Can I Fix My Own Car with Insurance Money? – Essential Guide
You’ve recently had an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, and now not only have you got to face possible injury or ongoing medical bills, but you’ve also got some rather unexpected repair bills. Many of us have been there before- the minor crash or inconvenience of a car accident that has damaged your vehicle but saved you from injury. Fixing a car after an accident is a major step towards getting “back to normal”, but it’s a big expense. And now you want to save some more money by repairing it yourself, right?
But, after fixing a car, can you still secure a payout from the insurance company? Better still- can you fix your own car yourself with the insurance payout? We previously covered repairing your own car from an insurance payout but what happens if you decide to repair your car before any money hits your bank account?
We explore the concept of fixing a car yourself, getting someone you know to help out as well as some of the implications if you decide on fixing a car yourself- which could be detrimental to your final payout.
The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you have significant experience in helping clients who have been involved in a car accident, including those who need extensive repair work done on their car. Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person at our nearby offices, over the phone, or video call. You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.
By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor who can help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people. Our familiarity with the local Phoenix courts makes us confident that we can help you get the best settlement possible.
Fixing a car after an accident is necessary, and we can help make sure that you get the highest settlement possible.
If you are unsure whether or not you can afford an attorney, don’t worry. We only get paid when you settle. Check out our Attorney Fees Calculator to find out more.
Fixing a Car After an Accident With Insurance Payout
In simple terms; yes, you can repair your own car should you wish.
It does, of course, depend on the type of insurance coverage you have; collision or comprehensive, as you’ll have a maximum cover cost to claim that would have been originally made clear to you when you took out your policy.
As long as the repairs you need to make sit within this, you’re absolutely within your rights to arrange your own car repairs for fixing a car. Our legal team would always recommend filing a claim and receiving the money first, but we totally understand that you may want to get cracking on repairs if you can- especially if you’re in the car repairs trade.
What if You’re a Mechanic (or know someone who is)? Will You Get the Same Payout?
If you’re a professional or know someone who is and they can give you an estimate on costs, you can then use it as a professional opinion when filing your accident case with an attorney, as this is typically what an insurance company would do. However, the risk is if you decide not to file with your insurance company first and either start repairs right away or get a valuation that’s lower than a third-party would give, you won’t be entitled to more money once they offer a payout.
Its always best to file with an insurance company first and assess the damage costs after, even if you’re an expert- or know someone else who is. There’s always a chance the quotes won’t be the same and you may end up losing out.
Am I allowed to Keep Any Extra Funds From an Insurance Claim?
Yes, under certain circumstances, you may keep the excess money from an insurance claim, but it primarily hinges on the ownership status of your vehicle and the provisions outlined in your insurance policy:
- Ownership: If you own your vehicle outright, without any financing or leasing arrangements, and the insurance reimbursement surpasses the repair expenses, you typically retain the difference. For example, if your insurer issues a $3,000 check for damages, yet the repairs amount to only $2,500, you’re entitled to keep the remaining $500.
- Financing or Leasing: Conversely, if your vehicle is under a loan or lease agreement, the insurance payout may be directed to the repair facility or lienholder. Any surplus funds typically revert to the insurer or are allocated towards reducing your loan balance.
- Policy Provisions: It’s crucial to review the terms of your insurance policy, as some policies delineate the utilization of payouts. Consulting with your insurance agent can provide further clarity on this matter.
Additionally, it’s important to note that certain states have specific regulations governing insurance payouts and their permissible use. Familiarizing yourself with local statutes is imperative.
Weigh the Personal Costs to You
As with everything in life, there are always pros and cons to every approach in accident law. While fixing a car may be a great opportunity for you, sadly it’s not always as simple for many others who are involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault.
Here at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm, we’d always recommend filing a claim with the insurer first. Once you’ve filed your claim, you can then look to repair the car however you see fit. They may take a long time to compensate you, at which point you’d be out of pocket with even more costs! Want to know more about what you should do next?
At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you, we have more than 15 years of experience helping clients obtain compensation for their personal injuries and fixing a car with the settlement. When you’re ready to talk, please contact our office to arrange a free initial consultation by phone or at our Chandler office, conveniently located near you.
If you have been in an accident and need help fixing a car with the settlement, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in nearby Chandler, AZ to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We provide personal injury legal services to clients in your area including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.
