Auto Repair and Your Auto Insurance Adjuster in Utah
Reader’s Question:
Hello, I’m Barry, and I’m in Utah. What happens when my car gets in a fender bender? How will I get it repaired through the auto insurance company? Do I have other options?
Barry
West Jordan, UT
If you figure in an accident, you have two options: you can have the car repaired yourself, or you can just let the auto insurance company take care of it. The first option lets you do the leg work, and the second option, of course, offers convenience.
If you decide to handle the repair yourself, you’re basically telling the auto insurance company that you’ll be the one to look for a body shop and just let them know what’s happening. This would work if you know your way around body shop land, or if you have a body shop that you prefer. This, however, can be tiring and can eat up your time.
Now, if you decide to just sit back, let the auto insurance company handle the repair. What they would do is send an insurance adjuster to inspect your car and the damage. The adjuster will then come up with an estimate.
Auto insurance companies in Utah can’t really coerce you into choosing a particular body shop. They may give you a list of ‘preferred auto repair shops,’ but you will still have the option to choose your auto repair shop.
Now, bear in mind that the repair does not mean they’ll be upgrading your car. Do not expect that. The repair shop will consider the cost and quality of the parts that were in your car, and they will get similar car parts when they fix your car.
Will My Auto Insurance Pay Claim For Accident in Utah
Reader’s Question:
I bought a new car last month and it is paid off. I got involved in a crash and I was at fault, my question is, will my insurance in Provo, Utah cover the vehicle or just the other party?
Pierce
Provo, UT
This will actually depend upon what auto insurance coverages you have put on your new car. If you have the comprehensive and collision coverages then your vehicle is protected by your car insurance policy. So if you are at fault in a crash your liability coverages would cover cover your own car and those that you caused damage to.
If you did not place collision coverage on your car, then you would not have any coverage on your car and so could not make a car insurance claim.
Most drivers that have a new vehicle will want to protect their vehicle, by placing both comprehensive and collision coverages on the car. Those with a lease or loan on a car will normally be required to have the physical damage coverages of comprehensive and collision on their vehicle. If an individual owns more than what a vehicle is worth they would also want to obtain GAP insurance that would cover the balance between what the automobile is worth and what they owe on the vehicle.
If you are not sure of what car insurance coverages you have on your car insurance policy in Provo, Utah, then read over your car insurance policy and talk with your car insurance agent for verification. If you do have collision coverage on your car insurance policy then you could place a first party claim with your insurance company for the damages your vehicle sustained in an at-fault accident.
Car Insurance Question in Utah
Reader’s Question:
The person who was part of the car wash drove a stranger’s Mercedes Benz into my vehicle in Layton UT. The motorist had no insurance. Is the church car wash liable for using an uninsured motorist to drive a vehicle? Is it solely the motorist’s fault? If the car owner of the Mercedes told the uninsured driver to drive the vehicle, is it the fault of the Mercedes’ owner – and his insurance cover the damage?
Tom
Layton, UT
If the car owner of the Mercedes gave permission to the driver, then the driver will be covered under that insurance policy. If that insurance policy has ‘property damage liability’ coverage, you will need to access it to fix your vehicle. If the insurance policy of the Mercedes Benz has ‘collision’ coverage, that will be used to fix any damage to that car. There may be a deductible that may apply that the motorist may be held responsible. If the church had bought some sort of liability insurance for the car wash that may be useable; but, I do not know if the church can be held accountable for this. (You will need to seek out legal advice regarding this.) Basically, the driver and the car owner of the Mercedes (if that person gave permission to the driver to drive the car) are at fault for this accident in Layton.
