Who Should Fix Your Car After An Accident? [Ye Old Station]

​You want to know to go get your car repaired or replaced after an accident and the responsible party.

This depends on the following:

•  the extent of the damage in relation to the vehicle's value
• who was at fault for the accident, and
• available insurance coverage.

Collision Repair Costs Versus Value of Your Car:

After confirming the responsible party and insurance carrier, it is up to the insurer to pay damages up to the vehicle's value. After you've received a repair estimate, and repair costs will exceed the value of your car. The insurer will declare your vehicle a total loss, and pay you the market value and take possession of your car.

If You Were at Fault...

You would either have to pay the damage yourself or make a claim against your own policy's collision coverage. However, if the damage is minor, it would be beneficial not to make a claim on your own policy, which may raise your car insurance premium.

Other Driver's Fault...

Suppose the other driver was at fault; you would want to file a claim with the other driver's insurance company (assuming they have liability property damage or other relevant coverage) to get your car repaired or replaced. Ask a licensed appraiser for tips and advice on how to proceed with the process.

Get the Repair Costs Paid by the Insurer:

Despite whose insurance company is responsible for paying your repair costs, you first have to claim by reporting the accident. The next step is getting the car inspected by your auto collision shop of choice. If the vehicle is not drivable, the insurance agent will inspect the vehicle at the location. Then, the insurer will generate a written estimate of damages to have repaired by a facility of your choice. The collision repair facility will handle the rest and further costs with the insurance company directly. Your car, your choice.