Following a car accident, a car insurance inspection is just one aspect of a process that many people find confusing. Things can become even more challenging if you or a loved one were badly injured in the accident since recovery is probably your main priority. Regardless of your circumstances, if you were involved in a car accident, your auto insurance company is going to have to inspect your vehicle. This is actually an essential step to getting it replaced or repaired, so it is important to know what to expect throughout the process.
If you or a loved one were involved in a road accident, contact a nationwide car accident lawyer from Local Accident Reports as soon as possible. Our experienced lawyers can help you file a claim and address any concerns you may have about the post-accident car insurance inspection process. Call us today to schedule your free case review.
What is Involved in a Car Insurance Inspection?
After an accident, a car insurance inspection is a standard element of the claims process. Insurance companies need to know the degree of damage caused to each car as well as the approximate cost of repairs. The information derived from this inspection can also be crucial to the litigation process because, without the evidence it provides, it would not be possible to establish the total value of your claim.
Insurance inspections can be conducted in two different ways. The first is that an insurance adjuster could arrive at the accident scene or stop by your house to inspect your car and take photos. The second way is for you to take your car to an approved mechanic who will perform a thorough inspection of your car.
Even though this might sound a bit scary, the inspection process is usually quite simple. In some instances, you might even have the option of visiting your usual mechanic or comparing estimates from several mechanics. Ultimately, the circumstances under which your investigation is performed will depend on the requirements outlined in your auto insurance policy.
Variables
No two motor vehicle accidents are the same. Due to this, there are multiple factors that could potentially affect the post-accident car insurance inspection process. Between getting your car replaced or repaired, dealing with the loss of income brought on by your inability to work due to your injuries, and the myriad of other obstacles and headaches that often accompany a road accident, there really isn’t a boilerplate to follow in terms of everything that happens after a car accident.
That being said, there are numerous things that are universal enough to offer some helpful information that you can use to prepare for most eventualities.
Determining Fault
The most important thing to establish, particularly in states with fault-based insurance, is who was liable for the accident. Establishing fault for a collision is what determines which insurance carrier is responsible for compensating the victim for their injuries and other damages.
In most cases, a post-collision car insurance inspection will help prove fault. Depending on the location and severity of the damage to your vehicle, the inspection can help support your claim against the at-fault motorist, especially when combined with other forms of corroborating evidence such as pictures of the crash scene, police accident reports, and witness testimonies. Comparing the location of your vehicle’s damage to the locations of damage on the other vehicles involved can also strengthen your claim by helping to determine fault.
What if the Other Driver Was At Fault?
Proving fault is paramount because it will affect the amount of reimbursement you get from an insurance claim. Regrettably, in many cases, the financial compensation to which you are entitled is capped by the limits of the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. In other words, if they only have $10,000 with of property damage coverage, any vehicle repairs costing over and above $10,000 will not be covered by their insurance.
That is one of the reasons why it is so important to make sure that your auto insurance coverage is adequate enough to cover the difference between the damage done to your car and the financial liability of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
What if I Was the One At Fault?
Although no one likes to consider it, there is always a chance that you are the driver whose negligence caused the accident. If the police report indicates that you may be to blame, and the post-accident car insurance investigation supports that hypothesis, then both you and your insurer could be liable for covering any damages arising from the incident.
In these cases, you have a few options available to you. You could have your insurance carrier cover the damages up to the limits of your auto insurance policy. Keep in mind that you will have to cover the repairs of the vehicles you damaged as well as those to your own vehicle. This is why most drivers opt to purchase collision or comprehensive coverage as well. Barring that, you could also pay all or some of the damages out of your own pocket.
Do I Have to Submit to a Post-Accident Car Insurance Inspection?
No, you are not legally obligated to cooperate with a car insurance inspection, is in your best interests to do so. The inspection involves taking pictures of your car and any observable damages. These pictures will be used to estimate the cost of vehicle repairs and labor. Every driver involved in the crash receives the same inspection.
Pre-Insurance Picture Inspections
Many states require drivers to undergo a picture inspection before they will issue an insurance policy. This is done to protect both the insurance company and the driver. During an insurance picture inspection, an inspector from the insurance company will take photos of your vehicle including its physical condition, Vehicle Identification Number, odometer reading, accessories, and options. This inspection will determine your quote.
Post-Accident Vehicle Inspections
The only other time you will receive a picture inspection is after you have been in a car accident. Although the responding police officer will most likely take pictures of the damage to the vehicles which will then be attached to the final report, the insurance carrier will also want to conduct a picture inspection to evaluate the value of any damages. If your insurance company requires this, your case will be assigned to a claims adjuster. It is the adjuster’s job to analyze the claim, including performing a detailed picture inspection.
What is CARCO?
There are five states that require drivers to submit to a pre-insurance inspection before they can purchase coverage. CARCO is the name of the company that is responsible for filing the inspection reports with the insurance carriers.
As of now, the states that require CARCO inspections are:
- Massachusetts
- Florida
- Rhode Island
- New Jersey
- New York
The goal of a CARCO inspection is to reduce fraud, such as odometer fraud, by verifying your car’s current condition. Each state has a unique set of requirements regarding CARCO inspections. For instance, some require drivers to have their vehicle inspected no more than five days after they purchase a vehicle. Other states give drivers as long as 35 days. Failure to have a CARCO inspection within the required timeframe means you could lose property damage coverage under your auto insurance policy.
A CARCO inspection takes about 20 minutes and is conducted at a designated CARCO inspection location. During your inspection, an inspector will:
- Take pictures of your vehicle unless it is registered in Florida
- Document the reading on the odometer
- Assess the general condition of your vehicle.
- Identify any accessories or options
Do You Need a Nationwide Car Accident Attorney?
Any car accident, even a minor one, can leave you unsure of what to do next. To make sure you understand your rights and that your insurance claim is handled fairly, you need to work with a skilled car accident lawyer. At Local Accident Reports, we understand how confusing and overwhelming the post-accident process can be, especially for those who have never been involved in an accident before. We offer a free consultation to examine your claim and review all of your legal options. Call us at (888) 657-1460 to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our nationwide car accident lawyers.