Resolving Property Damage Claims: What is Going to Happen to My Car?

One of the important events that needs to happen after a collision is sorting out who is at fault and then getting the damaged vehicles repaired or replaced.

There are also issues ot towing, storage and rental cars. These must be addressed quickly as costs accrue  from delay.  One thing you should know is that I will resolve your property damage claim for you if you wish. Most lawyers do not offer this service because the lawyer does not get paid for working on property damage claims.

If your car is towed  from the collision scene, it will be placed in a tow yard and storage fees begin immediately.  This could be $100.00 per day or more. If it turns out the collision is partially your fault, then you will be responsible for a portion of the storage fees.

To avoid this possibility, it is imperative that you contact both your insurance company and the company insuring the at fault driver. If fault is admitted by the other driver, then his/her insurance carrier will ask you to sign a release giving the company the right to tow your vehicle. Even insurance companies are concerned about towing and storage fees. The carrier will take the car to it’s own storage facility or to a repair facility.

When it comes to repair facilities, you can either choose your own or choose one approved by the carrier repairing the car. If you choose one of the approved facilities, then the repair usually comes with a warranty.

If the other driver does not admit fault, then we have to turn to your own insurance company to remove your car from storage and have it repaired.

The Rental car process can be complicated.  If your policy has towing and rental car coverage, all is well. Even if the other driver denies fault, if you have rental coverage, you can rent a car for up to 30 days (under most policies). Again, if the other driver admits fault, then his or her carrier will put you in a rental while your car is being repaired.

If the cost of the repair exceeds the cost of the replacement value of the car, the carriers will call it a “total loss” and write you a check for the market value of the car. You can expect some negotiations in reaching the final figure for your car’s value.

This is just a very brief overview of how property damage claims work and the items you have to be aware of to effectively resolve your claim. If you have any questions regarding this topic or your situation following a collision, please contact my office for a free consultation.

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You can call me   John F. Sahhar at 760-683-2048 or email a question in the box below

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