auto damage and repairs

Vehicle Damage & Auto Repair After an Accident

We Handle Your Property Damage Claim for Free When We Manage Your Personal Injury Case

Dealing with vehicle damage after an accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies. It’s important to remember that insurance companies, even your own, are not necessarily looking out for your best interests. Their primary goal is to minimize their payout and close your case quickly. They are not advocates working to get the maximum compensation from the responsible party. To ensure you receive fair compensation, you should document every detail of the vehicle damage, including photos, receipts, and any physical remnants of damaged items.

Vehicle Total Loss

If your vehicle is towed to a storage yard, be aware that storage fees accrue daily. If the insurance company is slow to respond, you are ultimately responsible for these fees. Be proactive and request that your vehicle be moved out of the tow yard as soon as possible.

If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, you are entitled to compensation for the current market value of the vehicle. If the offer you receive isn’t satisfactory, you can often negotiate for a higher payout. To ensure you get the best possible offer, provide the insurance company with all relevant information about your vehicle, including maintenance receipts and records of any recent work done.

Auto Repair

If your vehicle can be repaired, you have the right to choose the repair shop. No insurance company can dictate where you take your car for repairs. Ensure the shop you choose uses manufacturer-approved parts for the best results.

You are also entitled to compensation for loss of use while your car is being repaired or evaluated. Many insurance carriers don’t voluntarily offer this information, but you can be reimbursed for rental costs or even receive a cash payment for the inconvenience.

No-Cost Review of Your Claim

At Moore Faust Injury Law Group, we typically handle your property damage claim at no additional charge if we are managing your personal injury case. Contact us today for a free consultation. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call us now to learn more about your rights and get expert guidance through the claims process.

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Auto Repairs FAQs

How much does the insurance company owe?

In most situations, the insurance company owes the lesser of the actual cash value (“A.C.V.”) of the vehicle or the amount necessary to repair it.

How do I obtain a repair estimate?

If your car is repairable, the insurance company will assess the damage. The insurance company representative may suggest to you where to take your car for a repair estimate. It is always best you get three competitive estimates from body shops selected by you to be certain that the insurance company is not undercutting you. It is important that mechanical damages be fully determined in addition to the damage to the “body” of the vehicle.

Can I choose where my car will be repaired?

Yes, but make sure the body shop is reputable and agrees with the insurance company’s estimate for repairs. Be careful not to be “stuck” with hidden damage.

Do I have to pay for the estimate of repair?

Sometimes. Usually the small fee charged is a wise investment.

How will I be paid for my car repairs?

Usually the insurance company will issue a check payable to you and/or the body shop.

Should I have minor damage repaired?

Yes. Unrepaired damage can cost you in the long run. Unrepaired damage will be deducted from the resale or trade-in value of your car.

What about mechanical damage?

In many situations it is difficult to know the real cause of mechanical problems until the unit is disassembled. If the mechanical damage is shown to be accident-related, the insurance company should pay for it.

What if hidden damage is later discovered?

If the body shop finds additional damage that is from the accident, the repairer should contact the insurance company for approval. After it is approved, an additional check should be issued. Of course, the insurance company may dispute owing this amount if you have already signed a property loss release.

Even though it looks repaired everyone tells me my car will never be the same. Shouldn’t I just trade it in?

That is your decision. You are owed the cost of repairs, which returns your non-totaled car to its pre-accident condition.

What if I’m not satisfied with the repairs?

You have the right to be satisfied. Do not endorse the settlement check or sign a release until the repairs are done to your complete satisfaction.

If I have collision coverage on my own policy, should I use it?

Yes. Your insurance company should deal with you more fairly. Your collision coverage is a quick way of repairing your vehicle damage. You will have to pay the deductible, but your insurance company should pursue the responsible driver’s insurance company to recover the collision payment for itself and the deductible for you.

Won’t my insurance rates increase if I use my own insurance coverage?

No. Under state law your insurance company ought not to raise your rates, or cancel your coverage for merely making a claim for damages to your motor vehicle not caused by you.

What if I don’t have collision coverage?

If you are not at fault for the accident the responsible driver’s liability insurance coverage should pay for your vehicle damage.

Local Auto Repair Shops

ABRA Auto Body Rapid City; 350 N. Lacrosse St., Rapid City; www.abraauto.com
Mels Autobody Inc.; 3340 W. Chicago St., Rapid City; www.melsautobody.com
Roy’s Westside Auto Body; 800 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City; royswestsideautobody.com
J&J Truck and Auto Body; 1513 E. Philadelphia St., Rapid City; www.jandjtab.com
Halvorsen’s Auto Repair; 1511 Rocker Dr., Rapid City; www.autorepairrc.com

Please Note: Moore-Faust Injury Law Group does not endorse any of the auto repair shops mentioned above. These shops are provided as suggestions for your convenience and do not constitute a recommendation or guarantee of their services. You are solely responsible for selecting an auto repair shop and for any agreements or transactions you enter into with them. We encourage you to conduct your own research and due diligence before choosing a repair facility.

WHY MOORE-FAUST INJURY LAW GROUP?

Moore-Faust Injury Law Group brings more than 30 years of experience to the table on behalf of our clients. We have obtained millions of dollars in compensation for victims who were seriously injured or lost their life by the carelessness of others in vehicle crashes and other accidents. Contact us for a free, no obligation review of your injury claim.