No one wants to get in a car accident. However, in the unfortunate event that a person does get into a vehicular mishap, they may be left wondering what to do with their car. The obvious route is to get the vehicle’s body repaired, especially if you are still leasing it. Another option would be to sell it. With that in mind, here are the things you could do with your car after an accident.
Know Your Insurance Policy
The first thing you should do is know your insurance policy inside and out. If you don’t yet, it would be good to read up on it or talk to your agent about it. Doing so will tell you how much your policy covers and whether you need to pay for a part of the damages. This will also help you take faster action in the event of an accident. This is important if your car is no longer drivable since a lot of car impound lots charge a sizeable, daily storage fee.
After reviewing your policy, you may get into contact with the responsible party’s claims adjuster or handler. They will provide an estimate of how much will be paid out to cover the damages. However, it is always better to get an independent quotation, especially if you want to use original parts. Some claim handlers only account for the use of generic parts, so they may provide a smaller figure.
In the event that your car was “totaled” due to an accident, there are still options available. In this scenario, the insurance company will compare the total costs of repair to your car’s market value before the accident. They would then pay you whichever amount is less.
What Needs Auto Body Repair?
Once you get your settlement, the question of whether you will restore your car to its former glory or do the bare minimum still lingers. Of course, you could resort to using generic or used parts to cut on costs and keep the rest of the money. You could also use DIY options. However, this will not only leave your car looking and performing worse but it also greatly depreciates in resale value. Just know that the accident itself has already lessened the value of the vehicle.
It is always the preferred option to have our professionals thoroughly repair your car. Keep in mind that you do not have to go with the repair shop that the insurance company recommended. Not all mechanics are equal and some even specialize in certain types of repair. So take as much time as you possibly can to consider your options when it comes to which shop you’ll entrust your car to.
Consider Your Options
While your car is being fixed, it would be a good idea to look at other methods of transportation. You may choose to commute or use ride-sharing applications such as Uber or Lyft. You may also choose to carpool with someone who shares your route. If none of these options appeal to you, some insurance companies may reimburse you if you rent a car while waiting for repairs.
