Getting a Car Accident Vehicle Damage Estimate
Getting a car accident vehicle damage estimate is one of the most critical steps to take after an auto accident. Your car insurance company will either assess the damage on its own or require you to get an approved damage estimate as part of your claim. Based on the damages and what your policy covers, the adjuster will provide a reasonable car accident estimate. Learn more about how to get a vehicle damage estimate after a car accident with our free legal guide below.
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Mary Martin
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Mary Martin has been a legal writer and editor for over 20 years, responsible for ensuring that content is straightforward, correct, and helpful for the consumer. In addition, she worked on writing monthly newsletter columns for media, lawyers, and consumers. Ms. Martin also has experience with internal staff and HR operations. Mary was employed for almost 30 years by the nationwide legal publi...
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UPDATED: Jul 13, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Jul 13, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
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One of the most important steps in your insurance claim will be obtaining an estimated cost of damages to your car. Your car insurance company will either assess the damage on its own, or require your to have an approved damage estimate as part of your claim. If you think an estimate is unfair, you can get a seperate estimate of damages to contest a value you believe is too low and use the information in your insurance negotiations.
The Vehicle Inspection
If you have a right to collect for any repairs that need to be done to your damaged vehicle (your auto insurance policy will outline your coverages, deductibles, etc.), the auto insurance company is required to do a visual evaluation of damages so they can begin the process of determining the cost of repairs. Again, a quick look at your insurance policy will tell you exactly what is covered. Based on the damages and what is covered under your policy, the adjuster will provide a reasonable car accident estimate. The auto insurance company is not legally obligated to accept a higher estimate.
The best thing you can do if you have been involved in a collision is to participate in the evaluation and fully cooperate. It is perfectly fine to accompany the claims adjuster while he inspects your vehicle. It is important to point out any damage that the claims adjuster might miss, but keep in mind that extensive damage to your vehicle may result in a “total loss.” A total loss is a loss of sufficient size such that there is nothing left of value. This term is also used to mean a loss requiring the maximum amount a policy will pay.
A Totaled Car
If your car is declared a total loss, the auto insurance company is under no obligation to repair the damages, no matter how much you love your vehicle. What they are obligated to do is offer you a check for the fair market value of the vehicle. Fair market value is based on what the car would sell for under current market conditions, before the accident.
In the end, it might cost less money to pay the lower estimate now than to drag your feet and wind up in court. A judgment rendered against you can result in court costs in addition to damages and attachment of your wages and bank accounts. Not only can this hurt financially, it can harm your reputation with your bank and your employer.
Read more about car accident damages and payments in the following articles:
Types of Car Accident Compensation
What Is Your Car Accident Injury Claim Worth?
Who Pays for Medical & Car Repair Bills After an Auto Accident?
Case Studies: Getting a Car Accident Vehicle Damage Estimate
Case Study 1: Sarah’s Dissatisfaction With the Insurance Company’s Damage Estimate
After being involved in a car accident, Sarah contacts her insurance company to file a claim. The insurance company sends an adjuster to assess the damage and provide an estimate. However, Sarah believes that the estimate is too low and doesn’t adequately cover the necessary repairs.
She decides to obtain a separate damage estimate from a reputable auto body shop to contest the value provided by the insurance company. Armed with the additional estimate, Sarah engages in negotiations with the insurance company to ensure she receives a fair settlement for the damages.
Case Study 2: Mark’s Vehicle Declared a Total Loss
Following a severe collision, Mark’s car sustains extensive damage. The insurance company’s adjuster determines that the repair costs exceed the car’s value, declaring it a total loss. In such cases, the insurance company is not obligated to repair the vehicle but must offer Mark a check for the fair market value of the car.
Despite Mark’s attachment to his car, he understands that the fair market value is based on current market conditions and decides to accept the offer. Mark uses the settlement to purchase a new vehicle.
Case Study 3: Lisa’s Active Participation in the Vehicle Inspection
When Lisa’s car is damaged in an accident, she contacts her insurance company to initiate the claims process. She accompanies the claims adjuster during the vehicle inspection to ensure that all damages are properly documented.
Lisa points out any damage that the adjuster might miss, understanding the importance of providing accurate information. By actively participating in the evaluation process, Lisa ensures that the insurance company has a comprehensive understanding of the damages, increasing the likelihood of a fair and reasonable damage estimate.
Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.
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Mary Martin
Published Legal Expert
Mary Martin has been a legal writer and editor for over 20 years, responsible for ensuring that content is straightforward, correct, and helpful for the consumer. In addition, she worked on writing monthly newsletter columns for media, lawyers, and consumers. Ms. Martin also has experience with internal staff and HR operations. Mary was employed for almost 30 years by the nationwide legal publi...
Published Legal Expert
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.