In a Car Wreck? Get Your Repairs Covered (And Avoid Getting Scammed) With These Tips

The following is adapted from my new book, Not a Good Neighbor.

Most drivers face a torrent of questions after they’ve been in a motor vehicle accident that wasn’t their fault. If the accident didn’t result in injuries (or if the injuries were very minor), often their biggest question is who’s going to pay for their repairs. They also want to know if they can get a rental car, and if so, who pays for that. 

If you’ve been in a car accident and had these same questions, make sure you learn the tips I’m going to share with you. Even if you haven’t been in a wreck, it’s worth reading through these tips, because every time you get in your car, there’s a chance you’ll be in a car accident.

Following these tips can help you make sure your repairs are covered so you don’t suffer financially as a result of a car accident. Not only that, but they can help you avoid getting scammed and make sure you get everything you’re entitled to.

#1: Make Sure the At-Fault Person Pays the Deductible

If you have auto insurance and your car is damaged in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you can use your own comprehensive and collision coverage to cover the damages to your car. This type of insurance usually has a deductible. You have to pay that deductible when you are at fault. 

When the other driver is at fault, though, things are a little different. If the at-fault driver has decent insurance, it will include “property damage” coverage. This pays for any property damages—including damage to your car—that the driver causes. 

This means there are two policies covering the same damages. In this situation, the two adjusters usually work out the repairs quickly between each other. 

The at-fault driver’s adjuster will use their client’s property damage to cover the other driver’s car damage claim, or your adjuster will use your comp and collision to cover your claim—with the understanding that the at-fault driver’s policy will pay the deductible. Once your adjuster pays a claim on your car, you assign them the right to go after the other guy’s insurance for the damages paid.

Allowing the two adjusters to work this out while your car gets repaired is the easiest path to getting your car fixed. If you have evidence of the other driver’s culpability, that can help you get your claim quickly covered without paying the deductible. 

#2: Work With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

If you have comp and collision coverage, your insurance company should never leave it to you to handle repair costs. That’s what you pay them a big premium to do.

That said, it’s sometimes easier to call the other driver’s insurance company—especially if you have a clear liability issue—and ask the adjuster to cover your loss. Many adjusters will accept 100 percent fault and pay the repair shop. Sometimes they will agree to pay for a rental car. 

Of course, you may also have rental car coverage on your own policy; it’s inexpensive coverage and a wonderful benefit, especially if the repair shop has a rental agency as many large dealerships have. If you do have rental car coverage, consider using that rather than asking the other insurance company to cover your rental car costs.

#3: Use a Preauthorized Shop

Taking your car to a preauthorized shop will save you time and effort in getting the property damage handled quickly. All major insurance companies have preauthorized repair shops that have a direct connection to the insurance company and a good relationship with the adjusters. Dealer repair shops and quality local shops usually have these relationships in place.

It’s important to be cautious when working with preauthorized shops. Many of them will give you a preliminary estimate that details the damages they can see. This estimate will specifically disclaim any underlying damages they can’t see. 

Using the preliminary estimate, your adjuster may say, “The estimate of damages is $2,300. Your deductible is $500. Do you want a check for $1,800, or do you want to go forward with the repairs and pay the deductible?”

Unless you are planning on getting rid of the car, do not take the money. This preliminary estimate is intentionally low, and if you approve the repairs, the repair shop will take the car apart, and most times, lo and behold, they find more damage. A supplemental damage bill must then be submitted and paid by your insurance company.

You Can Get What You’re Entitled To

When you’re in a car accident, the last thing you need is to stress about paying for your car’s repairs or coming up with the money for your deductible. And while it’s true that there’s more to dealing with insurance companies than most people realize, it’s also true that you can get the repairs you need without getting scammed or spending more than you should.

Understanding exactly who is responsible for the deductible, working with your insurance company and the other person’s company, and refusing to take a check for the preauthorized repair shop’s initial estimate are all important strategies after a car accident. By following these simple tips, you can go a long way towards getting what you’re entitled to with a minimum of hassle.

For more advice on how to get the best settlement from your insurance company, you can find Not a Good Neighbor on Amazon.

Brian LaBovick is a lawyer and entrepreneur who has earned more than $400 million for his clients after establishing his injury law practice in 1991. As one of two students selected to the prestigious Order of the Barrister as the outstanding litigator in his class at the University of Miami, Brian was hired by the US Department of Justice Honors Graduate Program after graduation. He is now CEO of the LaBovick Law Group, an advisory board member of Keiser University’s legal education division, a past president of the North Palm Beach County Bar Association, and former director of the Palm Beach County Justice Association.