How to Get Your Car Repaired or Replaced After a Car Accident in California
If your vehicle was damaged in a car accident, one of your first concerns is likely:
“How do I get my car fixed — and who’s going to pay for it?”
Whether you were in a minor fender bender or a serious collision, understanding your insurance options — especially collision coverage and rental reimbursement — is key to making sure you’re not left paying out-of-pocket for repairs, a totaled vehicle, or a rental car.
This guide breaks down how collision coverage works in California, how to get compensated for your vehicle damage or loss, and how a personal injury lawyer can help protect your property damage claim.
What Is Collision Coverage — and Do You Need It in California?
Collision coverage is an optional part of your auto insurance policy that helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash — regardless of who was at fault.
In California, it’s not legally required, but it’s highly recommended if:
- Your car is newer, financed, or leased
- You want faster repairs without waiting for another driver’s insurance
- You want peace of mind in hit-and-run or uninsured driver scenarios
Collision coverage typically applies when:
- You hit another car or object
- Another car hits you and their insurance is delayed or disputed
- You’re involved in a single-vehicle accident (e.g., hitting a pole)
If you don’t have collision coverage, you may be forced to rely on the at-fault driver’s liability insurance — which can delay the process or leave you stuck with unpaid repairs.
How to Get Paid for Vehicle Repairs After an Accident
Once a claim is opened (either through your insurer or the other driver’s), your car will be inspected, and an estimate for repairs will be created.
You may be compensated for:
- Repair costs
- Towing and storage fees
- Rental car during repairs (if covered)
- Replacement value if the vehicle is totaled
But here’s the catch: insurance companies often try to lowball repair costs or total loss values, especially if your car is older or you don’t have an attorney handling the claim.
If your car is declared a total loss, you’ll receive the actual cash value (ACV) — not what you originally paid, but what your car was worth at the time of the accident, factoring in depreciation. A lawyer can help dispute an unfair valuation and fight for a better payout if needed.
Rental Car Reimbursement After an Accident
If your car is in the shop or totaled, you’ll need a way to get around. That’s where rental reimbursement coveragecomes in.
Here’s how rental coverage works:
- If you have rental reimbursement on your policy: Your insurer pays a daily amount (typically $30–$50/day for up to 30 days).
- If the other driver is at fault: Their insurance should cover your rental — but only once liability is accepted.
- If you don’t have coverage: You may have to pay for the rental out of pocket and hope for reimbursement later.
Important tip: Rental reimbursement is not automatically included in most California policies — it must be added separately.
What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Denies Fault?
This is where things get complicated. If the other driver:
- Is uninsured or underinsured
- Is slow to respond or accept fault
- Disputes liability
- Caused a hit-and-run
…you may be forced to go through your own collision coverage to get repairs started. Your insurer will then seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance, and if successful, your deductible may be refunded.
If you don’t have collision coverage and the other driver can’t pay, you may be left without options unless you pursue a civil claim — which is where a lawyer becomes crucial.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with Your Vehicle Damage Claim
Even though personal injury lawyers primarily handle bodily injury claims, many also help clients with vehicle property damage, especially if:
- The car is a total loss and the insurance offer is too low
- Rental reimbursement is denied or delayed
- The insurer is refusing to refund your deductible
- The adjuster undervalues your vehicle or disputes repair needs
- You’re overwhelmed dealing with multiple insurance carriers
A lawyer can:
- Communicate directly with insurers on your behalf
- Ensure your vehicle is fairly valued or properly repaired
- Demand reimbursement for rental, towing, and related expenses
- Combine your injury and vehicle claims to maximize compensation
Most lawyers won’t take a fee from your property damage payout, which means you get their help at no additional cost— especially valuable when the process becomes more complicated than expected.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident for Property Damage Compensation
To protect your vehicle damage claim in California, make sure you:
- Take detailed photos of all vehicle damage and the crash scene
- Get the police report or incident number
- Request a written estimate from a trusted repair shop
- Keep all receipts related to towing, storage, rental, or repairs
- Do not allow repairs until insurance has approved them
- Request a second valuation if your car is declared a total loss
- Document all communication with insurers
Get Help With Your Car Damage and Rental Reimbursement Claim
If your vehicle was damaged in a car accident — and you're struggling to get a fair repair estimate, rental coverage, or reimbursement — don’t go through it alone. Insurers are quick to cut corners, especially when they know you’re handling the claim yourself.
Call Lawyer Gigi today for a free consultation.
We’ll help you understand your rights, deal with the insurance company, and make sure you’re fully compensated — so you can get back on the road without added stress.
