Auto Repair and Auto Insurance Utah UT

Reader’s Question:

Hello, I’m Barry, and I’m in Utah. What happens when my car gets in a fender bender? How will I get it repaired through the auto insurance company? Do I have other options?

Barry

West Jordan, UT

If you figure in an accident, you have two options: you can have the car repaired yourself, or you can just let the auto insurance company take care of it. The first option lets you do the leg work, and the second option, of course, offers convenience.

If you decide to handle the repair yourself, you’re basically telling the auto insurance company that you’ll be the one to look for a body shop and just let them know what’s happening. This would work if you know your way around body shop land, or if you have a body shop that you prefer. This, however, can be tiring and can eat up your time.

Now, if you decide to just sit back, let the auto insurance company handle the repair. What they would do is send an insurance adjuster to inspect your car and the damage. The adjuster will then come up with an estimate.

Auto insurance companies in Utah can’t really coerce you into choosing a particular body shop. They may give you a list of ‘preferred auto repair shops,’ but you will still have the option to choose your auto repair shop.

Now, bear in mind that the repair does not mean they’ll be upgrading your car. Do not expect that. The repair shop will consider the cost and quality of the parts that were in your car, and they will get similar car parts when they fix your car.

Tags: auto insurance, auto insurance claims, car insurance, Car Insurance Company

No-Fault Auto Insurance Policy in Utah

Reader’s Question:

I live in Utah and was involved in a car accident. It has not been determined yet who was responsible for the accident. Will my liability insurance pay anyway if I was found at fault?

Lily

Ogden, UT

Liability insurance is a safeguard to your finances against serious damage you might cause to others or their property. However, proving who is at fault in a car accident can be quite difficult. More often than not, it may take delays and entail long and expensive legal action. And in the meantime, victims wait in uncertainty and may not get paid.

This is why car insurance companies created the no-fault insurance–to take the fault out of liability. This simply means that the victim’s own car insurance provider will be accountable for medical and repairs expenses incurred resulting from the accident regardless of who is responsible for the unfortunate incident. In this manner, delays and costs of legal action are eliminated.

Since Utah is a no fault state, it means that residents involved in a car accident will be covered by their respective auto insurance providers. So, you really need not worry if you were declared at fault since the other motorist’s medical expense will be shouldered by his insurer. You have to remember, though, that if the other motorist’s expenses exceed the limit set in their liability policy, then you will be held financially responsible to shoulder the remaining cost.