As a personal injury lawyer, I often focus my attention on the injury portion of accidents. Yet, I understand that there is more to an accident than injuries. For example, how can you get your car fixed? Who pays for the repair bill after your car is damaged in a car accident?
The following are some of the common questions that clients have about car repairs.
Who will pay for the damage to my car?
If another party is at fault for your accident, his or her property damage coverage should cover accident damages. If you are at fault for the accident, your collision coverage may pay for physical damage to your car if you have this coverage (it is not required by law).
How much money will I receive for my car damage?
The answer to the question depends on the damage your car has sustained and how much insurance you have purchased. The insurance company will do an investigation to determine the value of your vehicle and the approximate cost of repairs.
If the cost for repairs is greater than the value of your vehicle, the insurance company will declare your vehicle totaled and offer you the value of your vehicle rather than repair costs. If you decide to keep a totaled car, then the insurance company will only pay you the value of the car (as determined by the NADA Used Car Guide) minus the salvage value.
What if I disagree with the insurance company’s repair estimate?
If you would like to dispute the repair estimate, you and your car accident lawyer can file a complaint with the Insurance Department’s Consumer Affairs Division. You may need to go to arbitration (an out-of-court form of dispute resolution) to help settle your dispute.
Where can I bring my car for repairs?
You can have your car repaired anywhere. Your insurance company may provide you with a list of the repair shops they prefer, but you do not need to bring your car to one of those shops.
Can I receive reimbursement for a rental car?
If someone else caused your accident, you are entitled to either a rental car or reasonable compensation for property loss. If you caused the accident but have purchased rental reimbursement coverage, you may also be entitled to rental car for the time it takes to repair your vehicle (if a reasonable amount of time).
Source: Connecticut Insurance Department, “FAQ’s Regarding Repairs to Your Vehicle.”
Please email me or call (203) 259-5251 if you need getting your car repaired after a Connecticut car accident.