Who should pay to fix my car after an accident?
Pennsylvania is a no fault state, which means that your insurance company regardless of whether you are at fault or not must pay to repair your car and pay your medical bills up to the limits of coverage. If you did not cause the accident and your insurance company pays to repair you car, they are entitled to seek reimbursement for the costs of repair from the at fault driver. It is also important to point out that if it is determined that you were not at fault, your insurance company cannot raise your rates simply because you submitted a claim for repairs to your car or truck.
Do I have to use the auto body shop that my insurance company has recommended?
No. Your insurance company can not force you to use one of their “preferred” or “recommended” repair shops and you are free to have your car or truck repaired where you would like.
What if the insurance company tells me that I will have to pay more for the repairs if I do not use one of their auto body shops?
All repair shops work with your insurance company to determine a reasonable cost to repair your car or truck to its pre-accident condition. If your insurance company is demanding that you use their preferred auto body shop, you should contact an attorney.
Can I get a rental car while my car is in the auto body shop?
Most auto insurance policies include the allowance of obtaining a rental car while your car or truck is being repaired or is inoperable. You should review your insurance policy to determine if your insurance company will pay for a rental car while your car is inoperable.
Will I get reimbursed for missed time from work?
If you are involved in a car accident and purchased income loss protection on your auto insurance policy, you can get up to 80% of your gross wages reimbursed, typically up to a limit of $5,000. If you do not have income loss protection or you have exceeded the amount of the limits under the policy, your loss wages may be included as part of a lawsuit against the at fault driver.