If you’ve been in a collision in Columbia, MO, an auto body shop can get your car looking like new. They can liaise directly with your insurance company, but depending on your coverage, you may also need to pay some of the costs.
Will My Insurance Cover All the Damage After an Accident?
Although by law every driver has to carry liability coverage in Missouri, it’s not compulsory to have other types of insurance. This means that the damage to your vehicle may not be covered if you didn’t choose the most comprehensive coverage.
Liability insurance only pays for damage to other vehicles, not your own. Comprehensive coverage offers much greater protection, but typically against hazards such as storms or falling trees. To be certain that damage to your own vehicle is included, you need to hold collision coverage.
Does Collision Coverage Always Cover the Cost?
Although collision coverage is designed specifically to cover your car, there are some exceptions. For example, your policy may have a deductible that the insurer requires you to pay before it will cover the remaining cost. It’s possible that the coverage may also only cover repairs up to a certain monetary amount or otherwise have a limit, such as the market value of the vehicle.
Are There Any Other Exclusions?
As well as there being limitations on the coverage, there may also be some specific exclusions that apply. This means things that your insurance won’t cover at all. This will vary from one policy to another but may include things such as pre-existing damage, unrelated mechanical failure, and any collision arising from a commercial purpose if this has not previously been disclosed. It’s important to check the policy terms for exclusions before claiming.
What Happens If I’m Not at Fault?
If you weren’t at fault for the collision, the other driver’s insurance should cover the cost of repairing your damage. It doesn’t matter whether they have collision insurance because standard auto insurance covers the cost of repairing damage to other vehicles.
However, if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may need to claim on your own insurance. You can either submit a claim through your underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, or you can claim on your own collision insurance.
Get Advice From an Experienced Auto Body Shop in Columbia, MO
Body shops deal with insurance companies regularly, so they can help make the process easier. They can liaise directly with the insurance company, keeping them updated about the work required and the potential cost.
If you have been in a collision, we can help. Get in touch with us today at Joe Machens Auto Body in Columbia, MO for professional advice you can trust.
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