Can I Get Car Repairs Covered by Insurance?

Yes, you can get car repairs covered by insurance — but only under specific circumstances depending on your policy type. Car repair coverage by insurance is the process by which your auto insurer pays for vehicle damage resulting from covered events such as collisions, theft, weather, or fire. Whether your repairs are covered depends on what type of coverage you carry, who was at fault, and the nature of the damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 80% of U.S. drivers carry collision or comprehensive coverage beyond basic liability — meaning most drivers do have some form of repair protection available to them.

Key Takeaways

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    Collision coverage pays for repairs after an accident, regardless of fault.
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    Comprehensive coverage handles non-collision damage: hail, theft, fire, floods, and falling objects.
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    Liability-only policies do NOT cover repairs to your own vehicle.
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    If the other driver is at fault, their liability insurance should cover your repairs.
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    Your deductible is subtracted from the total payout — lower deductibles mean higher premiums.

What Types of Insurance Cover Car Repairs?

Not all auto insurance policies are created equal. The type of coverage you carry directly determines whether your insurer will pay for repairs. Here’s a breakdown of the main coverage types and what they cover:

Coverage Type What It Covers Covers Your Repairs?
Collision Damage from colliding with another car or object ? Yes
Comprehensive Theft, weather, fire, animals, vandalism ? Yes
Liability Only Damage/injury you cause to others ? No
Uninsured Motorist Damage caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver ? Yes (if included)
Third-Party Liability Repairs to your car when the other driver is at fault ? Yes (via at-fault driver)

If you’re unsure what coverage you hold, review your declarations page or call your insurance agent. You can also learn how to read your auto insurance policy to identify exactly what protections are in place before you need to file a claim.

Can I Get Car Repairs Covered by Insurance After an Accident?

After a collision, the path to getting your car repairs covered by insurance depends primarily on fault and your policy. If another driver caused the accident, you file a claim against their liability insurance. If you were at fault — or if fault is disputed — you’ll rely on your own collision coverage. Either way, the process follows a predictable sequence.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Insurance Claim for Car Repairs

  1. Document the damage immediately. Take clear photos of all damage from multiple angles, capture the other vehicle’s plates, and collect witness information if available.
  2. File a police report (if applicable). For accidents involving injury, significant damage, or hit-and-runs, a police report strengthens your claim and may be required by your insurer.
  3. Notify your insurance company promptly. Most policies require you to report an incident within a specific timeframe — often 24–72 hours. Delays can jeopardize your claim.
  4. Get a damage estimate from a repair shop. Your insurer may send their own adjuster, or they may ask you to obtain estimates from approved shops. Bring your vehicle to a reputable body shop like a certified auto body repair center for an accurate assessment.
  5. Review the adjuster’s estimate. If the insurer’s estimate seems low, you have the right to negotiate or request a re-inspection. Don’t sign off on a settlement until you’re satisfied the repair cost is accurate.
  6. Authorize repairs and pay your deductible. Once approved, authorize the shop to begin work. You’ll pay your deductible directly to the repair shop; the insurer covers the remainder up to your policy limits.

“The single biggest mistake drivers make after an accident is waiting too long to contact their insurer. Prompt reporting protects your claim, your coverage, and your right to a fair repair settlement.”

— Auto Insurance Claims Best Practices

What Car Repairs Are NOT Covered by Insurance?

Understanding exclusions is just as important as understanding coverage. Standard auto insurance policies — even comprehensive ones — are designed to cover sudden, accidental damage, not routine maintenance or mechanical wear. The following are typically excluded:

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    Normal wear and tear — brake pads, tires, wiper blades, and other components that degrade over time
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    Mechanical or engine failure not caused by a covered accident
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    Routine maintenance — oil changes, tune-ups, fluid flushes
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    Pre-existing damage that existed before the policy was active
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    Intentional damage caused by the policyholder
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    Damage below your deductible — minor dents or scratches that cost less to fix than your deductible amount

For mechanical breakdowns not related to accidents, a separate mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) policy or an extended warranty may provide coverage. Some insurers offer MBI as an add-on, so it’s worth asking your provider.

How Much Will Insurance Actually Pay for Car Repairs?

The payout you receive from your insurer is determined by several factors: your policy limits, your deductible, the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle, and the repair estimate. The average collision claim in the U.S. costs approximately $4,700, according to industry data — meaning deductibles of $500–$1,000 still leave a substantial portion covered by insurance.

One critical concept: if the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of your car’s actual cash value (typically 70–80%), your insurer may declare the vehicle a total loss. In that case, instead of paying for repairs, they pay you the ACV of the vehicle minus your deductible.

$500–$2,000

Typical Deductible Range

~$4,700

Avg. Collision Claim (U.S.)

70–80%

ACV Threshold for Total Loss

Always choose a repair shop you trust to provide an honest, thorough estimate. Insurers may push preferred shops, but in most states you have the legal right to choose your own repair facility. A quality body shop will work directly with your insurer to ensure all covered damage is properly documented and repaired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will insurance cover car repairs if the damage was my fault?

Yes — if you carry collision coverage, your insurer will pay for repairs to your vehicle even if you caused the accident. You will be responsible for paying your deductible, and your premium may increase at renewal. Without collision coverage, you would have to pay for repairs out of pocket.

Does insurance cover hail damage or storm damage to my car?

Yes, comprehensive coverage specifically covers non-collision damage including hail, windstorms, flooding, falling tree branches, and other weather events. If you only carry liability insurance, storm damage to your own vehicle would not be covered. Comprehensive coverage is typically required if your vehicle is financed or leased.

Can I choose my own repair shop when filing an insurance claim?

In most U.S. states, you have the right to choose your own auto body repair shop, regardless of what your insurer recommends. Insurers may have a “preferred network” of shops, but they generally cannot legally force you to use them. Always verify your state’s consumer protection rules, as some policies may include restrictions.

What happens if the repair estimate is higher than what insurance will pay?

If the repair shop’s estimate exceeds the insurer’s approved amount, you have several options: negotiate with the insurer by providing a detailed supplement from your shop, request a re-inspection, or invoke the appraisal clause in your policy for a neutral third-party assessment. A reputable body shop will typically handle the supplemental process directly with your insurer on your behalf.

Does filing a claim for car repairs raise my insurance rates?

It depends on the type of claim and your insurer’s policies. At-fault collision claims are most likely to raise your rates. Comprehensive claims (weather, theft) may or may not affect premiums depending on your provider. Some insurers offer “accident forgiveness” programs for first-time claims. If the repair cost is only slightly above your deductible, it may be worth paying out of pocket to avoid a rate increase.

So — can you get car repairs covered by insurance? Absolutely, provided you have the right coverage in place before the damage occurs. Collision and comprehensive coverage are your primary tools for protecting your vehicle investment, while liability-only policies leave your own repairs uncovered. Understanding your policy, acting quickly after an incident, and working with a trusted, experienced auto body shop are the three keys to a smooth, fully covered repair experience. If you have questions about how the insurance repair process works or need a professional estimate, the team at Brea Auto Body is here to guide you every step of the way — from claim filing to the final coat of paint.