Will the insurance company compensate if I damage my car myself?
3 Answers
If you damage your car yourself and have purchased vehicle damage insurance, the insurance company will provide compensation. Below are the specific details about auto insurance claims: Here is the process for vehicle insurance claims: 1. Present the insurance policy, vehicle registration, the insured's ID, and the insurance policy. 2. Fill out the accident report form, provide a detailed account of the accident, and provide the contact information of the reporter and the driver. 3. Inspect the vehicle's exterior and take photos for damage assessment. 4. The claims adjuster will accompany the owner to inspect the vehicle's exterior, then take photos to verify the damage based on the owner's report, and remind the owner if there are any valuables in the car. 5. Deliver the vehicle to the repair shop, and the claims adjuster will issue a work order specifying the repair items and time. 6. Finally, the owner signs off and hands over the vehicle to the repair shop for repairs.
Last time I encountered a similar situation when I was driving and didn't judge the turn properly, hitting the roadside guardrail. I was terrified. After calling the insurance company, they asked me to describe the incident and confirmed it was my full responsibility. Since I had vehicle damage insurance, most of the repair costs were covered. However, I must remind you that before the insurance company pays out, they'll check if you have the corresponding coverage. Compulsory traffic insurance only covers others' losses, while your own vehicle damage insurance covers these situations, but there's a deductible. For minor scratches, paying out of pocket might be more cost-effective. The key steps are: don't move the car after the accident, take photos as evidence, report to the insurance within 24 hours to avoid future disputes. If you don't have full coverage, you'll have to bear the costs yourself, so pay attention to the terms when renewing your policy each year. The repairs cost me 5,000, and the insurance covered 80%, saving me a lot, but next year's premium might increase slightly. In short, if you have an accident, deal with it promptly to avoid affecting safe driving.
I've been involved in automotive matters for years and often help friends deal with car accidents. Whether you can get compensated for damaging your own car depends on your insurance: if you have collision coverage, it generally covers losses from single-vehicle accidents, but you need to prove there was no intentional act or drunk driving involved. First, check your policy type—commercial insurance usually includes this, while compulsory traffic insurance doesn't cover your own vehicle. A small tip: for minor accidents, do the math yourself. If repairs cost less than a thousand, it might be better to pay out of pocket, as filing a claim could raise your premiums. It's best not to move the car recklessly—take photos of the scene and license plates, then contact your insurer's customer service to follow procedures, and don't be fooled by repair shops. Remember, opting for comprehensive insurance when purchasing your policy can prevent such mishaps. If you hit a utility pole or there's a fire risk, report to traffic police immediately to ensure legal handling of the vehicle.
