Who Pays for Car Repairs When the Other Driver Is at Fault

When determining who pays for car repairs when the other driver is at fault for the accident, you have a couple of options. Typically, the at-fault driver’s liability coverage pays for the damages you suffered. However, you could also cover your expenses through your own insurance policy.

In cases where the other driver is clearly at fault, their insurance company is expected to reimburse the affected party for the repair costs to their vehicle. However, the actual process can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the crash, the insurance policies involved, and local laws.

At Zanes Law, we have over 20 years of experience helping injured victims recover. Since then, we have secured over $500 million for our clients in awards and settlements. As your Phoenix car accident lawyers, we will explore all your options to cover your losses, including car repair expenses. Call today for a free initial consultation.

The At-Fault Driver Should Pay for Car Repairs

It typically falls upon the at-fault driver’s insurance company to cover your expenses associated with the collision. This process is facilitated through the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. Liability insurance is designed to cover damages and injuries caused to others in an accident for which the insured driver is responsible.

This type of insurance typically consists of two main components: bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Bodily injury liability covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees resulting from injuries to other parties. Property damage liability covers the repair or replacement costs of damaged property, such as vehicles or structures.

In Arizona, drivers must meet the minimum coverage limits:

$25,000 for one person sustaining bodily injury or death in an accident,
$50,000 for two or more persons sustaining bodily injury or death in an accident
$15,000 for damage to others’ property.

Liability insurance is mandated by law in most states to ensure that drivers can fulfill their financial responsibilities if they cause harm to others on the road.

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Your Own Insurance Policy Could Cover the Car Repairs

In certain situations, even if the other driver is at fault for a car accident, your own insurance policy might cover the car repairs. This scenario typically occurs when you have specific types of coverage included in your policy, such as collision coverage. You can rely on your own policy if the at-fault driver is uninsured or if your damages exceed their policy limit.

While it might seem counterintuitive to use your insurance when someone else is to blame for the accident, having additional coverage can provide valuable financial protection and peace of mind in unforeseen circumstances.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle regardless of who was at fault in the accident, making it particularly useful in situations where the other driver’s insurance is insufficient or non-existent.

While collision coverage is not required in Arizona, it can be a valuable safety net to have. This is an optional type of coverage in every state. Collision insurance usually covers expenses up to the current actual cash value of your vehicle without any deductibles.

How does Insurance Work When It’s Not Your Fault?

When you file a claim through the negligent driver’s insurance, you can expect a fight. Disputes over liability and compensation can arise. Their insurance company will send adjusters to investigate the crash, and they will try to diminish the value of your claim or deny it.

While going through your own insurance might seem more simple, you should still be cautious. Insurance companies are not your friends, and their main priority is making a profit. Adjusters will employ a wide range of tactics to pay you less than you deserve or refuse to pay your car accident claim.

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The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend

Despite the reassuring advertisements and friendly customer service representatives, it’s crucial to remember that the insurance company is not your friend. Their interests conflict with yours, particularly when it comes to settling claims. After a car accident, adjusters will ask you a lot of questions, and anything you say can be used against you.

Insurance adjusters may use various tactics to devalue or deny claims, such as:

Disputing liability
Downplaying injuries
Offering lowball settlements
Dragging out the claims process
Questioning the necessity of medical treatment
Attributing pre-existing conditions to current injuries

Work with an experienced car accident lawyer to protect your rights and increase your chances of a fair settlement. Look for an attorney with extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. You can trust Zanes Law to handle all communication with claim adjusters and fight for maximum compensation.

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Zanes Law Will Help Recover Your Car Expenses After an Accident

Our dedicated team of legal professionals advocates for our clients’ rights and fights to secure fair compensation for damages incurred in car accidents. We successfully navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal procedures on behalf of our clients.

At our personal injury law firm, we want to alleviate the financial burden and stress that often accompany such incidents. Knowing that your case is in trusted hands, you can focus on rebuilding your life after the collision. Contact us today to review your options for recovering your car repair expenses after a crash.

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