Getting Your Car Fixed After an Accident
What happens to your car after an accident depends on who pays for the repair
After an accident, you have three main paths: your own insurance covers it, the other driver's insurance covers it, or you pay out of pocket. Which one applies depends on who caused the accident, what coverage you have, and whether the other driver has insurance. The repair process itself is similar in each case — you get estimates, choose a shop, and the insurer (or you) pays the bill — but who controls the process and how fast it moves changes based on who's paying.
If you caused the accident and have collision coverage, your insurance will pay for repairs minus your deductible. If the other driver caused it and has liability coverage, their insurance pays. If neither of you has the right coverage, or if the other driver is uninsured, you may have to pay yourself or use your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. The first step is always to contact your insurance company and report the accident, even if you think the other person's insurance will pay.
Key Takeaways
- Report the accident to your insurance company within the timeframe stated in your policy, usually within 24 to 72 hours.
- Get written estimates from at least two repair shops before authorizing work, because insurers often negotiate the final price.
- Your insurance company may have a preferred repair shop network, but you have the right to choose any licensed shop in South Carolina.
- If the other driver's insurance is paying, their adjuster will inspect the car and issue a damage estimate, which may differ from your shop's estimate.
- Keep all receipts, photos, and repair paperwork for your records and in case you need to dispute the insurance company's payout.
Reporting the accident to your insurance company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Most policies require you to report within 24 to 72 hours, though some allow longer. Have your policy number ready and be prepared to describe what happened, where, when, and whether anyone was injured. You do not need to admit fault — just describe the facts of what occurred.
Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to your case. This person inspects the vehicle, reviews the accident details, and determines what the insurance company will pay. Ask the adjuster for their contact information and how often they will update you. Also ask whether your policy allows you to choose your own repair shop or whether you must use one from their network.
Getting repair estimates and choosing a shop
Before authorizing any repairs, get written estimates from at least two repair shops. A written estimate lists the damage, the parts needed, labor costs, and the total. This protects you because insurance companies often negotiate prices with shops, and having multiple estimates gives you leverage if the insurer's offer seems too low.
You can use any licensed repair shop in South Carolina, even if your insurance company prefers certain shops. Some insurers offer discounts if you use their preferred network, but you are not required to. If you have a trusted mechanic, ask them for an estimate. If you do not, ask your insurance adjuster for referrals, check online reviews, or contact the Better Business Bureau for shops in your area.
Once you choose a shop, give them a copy of the insurance estimate and your adjuster's contact information. The shop will often contact the insurance company directly to discuss the estimate and any additional damage they find once they start work.
What happens if the other driver's insurance is paying
If the other driver caused the accident and has liability coverage, their insurance company will pay for your repairs. You will still need to report the accident to your own insurance company, but your claim will be handled differently. The other driver's insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect your vehicle and issue their own damage estimate.
The other insurer's estimate may be lower than estimates from your chosen shop. If it is, you can dispute it by providing the shop's written estimate and explaining why the damage costs more. Some shops will also contact the other insurer directly to negotiate. If you cannot reach an agreement, you may have the right to pursue a small claims lawsuit or hire an attorney, though this is usually a last resort for high-value disputes.
Do not authorize repairs until you have approval from the other driver's insurance company. Once approved, repairs can usually begin within a few days. The other insurer typically pays the shop directly, so you should not have to pay out of pocket.
Understanding your deductible and out-of-pocket costs
If your own insurance is paying, you will owe your deductible — the amount you agreed to pay toward any claim. Common deductibles are $500 or $1,000, though yours may be different. You pay the deductible to the repair shop when you pick up your car, and your insurance pays the rest of the repair bill.
If the other driver's insurance is paying, you should not owe a deductible. Their liability coverage is meant to cover the full cost of damage they caused. However, if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may have to use your own uninsured motorist coverage, which usually has its own deductible.
Ask your repair shop whether they accept insurance payments directly or whether you need to pay upfront and submit a receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement. Most shops work directly with insurers, but confirming this before work begins prevents surprises.
What to do if the repair takes longer than expected
Once work begins, the shop may discover additional damage not visible in the initial estimate. This is common after accidents, especially if there is frame damage or damage to hidden components. The shop must contact your insurance adjuster and get approval before doing extra work. Do not authorize repairs beyond the estimate without checking with your insurer first, or you may end up paying the difference.
Ask the shop for a timeline when you drop off the car. Most repairs take one to three weeks, depending on parts availability and how busy the shop is. If the repair is taking longer than expected, contact the shop for an update. If your car is undrivable and you need transportation, check whether your insurance policy covers a rental car while repairs are underway — many policies do, though you may have a daily limit.
Keeping records and resolving disputes
Keep copies of everything: the accident report, photos of the damage, all written estimates, the insurance adjuster's report, receipts for repairs, and any correspondence with the insurance company or repair shop. These documents protect you if a dispute arises about what was covered or how much you should pay.
If you disagree with your insurance company's payout, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Insurance. If you disagree with the other driver's insurance company, you can also file a complaint there. Complaints are free and can sometimes result in the insurer reconsidering their decision. Keep a record of complaint numbers and dates.
If the dispute involves a significant amount of money and you cannot resolve it with the insurance company, you may want to consult with an attorney who handles insurance claims. Many offer free initial consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose any repair shop, or do I have to use the insurance company's preferred shop?
You can choose any licensed repair shop in South Carolina. Your insurance company may offer discounts if you use their preferred network, but they cannot force you to use a specific shop. If you use a non-preferred shop, your insurance will still pay for repairs, though you may not receive the discount.
What if the repair shop finds damage that was not in the original estimate?
The shop must contact your insurance adjuster and get approval before doing additional work. Do not authorize extra repairs without checking with your insurer first, or you may be responsible for the extra cost. Once approved, the additional work is covered the same way as the original estimate.
Do I have to pay my deductible if the other driver caused the accident?
No, not if the other driver's insurance is paying. Their liability coverage is meant to cover the full cost of damage they caused. You only pay your deductible if you use your own collision coverage. If the other driver is uninsured, you would use your own uninsured motorist coverage, which typically has its own deductible.
How long does it usually take to get a car repaired after an accident?
Most repairs take one to three weeks, depending on the extent of damage and parts availability. Complex repairs or those requiring special parts may take longer. Ask the repair shop for a timeline when you drop off your car, and contact them for updates if the repair is taking longer than expected.
What should I do if I disagree with the insurance company's damage estimate?
Get a written estimate from your chosen repair shop and provide it to the insurance adjuster. If the estimates differ significantly, ask the adjuster to explain the difference. If you still disagree, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Insurance, which investigates disputes between policyholders and insurers.