Property Damage Claims After a Phoenix Car Accident — The Complete Guide

After a car accident, you have two separate claims: your personal injury claim (for your physical injuries) and your property damage claim (for your vehicle). Many people focus on injuries and neglect property damage — leaving money on the table.

If Your Car Can Be Repaired

The at-fault driver’s property damage liability coverage pays for repairs. You’re entitled to have your vehicle repaired to its pre-accident condition using OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts — not aftermarket knockoffs.

After repairs, you’re also entitled to diminished value — the reduction in your vehicle’s market value because it now has an accident history. Insurance companies never volunteer this. You have to demand it.

If Your Car Is Totaled

A vehicle is “totaled” when repair costs exceed its actual cash value (ACV). The insurance company determines ACV using comparable vehicle sales, mileage, condition, and options. Their initial valuation is almost always low.

Challenge it. Pull comparable listings from AutoTrader, Cars.com, and local dealerships showing similar vehicles selling for more. If the gap is significant, hire an independent appraiser.

And remember gap insurance if you owe more than the ACV.

Rental Car During Repairs

You’re entitled to a comparable rental vehicle for the duration of repairs — or for a reasonable period after a total loss payout to find a replacement vehicle.

Personal Property

Items inside your car that were damaged — laptop, phone, car seat, luggage — are covered under the property damage claim. Document and photograph everything.

The Law Badgers handle all aspects of property damage claims alongside your injury case. Call (833) DTF-IGHT.