Costs Associated With Fixing Your Car After A Parking Lot Accident
Almost every one of us has been in a fender bender in a parking lot. Usually, either someone speeds past us while we are trying to back out of a parking space, we misjudge the distance and reverse into another car, or another vehicle clips us while speeding past. In 2019, there were 411 fatal crashes from a parked vehicle. Although some of the accidents we get into in a parking lot may be fatal, some are just regular fender benders that do not cause much damage.
But what are the costs associated with fixing your car after a parking lot accident? The answer to this question consists of a few contingencies. Does the other person in the accident have insurance? Who is at fault for the accident? What kind of insurance coverage do you have? How much damage was caused? All the answers to these questions will help you calculate the costs associated with fixing your car after a parking lot accident.
Does the Other Person In the Accident Have Insurance?
This poses a critical question. The reason is that if the accident was not your fault and the other person does not have insurance, you could potentially end up paying for the damages made to your car. The reason for this is because the other person may not have enough money to repair your car on their own, without insurance. Depending on the damages caused to the vehicle, it could cost anywhere from USD$2500 to USD$10,000 depending on how many places your car was hit and what got damaged.
What Car Insurance Do You Have?
If you were the one who caused damage to the other vehicle, this poses an important question. Depending on what type of insurance you have on your car, you may still be paying out-of-pocket expenses for damages caused to the other vehicle.
- Liability Insurance: If you have this type of insurance, it covers the damage caused to other vehicles only and not damages caused to your car.
- Collision Insurance: If you have this type of insurance, it covers damages to your car and the other person’s car as well.
- Comprehensive Insurance: If you have this type of insurance, it covers damages to your car and the other person’s car in the accident. It also covers events like weather, theft, and animal damage to your car.
- Uninsured Motor Accident: If you have this type of coverage, then you are covered from hit and run accidents, even if the other driver is uninsured.
As you can see, selecting the correct type of coverage, when picking insurance for your car, is essential and can determine whether you have to pay for damages for your vehicle or not. When choosing insurance, be sure to pick the one that can give you the most coverage. That way, you know you are covered for the cost of your car, in case it gets totaled.
How Much Damage Was Caused In the Car Accident?
As stated above, it depends on what type of damage was caused in the car accident. Suppose it was just a minor fender bender or damages similar to a traffic collision. Depending on if your car was scratched or rammed into, it will tell if you, your insurance, or the other driver’s insurance has to pay out less or more money.
- Scratches on Your Car: This will cost you USD$1,000 to USD$3,5000
- Dented Bumper: This will cost you around USD$1,500
- Cracked Windshield: This will cost you around USD$500
- Suspension Replacement: This will cost you USD$5,000
- Rear-End Damage: This will cost you around USD$5,000
Remember, this also depends on what type of car you own,the coverage of your insurance, and if the other person has insurance.
If you get in a parking lot fender bender and the other person does not have insurance for some reason, it would be wise if you’re contacting a law firm to help you immediately. Do not wait until the last minute because mistakes can be made that cannot be taken back in filing a claim.
