Can I choose who repairs my car after an accident?
Asked by: Violette Hansen | Last update: November 20, 2025Score: 5/5 (56 votes)
Can I choose to repair my car myself after an accident?
Yes, you can repair your car by yourself even after filing an insurance claim, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind: Insurance Policy Terms: Check your insurance policy to understand any requirements or stipulations regarding repairs.
Should I file a claim with the other person's insurance?
It's better if you file a third party claim directly with the other person's insurance. That will keep your insurance rates from rising (yes, your rates can rise if you file a claim with your own insurance even if you're not at fault.) You can't use a delay in processing the claim as an excuse to run up more expenses.
Do you have to use all insurance money for repairs?
Are you legally required to use the money to pay for repairs, or can you pocket it and call it a day? The short answer is that yes, you can choose to do whatever you want with the insurance money, but you need to ask yourself whether or not this is the best decision.
How long do I have to fix my car after a claim?
Most insurance companies don't set a strict deadline for when repairs must be completed, but they often require you to file a claim within a specific timeframe after the accident. Once your claim is approved, your coverage for vehicle repair may remain valid indefinitely, but it's a good idea not to delay repairs.
Can I Choose Where My Car Is Repaired After An Accident? - InsuranceGuide360.com
Is it worth fixing my car after an accident?
If the cost of repairing your current vehicle is minor then there's no need to purchase a new car. However, It might cost you more to repair a car that's been heavily damaged in a collision. The initial repair might not cost as much as a new car but some cars are never the same after a major car accident.
Should I file a claim with my insurance if I'm not at fault?
Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault
One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.
What happens if you don t use all the money from an insurance claim?
If you don't use insurance money for repairs, the consequences depend on the terms of your insurance policy and the type of damage involved. For example, if your lender requires repairs on a financed home or vehicle, failing to use the funds as intended could violate your loan agreement.
Who gets the insurance check when a car is totaled?
If you own the car without any loans or liens, you will receive a check for the value assessed by the insurance company. If there is a loan, the check usually goes first to the leasing company or the lender. If you owe money on the vehicle, you should notify the lending company that your car has been totaled.
What will insurance not pay for?
Most health insurance will not cover elective or cosmetic procedures, beauty treatments, off-label drug use, or brand-new technologies. If health coverage is denied, policyholders can appeal for exceptions or allowances based on an individual's situation and prognosis.
Do you call your insurance or theirs?
If you get into a car accident, you are under no obligation to call another driver's insurance company to work out the claim. All you need to do is talk to your insurance provider when you get into an accident or if someone else hits your car, and they will handle the claim on your behalf.
What should you not say when making an insurance claim?
Don't discuss the specifics of the accident with other drivers, witnesses or passengers. Don't make any oral or written statements as to responsibility or blame. Don't tell others involved in the accident how much liability insurance you carry.
Do I have to talk to the other insurance company after a car accident?
You are not legally required to speak with the other driver's insurance company or give a recorded statement. They often employ tactics to use your statements against you, potentially minimizing your payout. You should report the accident to your own insurance company.
Will insurance pay you to fix your own car?
If you fully own your car and aren't making any payments on it, the insurance company may send you a check for the repairs directly, giving you the option to make the repairs yourself.
How long does it take to get a second settlement offer?
Understanding the Timeline for a Second Settlement Offer
Typically, you should anticipate a waiting period that can range from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the specifics of your case.
Will my insurance go up if I repair my car?
The cost of the repairs is a factor that the insurance company uses to determine your “risk”, so a pricey repair may mean a higher risk rate in the future, hence the higher premiums.
Can you ask for more money when your car is totaled?
In some cases, you may get more insurance money for a totaled car than for repairs. In addition, it is possible to negotiate a higher settlement by providing evidence that your car was worth more than the insurance company's initial valuation.
Is it better to have a car totaled or repaired?
Repairing your vehicle is cheaper than taking out a loan or paying monthly payments on a brand-new vehicle. It is often in the best interest of the insurance company to total a car, so you will need to look out for your own best interests.
What is the total loss law in Minnesota?
If your vehicle sustains extensive damage in a crash, your insurance company may declare it a “total loss.” Under Minnesota law, a vehicle may be declared a total loss if the cost of repairing the damage is greater than 70 percent of the car's pre-crash “actual cash value,” which is the amount necessary to replace the ...
Do I have to repair my car after an insurance claim accident?
Most of the time, you are not only obligated to repair your vehicle but to use the auto insurer's preferred mechanic as well. Your lender will want you to promptly take care of the repairs to their asset. If you own the vehicle outright, you have greater flexibility in repair decisions.
Do you have to use the insurance money for repairs?
While it's technically permissible to use insurance claim money at your discretion, it's prudent to allocate it towards car repairs, especially if you own the vehicle outright. Any leftover funds can serve as a buffer for future incidents. However, it's essential not to overestimate repair costs deliberately.
When someone hits you, do you call your insurance or theirs?
For example, if your car repair damage is $19,000 and the other driver's insurance covers up to $15,000, you still have to pay $4,000 in repair bills. In this case, your car insurance company may cover the costs resulting from this underinsured driver. This is why you should call your insurance if someone hits you.
How does insurance work if it's not your fault?
Who pays in a no-fault accident? If there's an accident between two drivers, each party's PIP coverage typically pays for their respective medical bills and/or wage loss up to their policies' limits, no matter who caused the accident.