What You Need to Know About Auto Repair Insurance Claim Work

After a car accident, you will need to have your vehicle repaired, whether through your own insurance policy, or an at-fault driver’s. Regardless of whose insurance carrier is covering the cost of your automotive repairs, there are some things you need to know about the process. This is especially important if you are planning to skip repairs and pocket the check, instead.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about having your car repaired after filing an automotive insurance claim.

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Passing on Repair? Be Careful

Can a person file an automotive insurance claim, receive a check, and then pass on getting their repairs done? The answer is, it depends. If you have a loan in your vehicle, you must have the vehicle repaired. Furthermore, most insurance policies require that drivers have all repairs carried out by a pre-approved mechanic. Failing to adhere to policy regulations like these will put you in breach of your insurance contract, as well as your loan contract. Such breaches can lead to lawsuits, restitution, and other legal hassles.

Additionally, many insurance companies will only continue to insure a driver if they continue with physical damage coverage, such as comprehensive coverage or collision coverage. If you accept a check from an automotive insurance claim, and then never have the vehicle repaired, the insurance company will no longer insure that vehicle. So you must choose: pocket the cash or keep your insurance. Sure, you can get a new carrier, but it might be difficult since the previous claim will be on your record. You will likely have to opt for higher insurance premiums or lower-quality coverage.

How does an insurance company know what you did with the cash? Well, standard procedure is for them to send you a check for the repairs, made out to both you and the pre-appointed mechanic. IF the repair never takes place, when the insurance company follows up on the claim, the mechanic will notify them that the repair was never completed.

Don’t Want to Report the Damage?

If you don’t want to report your vehicle damage to your automotive insurance carrier, you don’t have to, unless you have a loan on the car, as mentioned earlier, or if another vehicle was involved. If you and you alone were involved in the car’s damage, and you own your vehicle, you can forgo making a claim without any legal repercussion.  However, it is strongly encouraged to have your vehicle fully inspected by a licensed Indianapolis mechanic to ensure it is still road-safe. This is especially important if you use your vehicle to transport children.

Trusted Automotive Inspections in Indianapolis

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including comprehensive inspections following a car accident. Best of all, we offer customer conveniences like free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, automotive repair coupons and discounts, and competitive pricing. See our coupon, below!