Car Insurance Help Needed, VA
Hi everyone, I’m in a bit of a situation and could use some guidance. My sister had an accident in my car at the end of last year with my permission, and I filed a claim for that. However, I haven’t paid anything yet since the body shop hasn’t started repairs due to parts delays, and it looks like my car won’t be fixed until April.
This morning, I was involved in another accident—I accidentally hit a column in my parking garage. I’m really worried because I think this might total my car. I made a mistake and turned too early when leaving my parking spot, and now I’m regretting my decision to buy a Tesla.
My main questions are:
1. Will I have to pay the deductible for both accidents since they were filed in different years, even though the first claim hasn’t been settled yet?
2. Will they cancel the first claim and focus on the second one if my car is totaled?
3. Because my car was already damaged from the first claim, if they do total it, will I only receive the value after the initial damage?
Is there anything I can do to help mitigate the costs, or am I just facing a tough situation? I’m not very familiar with how car insurance works since last year was my first time filing a claim. Will my insurance cover a totaled car, and how can I verify that? Thanks for any advice!
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds incredibly stressful, but I hope I can help clarify some things for you.
Deductibles for Multiple Claims: Typically, if you have two separate claims filed (even if the accidents occur in different years), you may be responsible for paying a deductible for each claim. However, since the first claim has not yet been resolved, you should check with your insurance provider. They might have specific policies regarding multiple claims and how they intersect, especially since one claim has to do with an ongoing issue.
Total Loss Calculation: Generally, if your car is declared a total loss, the insurance company will assess the value of your car at the time of the second accident, which means they should be factoring in the condition of your car after the first accident. However, the specifics can depend on your policy, so it’s crucial to speak with your insurance agent about how depreciation is calculated in your scenario.
Insurance Coverage for a Totaled Car: Most comprehensive or collision coverage policies cover the total loss of your vehicle, but you do need to review your policy documents or consult your insurance agent to be sure about the coverage you have and the process for a total loss claim.
Next Steps: It’s best to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the new accident. They can guide you on the claims process, notifying them of the first claim, and how the evaluations will be conducted for your car’s damage.
Lowering Costs: This may be tough given the circumstances. However, you might consider discussing potential options with your insurance company, such as ways to minimize future premiums or inquire if they offer any accident forgiveness programs that might help you in the long run.
Lastly, just remember that accidents happen, and it sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your sister’s accident and now this one. Take a deep breath and reach out to professionals who can help you navigate this. You’ve got this!