How to Get Insurance to Pay for Car Repairs

Your car insurance can help pay for repairs to your car after an accident. What does car insurance cover, and when will it help pay for repairs? Here’s what you need to know and how to get insurance to pay for car repairs. 

What does car insurance cover?

A typical car insurance policy will include at least the minimum coverage required by law. Requirements vary by state.

Liability coverage protects you if you’re held responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property in a car accident. It doesn’t pay for damage to your own vehicle, however. A liability-only policy means that your insurance policy will not pay to repair your vehicle. 

When does your car insurance pay for repairs?

If you want coverage for your own vehicle, you will need either Collision or Comprehensive coverage, depending on how the damage occurred. These are optional coverages that help pay for necessary repairs to your car after a covered loss. 

Collision coverage pays for damage to your car if it hits another vehicle or stationary object or is hit by another vehicle. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages not related to a collision, such as storm damage or vandalism. Insurance will not pay for any repairs that are not a result of one of these covered losses. 

These coverages are not typically required by state law, but if you lease your car or have a car loan, your lender or lessor may require you to carry them. Check in with your insurance company or agent to see if you have full coverage on your vehicle. 

Deductibles and car insurance

When you file a collision or comprehensive claim, you will need to pay your deductible before your car insurance will start paying. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. A deductible is not the same as your premium, which is what you pay to purchase your policy. 

For example, say a repair costs $2,000 and your deductible is $500. In this case, you would pay $500 and then your insurance will pay the remaining $1,500. 

Common repairs NOT covered under a standard policy

Insurance is meant to help pay for damages from covered perils, which are outlined in your policy documents. In general, the following are not covered under a typical insurance policy: 

Wear and tear

Parts of your car that wear out over time from use are not typically covered. Wear and tear items can include things like wiper blades, tires, brakes, batteries and suspension. 

Maintenance

Maintenance procedures are not typically covered under a car insurance policy. Routine maintenance like oil changes, brake services and alignments are not covered. Similarly, damage resulting from lack of maintenance is not typically covered. 

Mechanical breakdown

If your car suffers a mechanical breakdown, your insurance will not typically pay for the repairs. However, your insurance can help you tow your car to a mechanic if you carry optional Roadside Assistance or Towing coverage. 

Pre-existing damage and manufacturing defects

Your insurance will not cover pre-existing damage or manufacturing defects. For example, if you bought a used car that had some damage from the prior owner, your new car insurance policy will not pay to fix it. If your vehicle has a manufacturing defect, a manufacturer’s warranty or recall may be able to cover it.  

How to file a claim

If your car has suffered damage and you wish to file a claim, don’t delay. Call your insurance company as soon as possible and report the damage.  Your policy may require you to report the claim within a short period of time after the loss occurred. 

We know that filing any kind of car insurance claim, even a small one, can be stressful. Our unique claims services will simplify the process, getting you back on the road in no time. 

File a claim

1. Call the police
   If the damage to your car is a result of an accident, theft, or vandalism, call the police and have them file a report.
2. Take pictures
   Take detailed pictures of the damage to your car and its surroundings at the accident scene. These are helpful for the adjuster when they investigate your claim.
3. File your claim
   Please have your policy number ready. You can file a claim online or by contacting us or your agent directly.
4. Assignment and tracking of the claim
   After you report your claim, you’ll receive a claim number to help track its progress. We’ll also assign you a friendly representative to answer any questions you may have.
5. Damage evaluation
   If your vehicle has damage and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these convenient options to get you back on the road as soon as possible:
   • CarPics^® Photo Appraisals: Eliminate the need to schedule a claims inspection and receive your estimate within hours. You may even get paid that same day.*
   • Crashbusters^® Mobile Claim Service: Have a representative meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you, often issuing you a check on the spot.
   • Door to Door Valet Claim Service^®: Let us pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish. If you have rental coverage, we’ll even coordinate a rental car.
6. Receive your claim settlement
   At your option, Plymouth Rock may pay your claim to the chosen repair shop or we may reimburse you directly. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage in your car insurance policy.

Conclusion: How to get insurance to pay for car repairs

Your car insurance can help pay for repairs to your vehicle if you carry Collision or Comprehensive coverage, depending on the situation. These optional coverages can help pay for reasonable and necessary repairs from a covered loss. Of course, all coverages are subject to conditions and exclusions, so it’s important for you to review your policy to understand what is and is not covered. Ask your insurance agent if you have any questions.

^*Certain restrictions apply.