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When Do I Need To Repair My Car After An Accident?

There are many questions following a car accident repair. How long will it take to repair your car? What about the cost? Does the money from your insurance claim have to be used to repair it?

It may be challenging to find accurate and helpful information when trying to make a claim, to receive medical care, or to repair your car. In this article, we aim to clarify any confusion about auto repairs following an accident and answer any questions you might have.

After an accident, is there a deadline for getting your car fixed?

In terms of when you have to report and use your policy coverage, insurance companies differ. As soon as possible after an accident, you should contact your insurance company. Getting started as soon as possible is key. You will not only have your car fixed sooner, but you will also remember all the details of the accident. Following the filing of a claim with your insurance company, a claims adjuster will assist you in the claim process and inform you of any time limits for use of your coverage.

Am I required to use my insurance money for car repairs?

You may wonder if you can use your insurance money to buy something else if your vehicle is minorly damaged. If you own your vehicle outright, chances are you have the option to use the money for what you want. Those who are making payments on their car still own it technically and therefore have a vested interest in keeping it valuable. When you’re making payments on it, you’re typically responsible for having it repaired. Most people use the insurance money to repair their vehicles when owning them outright, but if you don’t own it, you’re typically free to spend it however you like.

Is it possible to keep the money from an insurance claim?

In most cases, if you own the car outright, you are allowed to pocket the money if you don’t want to fix your damaged vehicle with the money from your insurance claim. However, if you have a car loan, your lender will usually require you to have the damage repaired to keep your loan secured.

Is it safe to drive my car while it’s damaged?

During the waiting period for your car to be repaired, you may be tempted to keep driving it if it is still running following an accident. A small dent in your rear bumper may be perfectly safe and legal, but some types of damage make your car dangerous and/or illegal to drive. Among these are:

  • A crack in your windshield that obstructs or impairs your vision
  • A door, trunk, or hood that does not latch properly
  • Fuel tank or engine damage that compromises or threatens the integrity of the vehicle
  • Bumpers missing
  • Sharp or jagged edges

What is the average repair time for a car?

The length of time it takes to repair your car depends on a number of factors, including the type of damage, the location of the damage, the make and model of your car, and where you take it for repairs. It may take a few hours to replace a broken windshield, but extensive damage or damage to a foreign, classic, or limited edition car may take weeks or even months to recover, especially if the needed parts are not available.