What to do if your car isn't fixed properly after an insurance claim?

Asked by: Turner Rohan II  |  Last update: February 4, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (16 votes)

What to Do When Accident Damage Is NOT Repaired Properly
  1. Inspect Your Car After Repairs.
  2. Discuss Any Issues with the Manager.
  3. Request a Post-Repair Inspection.
  4. Contact Your Car Insurance.
  5. File a Compliant.
  6. Write a Review.

What if my car wasn't fixed properly after insurance claim?

File a Complaint: If your insurance company isn't cooperative, and you believe the first repair shop did not complete the work they were supposed to, you may need to file a complaint with the appropriate state agency, such as your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or a Consumer Protection Office.

How long do you have to fix a car after an insurance claim?

You are not required to fix your. States have different time limits on claiming damage. Usually 2 or 3 years. It is common to find hidden damage once the repair begins, so don't wait too long. Some damage, which may be minor initially can get worse over time.

What happens when insurance can't fix your car?

Yes, you can sue the insurance company if you feel it didn't act in your best interest to ensure the repair shop repaired your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. But it's best to speak with an experienced accident attorney for legal advice to decide the best course of action.

Can you sue an insurance company for not fixing your car?

Can I Sue My Car Insurance Company for Not Fixing My Car? If you experienced vehicle damage in an auto accident and insurance refuses to cover this damage, you may qualify to file a lawsuit.

What If My Insurance Isn't Fixing My Car Correctly During A Claim

19 related questions found

Are car repairs reported to insurance?

Some jurisdictions require shops to report repairs related to car accidents or significant damage to insurers or authorities. If repairs reveal critical safety issues that could affect the vehicle's insurability, the shop might notify the insurer.

How do I sue a car insurance company without a lawyer?

How Exactly Do You Sue an Insurance Company Without Using a Lawyer?
  1. File a Police Report. · ...
  2. Collect Evidence and Witness Statements. · ...
  3. File the Paperwork. · ...
  4. Representing Yourself During Legal Proceedings. · ...
  5. Dealing With the Appeals. ·

Can I just keep the money from an insurance claim?

You definitely can keep the money and not repair it, but you may have received less than you entitled to. The adjuster only pays the visible damage he sees on the outside, and any internal damage will need to be filed a secondary to get reimbursed.

What if the insurance check is less than the repairs?

Q: Your insurance check is less than the insurance adjusters preliminary estimate of repair. Now what? A: The difference between the adjuster's preliminary estimate and the check is your insurance deductible. It is your responsibility to pay your deductible to the shop much like you would pay your physician a co-pay.

What happens if my car can't be fixed?

If your car can't be repaired or the cost of repairing it is more than its value then it will be deemed a total loss. When this happens, you will be compensated based on the value of your car, allowing you to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am at fault?

If you damage someone else's vehicle during a significant collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.

Will insurance fix a totaled car?

When a vehicle is totaled, it means the insurance company believes it isn't worth repairing. The insurer may replace your totaled car with an equivalent one or offer you a cash payment equal to your car's value. If you believe the insurer's offer is too low, you can challenge it.

Can I sue my insurance company for taking too long?

The answer to this question is complex, but California health insurance providers are bound by state law to respond to claims within a specific amount of time. If they fail to do so, you may have the basis for a lawsuit against your insurer due to bad faith.

How long do you have to fix car after insurance 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.

Do car insurance companies make mistakes?

Most of the time, insurers do what they need to do. Sometimes, however, mistakes—either unintentional or intentional—do happen. Unintentional mistakes are usually quickly corrected, but rarely auto insurers have been known to act outside of a set insurance policy or deny a claim altogether when one is made.

What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?

Report the Incident

You don't want them to hear from the other party first. Be detailed: Provide them with all the information you've gathered—photos, videos, witness names, and details about the incident. Ask for advice: Your insurance company will guide you on how to proceed and whether further action is needed.

What happens if insurance can't fix my car?

If your insurance company doesn't want to pay for fixing your car, they might consider that your car isn't worth the cost. But they might have to pay you the value of the car. If it is someone else's insurance company, they might try to say it was your fault.

Does insurance pay you or the body shop?

The insurance company pays the collision center

In most cases, the insurance company will pay your body shop directly if you ask. If they make the payment to you, you will need to pay the body shop for the repair amount before you can pick up your vehicle.

What to do after insurance gives you an estimate?

Once you receive an estimate from the insurance company, take your car to a body shop of your choice for a second estimate. If the body shop feels the repairs to your car cannot be repaired as estimated by the insurance company, ask the manager of the body shop to call the insurance company on your behalf.

Do I have to use my insurance claim money to repair my car?

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.

What happens when your car is totaled but still drivable?

Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title: Once a salvage vehicle has been repaired and inspected, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue a "rebuilt" or "reconstructed" title for the vehicle. Once you obtain this, you can legally drive the vehicle.

How do I get the most money out of my insurance claim?

Steps to Argue for More Money on Your Total Loss Claim
  1. Ask for the Valuation Report.
  2. Research the Comparables on the Valuation Report.
  3. Dispute Any Condition Adjustments on the Comparables.
  4. Send Your Own Comparables to the Adjuster.
  5. Consider Hiring an Appraiser.

When should you sue an insurance company?

You may be able to sue your insurance company for bad faith if they intentionally neglect to perform the duties necessary according to your policy. If the insurance company knows that the claim is valid but they deny it anyway, you may be able to sue for bad faith.

Is it worth suing someone without car insurance?

Suing the uninsured driver might not be worth it unless they are financially capable of satisfying a judgment. After a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact a car accident lawyer about your legal options.

How to fight against insurance?

There are 2 ways to appeal a health plan decision:
  1. Internal appeal: If your claim is denied or your health insurance coverage canceled, you have the right to an internal appeal. ...
  2. External review: You have the right to take your appeal to an independent third party for review.