When an automobile collision occurs in Florida, most people lean on their insurance company for help. However, your insurance may not cover all the needed repairs to your vehicle. It's also not a given that the insurance company will replace a totaled vehicle. Here's what you need to know about the role of auto insurance when it comes to collision repair.
How Most Insurance Plans Work in Florida
Legally, all drivers in Florida must have at least $10,000 of personal injury protection, and the same amount of property damage liability. This liability coverage only goes towards paying for the vehicle, injuries, or property of the other driver if there's an accident.
Notice there's nothing in there to cover the repairs of your own vehicle. That's because
collision repairs
are a part of a separate and optional insurance item. If you don't have collision coverage, then there's not much your insurance company can or will do for you.
So if your insurance company consistently urges you to add extra coverage, don't assume it's a cash grab. You should actually look at the options and see if they can potentially work for you.
If you lease or don't outright own your vehicle, there's a good chance you have collision coverage already. Most lenders make collision coverage mandatory while you're paying off the vehicle.
How Most Insurance Companies Define a Collision in Florida
Not all auto accidents in Florida constitute a collision. Generally, a collision means your vehicle hit another vehicle or some other object. Typically, collision includes:
- Accidents involving another vehicle
- Hitting a stationary object, such as a tree or pole
- Rollovers
Sometimes, collision insurance can cover damage from hitting potholes as well. Outside of these specific types of accidents, collision won't cover repairs.
If you lack collision coverage, then you're at the mercy of the other person's insurance coverage. If they lack adequate insurance to cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle, then you'll have to pay out of pocket.
How Your Insurance Treats Non-Collision and Other Types of Repairs in Florida
Not all damage comes from collisions. Bringing our car to a collision repair specialist in Florida doesn't necessarily mean you were in a traditional accident. Wear and tear can also cause extensive damage to a vehicle.
In addition, other things can cause damage to a car, like falling objects or vandalism. Just like with collision, there are specific types of insurance to cover different eventualities. For example, comprehensive coverage will cover repairs if your vehicle receives damage from something other than another vehicle. There are also coverage options for mechanical repairs specifically.
How You Should Approach Extensive Collision Repairs in Florida
No matter what, if you want to save your vehicle, you need to bring it to a professional collision repair facility. You won't know what you're dealing with until you have an expert's assessment of the damage. Even if your insurance doesn't cover certain types of repairs, it's possible a lot of the damage to your vehicle is purely cosmetic. You may not need as extensive a repair job as you think.
Your insurance company may cover all, some, or none of the repairs. Speak to them about your options, but speak to the collision repair service about their options as well. Even if you don't have the coverage, you may still have the ability to save your vehicle.
Automotive Super Sports specializes in collision repair. We have extensive experience with dealing with insurance adjusters and finding ways to work with them so you can get the repairs you need.
Contact us immediately
if you require collision repair or have questions.
