Do I Need to Pay for Car Repairs Out of Pocket When Using Insurance?

[LeMary]

Vehicle owners are required to make an advance payment for repairs and then settle with the insurance company. Below are the specific details for filing an insurance claim: 1. Important Notes: After an accident occurs, immediately call your insurance company. If the accident involves injuries, it is also necessary to notify the traffic police department to determine liability on-site; otherwise, the insurance company will not provide compensation. When the insurance company personnel arrive at the scene, the vehicle owner should present the insurance policy, driver's license, vehicle registration, and ID card. 2. Photographic Evidence: Whether photographs are required for car insurance claims depends mainly on the type of coverage purchased by the owner. For example, for claims involving vehicle damage, scratches, or glass coverage, photographic proof is necessary to show that the vehicle had no pre-existing damage before the policy was in effect. Six photos are required: one from each of the four 45° angles (front left, rear left, front right, rear right), one of the vehicle identification number (VIN), and one with the owner standing next to the vehicle. Each photo must include that day's newspaper, clearly showing the date.

[DelValerie]

As a car owner with repair experience, whether you need to pay out of pocket for insurance repairs depends on the specific situation. For example, when I was rear-ended and the other party was at fault, their insurance company took over the entire repair process, and I didn’t pay a single cent from start to finish. But last year, when I scraped a wall while reversing, my insurance company asked me to pay the repair costs upfront and then reimbursed me with the invoice—I spent over 2,000 yuan before getting it back later. In reality, several factors come into play: first, the type of insurance—who is at fault determines who pays; second, the repair shop—if you choose a direct-payment partner shop of the insurance company, they settle directly, which is hassle-free; third, the severity of the accident—minor, straightforward accidents are easier to pay upfront for. To avoid trouble, I always take photos as evidence after every accident and immediately call my insurance company to confirm the process—it gives me peace of mind. Remember to clarify the details in your auto insurance policy, especially when it comes to upfront payments, and don’t delay reimbursement.

[Maya]

As a regular commuter who drives every day, I think whether you need to pay for car repairs upfront with insurance mainly depends on a few scenarios. When the other party is fully at fault, you generally don't need to pay upfront—just let their insurance handle it. When it's your own responsibility, you usually have to pay first and then file a claim. For example, with a minor accident, I chose a small repair shop and had to pay out of pocket first. But if you go with a direct-repair shop partnered with your insurer, you can avoid upfront payments. After an accident, I always report it immediately using the insurance company's app, uploading photos and evidence to quickly check if upfront payment is needed—it saves time and effort. Don't delay reimbursement for too long, as it might lead to losses. Overall, I recommend prioritizing insurers with direct-repair policies when choosing coverage to avoid cash flow issues. The best approach is to focus on safe driving to reduce accident frequency.

[ArthurAnn]

With 20 years of driving experience, I've encountered several instances of upfront payments for insurance repairs. The key lies in liability: no need to pay upfront if others are at fault; you might need to pay first and claim reimbursement if you're liable. Choosing a direct settlement repair shop can mostly avoid upfront payments, saving you the hassle. Post-accident, reporting to the police and preserving evidence are crucial steps—don't rush to pay upfront; consult your insurer for details to avoid forfeiting your rights. Safety first; don't compromise repair quality to save money.