Have you had an accident and need to find a body shop? You first need to know several important things about car collision repair, the auto repair estimate process and how to handle your insurance claim. Are you covered by your insurance policy? Are DIY repairs possible to lower your expenses?
It is possible to save on auto repair costs by doing certain repairs yourself. Will DIY car accident repair negate my insurance warranties? Collision repair cost examples might help you make the best decisions. If you had an accident and need to find a body shop, here’s what you need to know first.
When you have a car accident you likely need to find a body shop fast. Several factors are important to understand about car collision repair and auto insurance plans first, however. The type of insurance coverage you purchase affects the type of coverage you receive. Your insurance plan also affects how much you have to pay out-of-pocket for repair and replacement bills.
This is true for your own vehicle but might also be applicable to other cars damaged in the accident if you were the at-fault driver.
Your auto insurance policy terms affect the type of coverage you have for accidents. Your auto insurance company also requires you to follow specific instructions after an accident as well. Virginia and New Hampshire are the only U.S. states where drivers are not required to carry minimum liability auto insurance.
Liability insurance helps pay for damages to vehicles and other property owned by other people when you are the at-fault driver, but it does not cover medical expenses for you/your passengers.
Liability insurance also does not cover damages to your own vehicle. Personal Liability and Property Damage (PLPD) insurance coverage also includes different elements in different states.
In some states PLPD coverage includes liability, no-fault personal injury protection (no-fault PIP) insurance, personal protection (PPI), out-of-state property damage and more. Regardless of the state, however, PLPD insurance does not include the following types of coverage:
- Comprehensive & collision.
- Uninsured/underinsured.
- Mini-tort.
- MedPay.
In order for your insurance policy to pay for collision car repair costs pursuant to your vehicle after an accident, you need to either have comprehensive/collision or collision coverage on your policy. Accident repair shop costs are often expensive so it is important to understand your coverage options prior to hiring any auto service shops to work on your car.
