In 2018, there were more than 10 million car accidents that cause some type of property damage or injury. That’s a staggering statistic, but when you learn that Americans drove over 3.2 billion miles that year, it’s not surprising.
Car accidents are stressful events. A million things can rush into your head at the moment. Is everyone OK? Is there a lot of damage? How much will this end up costing me?
You don’t need to panic, you just need to learn the facts.
Keep reading to discover the cost of car repair after an accident and the steps you need to take with your insurance company.
The Average Cost of Car Repair After an Accident
The average cost of car repair after an accident depends on a few factors. The severity of the accident and the type of damage are the largest determining factors.
A fender-bender that knocked out a taillight will have a much lower cost than auto body damage. The make and model of the car affect the cost as well. Some cars require more work and it can cost more to replace parts.
Your location and the auto body shop you use are additional cost factors.
You could pay as little as $75 for the repair or over $1,000.
You’ll want to find a car repair shop that has experience in car accident repairs. They can help you work with insurance companies and get your repairs done right.
For instance, CSI Collision Specialist looks at invisible frame damage, which is a type of structural damage that happens in car accidents. This type of damage usually goes unnoticed.
Who Pays for the Car Repair?
This is a question that you need to know before you start shopping around for repair quotes. Your insurance company will pay for the repair costs beyond your deductible. That is, as long as you have collision coverage.
You’re not required to have collision insurance unless you have a loan or lease. Double-check your policy to make sure you have collision coverage.
What about that deductible piece? You’re responsible for paying your deductible costs. If your insurance policy carries a $500 deductible, you pay $500 for the repair and insurance covers the rest.
What if the accident is the other person’s fault? First of all, you have to be able to prove that. Your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company determine who was responsible for the accident.
That’s why it’s important to report the accident to your insurance company and the police immediately. Taking photos is a good way to determine the cause, too.
Should they find that the other driver was at fault, you’ll be reimbursed for your share of the car repair payment.
Get Your Car Repaired After an Accident
Don’t worry about the cost of car repair after an accident. As long as you have collision coverage on your car and a low deductible, it won’t cost you as much as you think.
You’ll want to check your insurance policy again to make sure you’re fully covered.
Check out the Auto Maintenance section of this site for more auto tips.