
An insurance company will often give you the option to repair, total the car out, or buy it back. That is the option of giving you the car back, plus the cash value of the car, minus the auction price the company believes they would have received from a salvage yard.
Can you use insurance claim money on other things?
But it is a good idea to get guidance from your car insurance claim adjuster so you are not held liable for insurance fraud. It is tempting to use insurance claim money on other things than car repair. This can be true when the damage is cosmetic and you need the cash.
Can you repair a car after an accident?
Whether you must repair your car after an accident and insurance claim depends on the circumstances. If you still have a loan on the vehicle, your lender will demand the repairs.
Do insurance companies pay you for compound damage?
If the insurance company paid you once for the pre-existing damage, they would not want to pay you more for any compounded damage. It's a standard procedure for the insurance company to require you to drop physical damage coverage from a vehicle that was not repaired.
Can you report a car repair?
If you can afford the repair, you may not want to report the claim . If another vehicle is involved, you may have no other choice but to file. In some cases, you can leave your car damaged and keep the insurance check. But it is a good idea to get guidance from your car insurance claim adjuster so you are not held liable for insurance fraud.
