Property Damage Deductibles After a Motor Vehicle Accident

One of the greatest concerns after a car accident is determining how your car will be fixed.  You may be worried about how you will take your kids to school, shop for groceries, and get to work without a car. You may also have questions regarding your deductible.

1. What is a deductible?

A deductible is what you pay out of pocket on a claim. This out-of-pocket payment may range anywhere from $100 to $1,000. If you file a claim, you may be responsible for paying the deductible. For example, if your car had $10,000 in damages after an accident and you carried collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, your insurance company would pay $9,000 of the damages and you would be responsible for the remaining $1,000.

Although you may not realize or remember, the deductible was established at the time you purchased your policy. The amount of your deductible depends on your policy, so you should check with your agent to be sure how of the amount.

2. The accident wasn’t my fault. Am I still responsible for paying the deductible?

In most cases, yes. A deductible is what you agreed to pay when you file a claim. These claims 

may include hail damage to your car, damage to your windshield, and damage after an accident. 

However, depending on who is at fault in the accident, you may be able to get your deductible reimbursed. This means that you would pay the deductible and then have the other driver’s insurance pay you back. You may also be able to get your deductible waived completely after an accident if the other driver’s insurance will cover your property damage.

3. How should I prepare for a deductible, and what if I can’t pay it?

Although we are all cautious, accidents do happen, and we should plan accordingly. This is no different for deductibles. If you know your deductible, it may be a good idea to have enough money saved in an emergency fund to cover any mishaps that may arise. If you are still unable to pay your deductible after a claim, you may seek other resources that may be able to help you. This may include family members, friends, or taking a personal loan until you get back on your feet.
Car accidents can be stressful and confusing to navigate. It is important to contact an experienced attorney. If you or your loved one has been injured, please call one of our experienced attorneys at Aaron Ferguson Law at (651) 493-0426 for a free consultation.