Repairing a wrecked car is usually necessary if the driver keeps using the vehicle after an accident. However, if your car's damage is minor, do you need to spend the money on repairs? After an accident and an insurance claim, it may or may not be necessary to have your vehicle repaired. Your lender will require the maintenance if you still owe money on the car.

Is It Possible for Me to Do the Car Repairs Myself?

There's a good chance you won't be able to fix your automobile if there's a lien on it. If you need repairs done, your lender may insist that you go to a particular repair shop that stands behind its work. It's possible to perform auto repairs on your own if you own the vehicle outright. Look into it more, or with your insurance representative.

What If You Have an Auto Loan?

You should get the automobile fixed if you have a debt on it. Your loan provider may need or assign pre-approval from the service technician. Your loan provider will expect you to get the automobile fixed up and back in top shape because it serves as security for the loan.

You do not have full vehicle ownership if you still make loan payments. Since you have some financial stake in the car, you need to see that it is serviced as soon as possible. There are a lot of financial institutions that will insist on being included as a loss payee on your automobile insurance policy.

Can I Lose Car Insurance If I Don't Fix It?

You'll have to fix your car if you want to keep your collision and comprehensive coverage with the insurance provider. If a vehicle has been damaged but is still not resolved, the insurance company will not want to continue covering it for physical damage. A second incident would magnify any current harm.

The insurance company would be reluctant to pay again for the same injury if it had already compensated you. The insurance provider would often request that you remove physical damage coverage from a car that was not fixed.

What Are the Consequences If I Don't Report the Accident?

It's not uncommon for motorists to avoid contacting their insurer after an accident. Keeping your insurance rates from increasing might be a priority. One such scenario involves a single-vehicle collision due to your negligence and is thus not covered by most insurance policies.

It's up to you if you want to file a claim and if you can afford the maintenance or replacement. You might have no choice but to claim if another car is involved.

The money from an insurance claim might be tempting to spend on other things besides fixing the automobile. This may be the best option when the damage is minor, and money is tight. The value of your vehicle will remain higher if you repair it in preparation for a future sale. You can always get the maintenance done when you have more money on hand.

Claim With Other Driver's Insurer

If the other driver caused the collision, you might be able to get your automobile fixed or replaced by submitting a claim with their insurance carrier (if they have liability property damage or other applicable coverage). This type of insurance claim involves a "third party." Find out more about what you need to know to file a lawsuit against a third party for vehicle damage following an auto accident.

Carrying Your Own Collision Insurance

If the other driver does not have adequate insurance or if you are found to be at fault for the accident, collision coverage will pay for the repairs to your car. Do not file a claim under your collision coverage if the other motorist was at fault and had enough insurance.

Utilizing Your Extensive Insurance

Damages not caused by accident, such as those caused by weather, fires, and falling tree limbs, will be covered by comprehensive insurance. Theft, vandalism, and animal-related incidents are also typically covered.

You should file a claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance, not your comprehensive coverage if your parked vehicle is hit by another car. It's typically not too difficult to establish that the other motorist caused the incident if your automobile was parked at the time.

How to Get Insurance to Pay for Repairs

The first step in getting your repairs paid for is to file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company will then often have an inspection done on your vehicle after that. The insurance company may request that you bring the automobile to a drive-through inspection station if you can drive it there. In most cases, the insurance company will send an inspector to the car's location if the vehicle cannot be moved.