Even if it’s just a fender bender, getting into a car accident is an incredibly stressful and upsetting situation! Best case scenario, the damage is minimal and no one was hurt. But if your vehicle has extensive damage, it will either require costly repairs or it will be written off entirely.
So, what determines whether your car will be written off or if it can be repaired? We’ll cover that question, along with other important considerations on the topic in this post!
Repairing your vehicle after an accident
Each state has different laws about repairing a vehicle versus deeming it a total loss after an accident.
In Utah, regulations follow the Total Loss Formula. This includes adding the cost of repairs plus the scrap value of your vehicle. If the total is higher than the car’s value prior to the accident, the car is declared a total loss.
If it’s less, your vehicle could be repaired and back on the road. But will insurance cover these repairs? If you were at fault for the accident and you have collision coverage, the cost of repairs will likely be covered by your policy, minus your deductible.
But if the damage came from something other than a collision (i.e., vandalism, theft, falling objects) your best chance for having repairs covered is if you have comprehensive insurance.
Replacing and writing off your car after an accident
If the Total Loss Formula deems your vehicle a total loss, you do have the right to keep the vehicle. In that case, your insurance company deducts the scrap value from what they owe you.
Next, your car will be considered a salvage, and it will have a branded title. In Utah, this means it is either a) a salvage or b) it has been rebuilt.
Do I need collision car insurance in Salt Lake City?
We already mentioned how you won’t get insurance compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle after an at-fault accident unless you have collision insurance! Yes – that means you’re responsible for covering the cost of repairing or replacing your car out of your own pocket.
But if another driver was responsible for the accident AND they’re insured, their insurance is used to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car.
What about comprehensive insurance?
Now, back to damage that occurs from something other than a collision. Perhaps a massive rock falls on the hood of your car while you’re driving through the mountains. Will insurance cover the cost of replacing or repairing your vehicle?
Not unless you have comprehensive insurance! This optional coverage was created to protect drivers from a variety of non-collision related damage.
Are you interested in learning more about the car insurance options that might be right for you? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!
