Help! First-time Collision Experience
Hi everyone,
I recently had a minor accident where I bumped my car against the curb. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the external damage to my car is minimal. However, the side airbags deployed, and now the car won’t start due to a low battery and some brake warnings.
I managed to get a free tow from Toyota to the nearest dealership, but they informed me that they couldn’t keep the car and advised me to take it to a collision center. It’s now at the collision center, and I’m feeling anxious about the next steps and potential costs involved.
I have Geico insurance for my vehicle. Can anyone share their experience with the process after delivering a car to a collision center? Do I need to pay for repairs upfront and then file a claim, or is there another approach? Additionally, I’m worried about the possibility that the car might be totaled. If that happens, will Geico cover it? The police officer mentioned that due to the deploying of the side airbags, it could be considered a total loss.
I’d greatly appreciate any guidance or information from anyone who has gone through a similar situation!
Here’s a summary of my insurance coverage:
– Comprehensive (Excluding Collision) – $500 Deductible
– Collision – $500 Deductible
– Emergency Road Service – Coverage Accepted
– Rental Reimbursement – $50/Day, $1,500 Max
– Mechanical Breakdown Insurance – $250 Deductible
Thank you!
Hey there!
I understand how stressful this situation can be, but I’m here to help walk you through it.
Contact Geico: The first step is to reach out to your Geico representative and report the accident if you haven’t done so already. They’ll walk you through the claims process and let you know what information they need from you.
Claims Process: Generally, after you file a claim, Geico will send an adjuster to assess the damage at the collision center. They’ll check the repairs needed and determine if your vehicle is repairable or if it’s considered a total loss due to the deployed airbags.
Payment: You typically won’t need to pay out of pocket upfront for the repairs if you have collision coverage, except for your deductible (in your case, $500). The collision center will usually bill Geico directly, and they will subtract your deductible from the total cost of repair.
Total Loss: If the vehicle is declared a total loss, Geico will pay you the actual cash value (ACV) of your car before the accident, minus your deductible. This amount might vary depending on the condition of your car prior to the accident and the market value.
Rental Reimbursement: With your rental reimbursement coverage, you can rent a car while yours is being repaired or until the claim is settled. Just remember there’s a daily limit of $50 and a maximum of $1,500 so monitor your rental needs.
Next Steps: After you file the claim, make sure to keep all communications documented, and be available for any follow-ups with the insurance adjuster. They may ask for additional information or documentation about the incident.
Take a deep breath—you’re taking the right steps, and your insurance should cover most of the process. If it starts getting overwhelming, don’t hesitate to lean on friends or family for support too. Best of luck, and I hope your car is back on the road soon!