Looking for Guidance After My First Collision
Hello everyone,
I recently had my first accident where I accidentally hit my car against the sidewalk. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the external damage to my car is minimal. However, the side airbags deployed, and now my car won’t drive due to a low battery and some brake warnings.
I was able to get a free tow from Toyota to the nearest dealership, but they informed me that they can’t keep the car and suggested I take it to a collision center. It’s now at the collision center, and I’m feeling quite anxious about what to expect next and what my costs will be.
I have Geico insurance on the vehicle, and I’m hoping someone can explain the process after dropping off my car at the collision center. Do I need to pay everything upfront and then file a claim, or is there a different procedure? If the car turns out to be totaled, will Geico cover it? The police officer mentioned that since the airbags deployed, it might be considered a total loss.
If anyone with experience could provide some insights, I would greatly appreciate it!
Here are my insurance coverages for reference:
– Comprehensive (Excluding Collision): $500 Deductible
– Collision: $500 Deductible
– Emergency Road Service: Accepted
– Rental Reimbursement: $50/Day, Maximum $1,500
– Mechanical Breakdown Insurance: $250 Deductible
Hi there!
I understand how overwhelming this situation can be, especially since it’s your first time dealing with a collision. Here’s a general outline of what to expect moving forward:
Claim Filing: Since you have Geico insurance, you’ll need to file a claim if you haven’t already done so. You can do this online through their website or by calling their claims department. They will guide you through the necessary steps.
Assessment of Damage: Once the collision center assesses your vehicle, they will provide a detailed estimate of the repairs needed. This may take some time, especially since the airbags deployed.
Geico’s Role: After the assessment, Geico will usually send an adjuster to evaluate the damage for coverage determination. They will consider factors like the extent of the damage, the car’s value, and whether it’s repairable or totaled.
Total Loss Determination: If the police officer indicated that the car is likely totaled because of the airbag deployment, the adjuster will determine if this is indeed the case. If it is totaled, Geico will pay you the actual cash value (ACV) of your car, minus your deductible.
Deductibles: Since you have a $500 deductible under your collision coverage, this is the amount you’ll be responsible for paying out of pocket before Geico covers the rest. If the car is totaled, this amount will be deducted from your payout.
Repair Payments: If your car is repairable, the collision center will likely work directly with Geico for payment. You typically won’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs as long as you file the claim correctly and are within your coverage limits.
Rental Car: You mentioned that you have rental reimbursement coverage. If your car is in the shop for repairs, you can utilize this coverage to help with rental car costs, subject to the terms of your policy.
Communication: Stay in close contact with both the collision center and Geico throughout the process. They can provide you with updates and more specifics based on your unique situation.
I hope this helps alleviate some of your concerns! Remember, being proactive and following up with your insurance and the collision center will make this process smoother. Good luck!