Are you looking for Birmingham collision repair and wondering how insurance will help? We often work with insurance companies and customers who need collision repair, so we would be happy to help you understand.
About Insurance and Birmingham Collision Repair
Even though nobody likes to think about bad things happening, it’s important to be prepared for anything life throws your way. This is why most states, including Alabama, require motorists to carry auto insurance on their vehicles. The difference between being insured and uninsured becomes painfully evident if you are involved in a collision.
Your auto insurance company provides coverage for costs associated with your accident, including collision repair, making it an important part of the auto body repair process. Here’s how auto insurance can work for you when you are in need of minor to extensive collision repair.
What kind of insurance do I need to be covered for collision repair?
Although many states only require motorists to carry liability insurance at minimum, it is in your best interest to purchase collision insurance on your vehicle as well. Collision insurance is the coverage that will help you pay to repair or replace your car if you are involved in an accident.
The collision doesn’t necessarily have to be with another car, either; collision insurance will cover any repair work that involves an a. For example, if you hit a tree or a fence and cause body damage to your car, collision insurance can help you pay for repairs. Anyone whose car is not yet paid off is required to carry collision insurance, since they technically do not yet own the vehicle.
Will auto insurance help pay for my collision repairs even if I am at fault?
If you are involved in an accident and are determined to be at fault, your collision insurance will still help pay to repair the damage to your vehicle; however, you will be required to pay the deductible on your collision insurance plan.
A $1,000 deductible is common for most motorists, though others opt to pay higher premiums for lower deductibles, or no deductible at all. Depending upon the deductible on your insurance coverage plan, you may have to pay a significant out-of-pocket amount in order to have your auto insurance company pick up the rest of the collision repair tab. If the estimate for your collision repair is lower than your insurance deductible, you’re better off paying out of pocket for the repairs in order to keep your insurance premium from increasing.
What if I’m not at fault? Do I still have to pay the deductible?
If the other party is deemed at fault in a collision, you should file the claim through his or her auto insurance rather than your own. However, if the motorist is uninsured, or if his or her insurance company refuses to pay for the total cost of your collision repairs, you would need to file the claim through your insurance company and pay the resulting deductible to cover the rest. You are entitled to hire an attorney to go after the uninsured motorist for the amount of the collision repair bill, but this can be costly and time-consuming.
Contact Us for Birmingham Collision Repair
Still have questions about insurance and collision repair? Sherrill Paint & Body has the answers! We work with a variety of insurance agents here in Birmingham, AL, and know the ins and outs of getting your insurance company to pay for body repair for your vehicle. We can help you handle all of the insurance paperwork associated with filing a collision repair claim! Call Sherrill Paint & Body today at 205-322-5684 to schedule your collision repair estimate.