can car insurance reimburse you

[JulietteRose]

Yes, car insurance can reimburse you, but it is entirely dependent on the specific type of coverage you have purchased. The core principle is that insurance reimburses you for a covered financial loss. If you don't have the right coverage for a specific event, you will not be reimbursed.

The most common scenario is filing a claim after an accident. If you have collision coverage, it will reimburse you for damage to your own car, regardless of who is at fault, minus your deductible. If the other driver is at fault, their property damage liability coverage should reimburse you for your car's repairs. For medical bills, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay can reimburse you and your passengers, while the at-fault driver's bodily injury liability covers others.

Comprehensive coverage is for non-collision events. For example, if a tree branch falls on your car or it's stolen, comprehensive coverage would reimburse you for the vehicle's actual cash value, minus your deductible.

Some policies also include reimbursements for additional expenses. Rental car reimbursement is a common add-on that pays for a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered claim. It's not automatic; you must select this coverage.

Common Coverage Type	What It Typically Reimburses	Key Consideration
Liability (Property Damage)	Damage you cause to someone else's property (car, fence, etc.)	Mandatory in most states; does not cover your own car.
Collision	Damage to your car from an accident with another vehicle or object.	Pays out up to your car's actual cash value, minus your deductible.
Comprehensive	Damage to your car from theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, or animals.	Often required if you have a car loan or lease.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist	Your expenses if hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.	Reimburses for medical bills and sometimes vehicle damage.
Medical Payments (MedPay)/PIP	Medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident.	PIP is broader and can cover lost wages; required in "no-fault" states.
Rental Reimbursement	Cost of a rental car while your car is repaired after a covered claim.	An optional add-on with a daily and total limit (e.g., $30/day, $900 max).

To ensure reimbursement, you must promptly report the incident to your insurer, provide all necessary documentation (like a police report or repair estimates), and pay your deductible if applicable. Always review your policy's declarations page to understand exactly what you're covered for.

[MacMelanie]

Basically, it pays you back for stuff that goes wrong, but only if you bought that specific "package" ahead of time. Like, if you only have basic liability insurance and you crash into a pole, your own insurance won't pay a dime to fix your car. You'd need collision coverage for that. It’s all about what you agreed to pay for. Always check your policy details—the fine print tells you exactly what scenarios they'll cut you a check for.

[PhoebeLee]

From my experience, it's a process. You have a fender-bender, you call your agent, they open a claim. An adjuster looks at the damage and determines the cost. Then, they send you a payment, minus your deductible. It's not instant, and sometimes you have to push for a fair valuation, especially on an older car. The key is documentation—take lots of pictures at the scene. They reimburse what they deem is the cost to repair or the car's value right before the accident, not what you think it's worth.

[VonConnor]

Think of it in two categories: damage to your car and damage you cause to others. For your own car, comprehensive and collision coverage are key. They reimburse you for repairs or the car's value if it's totaled, after you pay the deductible. For others, your liability coverage reimburses them for their car repairs or medical bills if you're at fault. There are also useful add-ons like rental reimbursement, which pays for a temporary car. Your policy's declarations page is your guide; it lists every coverage type and its limit.