auto damage and repairs
We handle your property damage claim for FREE
Comprehensive legal support for your injury and your vehicle
When you entrust Moore-Faust Injury Law Group with your personal injury case, we manage your property damage claim at no additional charge. While insurance companies—including your own—often prioritize minimizing payouts and closing files quickly, we act as your dedicated advocate. We don’t just process paperwork; we fight to ensure you receive the full value for your vehicle and belongings.
Navigating a total loss
If an appraiser deems your vehicle a total loss, you are entitled to its current fair market value. We help you secure the best possible offer by:
Negotiating payouts: If an initial offer falls short, we negotiate for a higher settlement based on real-world market data.
Documenting value: We use your maintenance receipts and records of recent upgrades to prove your vehicle’s true worth.
Managing storage fees: Tow yards charge daily fees that can quickly become your financial responsibility. We help you move your vehicle promptly to avoid unnecessary costs.
Managing your repairs
You have the right to choose your repair shop. No insurance carrier can dictate where you take your vehicle. To ensure your safety and the car’s longevity, we recommend shops that use manufacturer-approved parts.
Securing “Loss of Use” compensation
Many drivers don’t realize they are entitled to compensation for the time they are without a vehicle. Whether you need a rental car or prefer a cash payment for the inconvenience, we demand that insurance carriers reimburse you for the loss of your transportation.
Take the first step toward recovery
Don’t navigate the complex claims process alone. Let our experienced team document every detail—from photos of the damage to receipts for repairs—to build your strongest case.
Call Moore-Faust Injury Law Group today for a free consultation. If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, we are here to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
REQUEST FOR FREE CONSULTATION
- No Contingent Fee Unless You Win -
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- Submission of this form and receiving a free consultation and claim review do not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal representation the Attorney must agree to representation and a Legal Services Agreement must be signed by both client and APLC Moore-Faust Law Group.
Auto Repairs FAQs
How much does the insurance company owe?
Understanding Vehicle Valuation
In most cases, the insurance company owes you the lesser of two amounts: the vehicle’s Actual Cash Value (ACV) or the total cost of repairs. We work to ensure the insurance company uses accurate market data so you receive every dollar you deserve, whether they repair your vehicle or declare it a total loss.
How do I obtain a repair estimate?
Ensuring Accurate Repair Estimates
If your vehicle is repairable, the insurance company will assess the damage and may suggest specific body shops for an estimate. However, to ensure the insurance company does not undercut your claim, you should obtain three competitive estimates from shops of your own choosing.
When gathering these estimates, ensure the technicians perform a comprehensive inspection that includes:
Body Damage: Visible damage to the exterior panels and frame.
Mechanical Damage: Hidden issues affecting the engine, suspension, or internal systems.
By securing independent estimates, you verify that the insurance company accounts for the full scope of repairs needed to return your vehicle to a safe, pre-accident condition.
Can I choose where my car will be repaired?
Choosing a Reputable Repair Shop
You have the right to select your own body shop, but ensure they are reputable and agree with the insurance company’s repair estimate before work begins. A quality shop will advocate for you to ensure the insurer covers the true cost of the job.
Crucially, professional technicians must inspect for hidden damage—issues beneath the surface that an initial adjuster’s estimate might miss. Verifying these details early prevents you from being “stuck” with a vehicle that isn’t fully restored or safe to drive.
Do I have to pay for the estimate of repair?
Professional Inspections: A Wise Investment
Sometimes, paying a small fee for an independent inspection is a wise investment. A professional, third-party assessment provides an unbiased look at your vehicle’s condition, often uncovering hidden issues that insurance adjusters might overlook. Investing in an expert opinion now can prevent costly mechanical problems and safety concerns down the road.
How will I be paid for my car repairs?
Navigating Your Repair Payments
Once the insurance company approves your claim, they typically issue a check payable to you, the body shop, or both. This process ensures the funds go directly toward restoring your vehicle. We review these payments to confirm they align with the agreed-upon estimates, ensuring your car is repaired correctly without out-of-pocket stress for you.
Should I have minor damage repaired?
Protecting Your Vehicle’s Resale Value
Always repair your vehicle following an accident. Unrepaired damage costs you more in the long run, as dealerships and private buyers will deduct the full cost of those repairs from your car’s resale or trade-in value. By completing all necessary repairs now, you protect your financial investment and ensure you receive the highest possible value when you decide to sell or trade your vehicle.
What about mechanical damage?
Identifying Hidden Mechanical Damage
In many situations, technicians cannot determine the true cause of mechanical problems until they disassemble the affected parts. If a professional inspection proves the mechanical damage resulted from your accident, the insurance company must cover the repair costs. We help you document these findings to ensure the insurer pays for all accident-related issues, not just the visible body work.
What if hidden damage is later discovered?
Managing Additional Repair Costs
If your body shop discovers additional accident-related damage during the repair process, the technician must contact the insurance company immediately for approval. Once the insurer approves these “supplements,” they should issue an additional check to cover the added costs.
Be cautious: an insurance company may dispute these extra costs if you have already signed a property loss release. We advise you to consult with us before signing any final release documents to ensure you don’t lose your right to claim compensation for hidden damages.
Even though it looks repaired everyone tells me my car will never be the same. Shouldn’t I just trade it in?
Your Right to Repair
The decision to repair your vehicle belongs entirely to you. Because the insurance company owes you the cost of repairs necessary to return your car to its pre-accident condition, you maintain control over the process. We advocate for your right to receive the full funding required to make your vehicle whole again.
What if I’m not satisfied with the repairs?
Ensuring Your Complete Satisfaction
You have the right to a vehicle that meets your standards. Never endorse a settlement check or sign a final release until the shop completes all repairs to your full satisfaction. By waiting to sign until you have inspected the final results, you retain the leverage needed to ensure the insurance company and the repair shop fulfill their obligations to restore your vehicle correctly.
If I have collision coverage on my own policy, should I use it?
Streamlining Your Vehicle Repairs
Using your own collision coverage is often the fastest way to repair your vehicle and get back on the road. While you must pay your deductible upfront, your insurance company has a legal obligation to deal with you fairly.
Once your insurer pays for the repairs, they should pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier to recover those costs. During this process, they also fight to recover your deductible, ensuring you are eventually reimbursed in full.
Won’t my insurance rates increase if I use my own insurance coverage?
Protecting Your Insurance Rates
No. Under South Dakota state law, your insurance company should not raise your premiums or cancel your coverage simply for filing a property damage claim for an accident you did not cause. You have the right to use your benefits and seek repairs without fear of unfair retaliation from your insurer.
What if I don’t have collision coverage?
Liability and Vehicle Damage
If you are not at fault for the accident, the responsible driver’s liability insurance must pay for your vehicle damage. We hold the at-fault driver’s carrier accountable to ensure they cover the full cost of your repairs or the total value of your vehicle, protecting you from out-of-pocket expenses.
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
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.
30+
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND SUCCESS
