Accidents can happen at any time. No matter how safety-conscious you are as a driver, you do not have control over the other drivers. When accidents happen, things become problematic as you do not know how you will pay for the repairs. Paying out of your pocket may not be an option, as repair costs can be expensive.
After an accident, you may be thinking about having it repaired or replaced. But who will shoulder the expenses? What options do you have? This article will guide you on your available alternatives after an accident.
What To Do After A Car Accident?
While waiting for the insurance adjuster to arrive at the scene of the accident, there are some things you need to do first to help expedite the repair or replacement process. Let’s take a look at these steps:
1. Report the Accident
Reporting the accident immediately is important, especially if it involves serious injuries. Contact local law enforcement so they can make an official report. This will help determine who is at fault and how much compensation will be given.
Once everything is okay at the crime scene, you can contact your insurance provider for the next steps. They may arrange to tow your car to one of their accredited facilities.
2. Document the Damage
With proper documentation, you increase your chances of getting the right compensation you need for car repair. Take photographs of the damages inside and outside of the car. Take shots from various angles. Jot down everything you remember so you can narrate everything to your insurance provider.
What Are Your Options?
Car accidents can be a lot of hassle. It can also be frustrating, especially if you are not the one who is at fault. Your car provides you with a means of transportation. Once it gets involved in an accident or collides with another vehicle, how will you get to your office? Here we provide a step-by-step guide on what you can do after an accident.
1. Take It Out On Your Insurance Policy
One option you can consider after a car accident is to charge it to your insurance policy. Inform your insurance company and inform them about the accident. They may give you two options. They may send an insurance adjuster to evaluate the damage to your car or request you to bring your car to a specific automobile repair store. Generally, they also have the option to do both.
Your insurance company will estimate the possible costs of repairing your car. They will factor in the cost of new parts and components, labor, and other fees. With the help of an insurance adjuster, you will know how much the repairs will cost. Take note, however, that the insurance company will only pay for damages based on the value of your car.
With the option of bringing your car to an accredited car repair shop, your insurance company will ask the shop to determine the costs of repairing the vehicle. After estimating the costs and the insurance company deems that the damage cost will exceed your car’s current market value, you will receive an amount equal to the cost of the vehicle before the accident.
2. File A Claim On the Other Driver’s Insurance
If the other driver was deemed at fault for the accident, you have the option to file a claim with their insurance company. In car insurance parlance, this is called a “third-party claim.” In certain cases, your provider’s insurance adjuster will be the one to call the at-fault driver’s provider. If they have liability insurance or other coverage, they will be the ones to cover the cost of repair or replacement.
You can also make a personal injury claim if the accident involved an injury to another person. With a third-party claim, there is no requirement for getting any particular number of repair estimates. If you are fortunate enough to receive multiple written estimates, there will be no arguments over the total amount of repair costs.
3. Request For Replacement Vehicle
You could request a replacement vehicle if you were not at fault for the accident. It will be the insurance company of the at-fault driver who will provide the replacement vehicle. When it comes to replacement vehicles, don’t just settle for any car. You did not cause the accident, so there should be no inconveniences on your end.
The third-party insurance company may not provide the replacement unit itself but will most likely work with a rental company like Carbiz, which will be the one to provide the replacement vehicle without expense to you. Make sure that you will not be the one to pay for the unit because you did not cause the accident in the first place.
Conclusion
Having your car repaired can be costly nowadays. More so if you were the one deemed at fault. Knowing your options will help free you from paying to repair or replace your car after an accident.
References:
https://www.notmyfault.com.au/free-replacement-car/
https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/hadaccident.cfm
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/car-accident-vehicle-damage-your-auto-repair-options.html
https://www.dbdlawfirm.com/2019/01/5-tips-for-getting-your-car-repaired-after-an-accident/
https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/how-to-get-your-car-repaired-after-an-auto-accident-29876