How Expensive Is it to Repair a Car, Motorcycle or Truck After a Crash?

You will be faced with many costs after a car accident in Arizona – some of them expected and others unexpected. From hospital bills to rental car costs while your vehicle is in the shop, you may find yourself spending thousands of dollars to recover from a motor vehicle collision. One of the key expenses is the price to repair your car, motorcycle or truck. Although each case is unique, looking at averages can give you an idea of what you may have to pay to restore your vehicle after a crash.

Average Prices to Repair Vehicle Body Damage

After a car accident, your damaged or disabled motor vehicle will be taken to an auto shop for a repair estimate. You will receive a written report and price estimate before any repairs are made to your vehicle. This estimate will be used as part of your car insurance claim to seek financial benefits to cover repair costs.

Below are average prices to repair different types of car accident damage:

• Broken windshield: $250 to $1,000 or more
• Front or rear bumper damage: $300 to $1,500 or more
• Door damage: $75 to $1,000 or more
• Paint damage: $500 to $2,500 or more

These are average price estimates for a standard passenger vehicle. These costs may be lower for a smaller motorcycle or higher for a larger truck. The year, make and model of the vehicle and the severity of the damage will also determine the price of repairs. In a case where the damage is extensive, a vehicle may cost several thousand dollars to repair.

What Does it Mean When a Vehicle Is a Total Loss?

If an auto mechanic estimates that the price to repair the vehicle after a crash exceeds the total value of the vehicle itself, it will be deemed a total loss (“totaled”). This means that the vehicle is not worth enough to warrant paying the price of repairs. With a total loss, an insurance company will not pay to repair the vehicle. Instead, it will offer an amount that is reasonable for the pre-crash value of the vehicle; how much your motor vehicle would have been able to sell for prior to the accident.

Even if repair costs are higher than half the value of your vehicle, it might make more financial sense to replace the vehicle – especially if it is an older car. If your vehicle is totaled, it is your decision whether to keep the car as-is, pay for repairs yourself or sell it to a scrapyard. If it does not make financial sense to repair an older vehicle or one that has suffered extensive damage, it may be time to purchase a new vehicle. You can do this using your insurance benefits, if applicable.

Who Pays for Property Damage After a Car Accident in Arizona?

Under Arizona’s fault law, the person or party at fault for causing the car accident is who pays for the damage, including the price of the other driver’s vehicle repairs. This insurance system works by requiring the injured party to prove that the other driver caused the collision through an act of negligence, such as speeding or a broken traffic law. With clear and convincing proof of negligence, the at-fault driver’s car insurance company will cover the victim’s medical bills and property repairs up to the limits of the policy.

Arizona’s required amounts of car insurance are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $15,000 in property damage coverage. This insurance pays for someone else’s accident-related losses, not the policyholder. This means if you were not at fault for an accident, you can receive a minimum of $15,000 in insurance coverage from the other driver to pay for vehicle repairs or replacement. You may need a car accident attorney in Scottsdale to help you prove the other driver’s fault or negotiate a fair settlement to cover your motorcycle, car or truck damage.