Does the non-liable party need to pay for car repairs in advance?
2 Answers
The non-liable party needs to pay for car repairs in advance. When an insurance claim is required, in the case where one party is fully at fault, the at-fault party's insurance will cover the compensation for both parties. Vehicle damage assessment: Both parties should first go to their respective 4S shops to notify the at-fault party's insurance company for the damage assessment, or they can also go to an external repair shop. Requesting repair costs: After the car is repaired, the non-liable party should first pay the repair costs and obtain the invoice. The non-liable party should then provide their repair invoice, a copy of the compulsory insurance, the damage assessment form, etc., to the at-fault party, and must require the at-fault party to pay the repair costs on the spot. Insurance reimbursement: The at-fault party will submit their own documents along with those provided by the non-liable party to the insurance company for reimbursement. After the insurance company verifies the claim, the money will be deposited into the bank account provided by the at-fault party.
Once I was rear-ended, and as the non-liable party with the other driver fully at fault, I didn't pay a single penny upfront for the repairs. I directly contacted the repair shop, provided the other party's insurance information, and let them handle the communication. After the vehicle was fixed, all costs were settled directly between them. This approach is hassle-free and effortless. You're fully entitled to claim compensation services without spending your own money. If the insurance company delays, you can present the accident liability determination letter to urge them. It's recommended to choose an authorized repair shop to speed up the process. In short, keep sufficient evidence and don't be the sucker who pays upfront.
