Should I let my insurance company fix my car?

Asked by: Kevon Ferry  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (45 votes)

The insurance company typically prefers you to go there because it will be cheaper and easier for the provider—but not necessarily for you. Although your insurer will strongly suggest a body shop, you are allowed to take your car in for repairs wherever you choose.

Can I keep insurance money instead of fixing my car?

If you own your car outright, and your insurance company cuts you a check after you file a claim, you can technically do whatever you want with the money, like go on vacation or buy a new TV. You're not technically required to spend the money to fix your car.

Is it worth fixing my car after an accident?

Many times, fixing your damaged car will be the best option – especially if the repairs will be covered by your auto insurance. Buying a new car can be costly, leaving you with five or more years of debt, while getting it repaired (depending on the damages) might cost you a few thousand dollars.

Do I have to use my insurance repair company?

Unless there is a specific clause in your insurance policy that states you must use one of their recommended repair shops you are free to go wherever you prefer. Most insurance policies DO NOT have this clause.

Should I accept first offer from insurance company for car?

You do not have to accept the first settlement offer; the insurance company will likely make another settlement offer at an increased value. Once you refuse to accept the first offer from the insurance company, you will be on your way to more negotiations.

The insurance company will not pay to fix my car! What can I do?

17 related questions found

What should you not say to an insurance adjuster?

Never say that you are sorry or admit any kind of fault. Remember that a claims adjuster is looking for reasons to reduce the liability of an insurance company, and any admission of negligence can seriously compromise a claim.

Can you refuse insurance offer?

Many insurance claims adjusters initially make a low settlement offer in hopes that you will simply accept it and go away. ... You have the right to reject any settlement offer and respond with a counter demand for the payment you deserve.

Can I choose my own repair shop?

Can I pick my own shop to do my vehicle repairs? Yes. While your insurance company may recommend a repair shop, you are under no obligation to take your vehicle there. You may take your damaged vehicle to your own preferred repair shop, and your insurer is still obligated to pay for the repairs.

How long does it take for insurance to repair car?

“The length of time that a car insurance company takes to fix your vehicle will depend on several factors—but mainly the damage. On average, it can take anywhere from six to 30 days for a car to be repaired. When you submit a claim to your car insurance company, they are required to investigate.

What do you do if you are not happy with car insurance repair?

If you are not happy about the way your car has been repaired, give the insurer/repair firm a reasonable chance to fix it to your satisfaction. If it refuses, get the repairs done and then sue the other driver in the small claims court.

Can I choose where my car is repaired after an accident?

You have a legal right to choose who repairs your car, even if you're making a car insurance claim for it. According to legislation known as the Block Exemption Regulation, your insurer can't force you to use their repairers and they'll still pay out for the repairs if your claim's accepted.

Should I sell my car after a crash?

Selling a car that has been in an accident without disclosing the damage puts you at risk for legal action from the buyer. If a person buys a car and later discovers that it's been in an accident, you could end up with charges pressed against you.

Will car ever be the same after accident?

Yes - But. Generally speaking, most accident damage is repairable and some insurance companies will allow up to 70 percent damage to be considered repairable. ... Over that, and it is considered a total loss and you will have to purchase a new car.

Can I keep leftover money from insurance claim?

After a claim, you can keep the leftover money, as long as you didn't lie and inflate the cost of repairs. The insurance company doesn't always pay the homeowner directly after a claim. You may receive several checks following one claim if there are multiple losses, and depending on the policy type.

Can I file insurance claim after repair?

When there is no need to file a car insurance claim

Get a quick repair estimate. If the repair costs less than your deductible, then there's no point in filing a claim. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket toward a repair.

Does insurance Send check to me or body shop?

If the car insurance claim payment came from your insurance company, you might receive a check written out to you and the approved body shop. Auto insurers tend to issue two-party checks to reduce the chances the funds are used for something other than the intended repair.

Is it better to go through insurance or pay out of pocket?

You should file an insurance claim when you can't afford to pay cash for damages or medical bills that your insurance policy will cover. You should pay out of pocket instead of filing an insurance claim if the repairs or medical bills incurred in an accident that you cause will cost less than your deductible.

What takes the longest to fix on a car?

Most Challenging Car Repairs
  1. Replacing an Engine.
  2. Clutch. ...
  3. Spark Plugs. ...
  4. Transmission. Transmission repairs are known to be expensive, so mechanics may find that some customers are reluctant to address these problems until they are at a crisis stage. ...

Can you force insurance to use OEM parts?

You have the right to request your insurance company use original equipment manufactured parts rather than aftermarket parts to repair your vehicle. If the insurance company deems these costs unreasonable, however, it might deny your claim.

Do body shops use Bondo?

Yes auto body shops still use Bondo and other fillers. It is a great product and if used properly, thin applications, it works great. Most Bondo problems are due to excessive thickness and improper application.

Can an insurance company force you to use the body shop?

Selection of Body Shop

It is illegal for an insurance company to steer, force, require or pressure you into using a particular shop. You should never take your vehicle to a body shop based solely on the recommendation of an insurance company. Not even if it is your own insurance company.

Should I accept the first settlement offer?

Do not take the first offer

The settlement determination is a negotiation, and as with any negotiation, the adjuster is not going to come in at the highest offer he or she is willing to give, no matter what they may tell you. Have a minimum figure in your head you are willing to accept, and do not accept any less.

How do you respond to a low ball settlement offer?

Steps to Respond to a Low Settlement Offer
  1. Remain Calm and Analyze Your Offer. Just like anything in life, it's never a good idea to respond emotionally after receiving a low offer. ...
  2. Ask Questions. ...
  3. Present the Facts. ...
  4. Develop a Counteroffer. ...
  5. Respond in Writing.

Should I accept my first compensation offer?

Should I accept the first compensation offer? Unless you have taken independent legal advice on the whole value of your claim, you should not accept a first offer from an insurance company.