Myths and Misconceptions About: Property Damage and Time Frames

There are many myths and misconceptions about personal injury law and the car accident claims process.
In this series, we address the myths and misconceptions about liability, property damage, insurance coverage, rental cars, attorney fees and attorney retention.

Misconception

 My car was damaged. Can’t you give me a time frame when the other driver’s insurance will repair my car or give me a check to cover my repairs?

Fact

 There is no time frame we can offer you if you are going through the other driver’s (third party) insurance to repair your damaged vehicle. Their insurance company will conduct an investigation to determine their insured’s liability before authorizing repair coverage.

Additional factors, including available replacement car parts, auto body staffing and the number of vehicles ahead of yours waiting to be repaired, among other variables, need to be taken into consideration as well.

If you have collision coverage on your auto policy and we are waiting for the other driver’s insurance company to accept liability, you might be better off going through your own insurance to cover the costs of repairs. Even though you will be paying a deductible out of pocket, your insurance company can get that back for you from the other party’s insurance during the settlement negotiations.