HOW CAN I GET MY CAR FIXED AFTER AN ACCIDENT?

While being in a car accident can cause serious injuries, it can also result in major property damage. Getting your car repaired and fixed after a collision can be a stressful process. It is important to understand what damages you are entitled to recover, if the collision was entirely the other driver’s fault.

• First, you are obviously entitled to the fair and reasonable costs associated with repairing your vehicle. If the cost to replace your vehicle is about the same or more than the cost to repair, your car will likely be deemed a total loss. In that situation, your claim is for the fair market value of the vehicle in its pre-accident condition.
• Second, if any personal property was damaged or destroyed, you should make a claim to the adjuster. You can do this by itemizing and photographing the damaged items. Again, you will be entitled to the fair market value of the items – NOT necessarily the replacement cost.
• Third, if your vehicle is repaired and not a total loss, you may have a claim for the diminished value of your vehicle. Diminished value is the term used to describe the change in value of your vehicle due to the damage it sustained. Most adjusters will not offer this information up front, so you should be prepared to raise the issue yourself.

There are three potential sources of recovery for your property damages: liability coverage under the other driver’s insurance, collision coverage under your own auto policy (if you have it), or your own uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it). If you are struggling to get the repairs handled appropriately by the other driver’s liability insurance, you might consider having your own insurer pay for the repairs under your collision coverage. This coverage does have a deductible, but if your insurance company later recoups the funds from the at-fault driver’s insurer, your agency should refund that deductible to you. Uninsured motorist coverage would typically only apply in situations where the other driver is unknown. It also applies if the other driver is known but had no insurance, or had insurance but the coverage is being denied for some reason, like failure to pay premiums.