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When you are involved in an automobile accident that causes damage to your vehicle, one of the first questions you may ask is “How do I get my damage paid for and when can I have my car repaired.” Don't assume that an insurance company will act in your best interest. In fact most insurance companies have a goal to minimize the amount they pay you.

The following are several summaries that will help you with property damage claims in the event that you are trying to handle your case alone. If you wish Allen, Flatt Ballidis & Leslie to handle your personal injury case, please know that we handle your property damage claims for free.

Vehicle Total Loss

If your vehicle is in a tow yard or if it has been declared a total loss because of the extensive damage to the car, then you are entitled to the fair market value of your motor vehicle. There are several ways that you can obtain the value of your vehicle. Auto trader, local newspapers and even online sales advertisements give you a fair estimate of the current value of your vehicle. In addition to the total loss, you are entitled to improvement of the value if you have low mileage, accessories that are not readily available, and the car's condition is excellent. You are entitled to obtain license and tax fees that you would incur if you purchased a new car.

Property Rrepair

When your vehicle has been damaged but not totaled, you have the right to have the vehicle repaired at a facility of your choosing. Many insurance companies attempt to have you go to a facility that is “approved", hoping that you will go to a facility that charges less for repairs than an ordinary body shop. While not all body shops of this type are incompetent, a significant number are. Therefore it is always worthwhile to get a second estimate before you agree the repairs will be performed by the body shop recommended by the insurance company.

You are entitled to have your car repaired to his pre-existing condition. That means even cosmetic matters may be repaired to your satisfaction. Additionally, you're entitled to all original manufacture parts rather than inferior parts when the car is repaired. When you sell a vehicle, if there are inferior parts on the car, the value of the vehicle is diminished.

Rental Car

You're also entitled to a rental car during a period of time that your vehicles in the repair shop or are being evaluated for a total loss settlement. However be aware that if there is a dispute in liability, your rental bill may not be paid. Additionally, insurance coverage will not pay a significant lead greater amount than the fair value of rental in the community at the time of the accident. Generally we advise our clients to keep their rental car chargers at approximately $35 a day or below. If you already carry insurance, you do not need to carry additional insurance through the rental car company.

If you have any property damage questions, or you would like us to represent you in your personal-injury case, please know that we would be glad to answer questions for free. If you are a personal injury client of ours, will handle your property damage for free. Please Contact Us or call us at 1-888-752-7474.