On your way to school or work or the grocery store, you get involved in an automobile accident. It could be a fender-bender, or it may be some other damage though not a total loss. 

Here is the problem: You need this car for work, and you can’t have it sitting in the body or repair shop’s parking lot for several weeks. Instead, you decide to take matters into your own hands and get the repairs done yourself. You may be able to do it yourself and save some money and time. Your car is fully insured, of course. 

Is this a good idea? 

Answers will vary on that one. Insurance agents, however, have a few factors you should think about before you take the initiative to repair your car on your own:

1. First step you must take is to report this accident to your car insurance agent. No matter how serious the accident, contact your agent and file a claim. Otherwise, there is no record of it unless the police department has an accident report. Your car insurance company will give you a repair estimate. They may pay the approved car repair shop directly or you may receive a check so you pay them yourself. 
2. If you have a lien on your car, you are required to have a third-party repair it. The lender will not want to risk leaving the repairs up to someone who may not be a certified repair shop. Loan companies don’t want “amateurs” repairing their cars. 
3. If you own the title to your vehicle that was involved in the accident, you may be able to do whatever you want with the car insurance payout. You could have your car repaired at a shop, repair it yourself, or not repair it at all. In Maryland, as the vehicle owner, you have the right to choose where to get your car fixed after an accident. Your insurance company can provide you with a list of approved body shops or mechanics. The car insurance company is responsible to cover the full amount of fair and reasonable vehicle repairs caused by the negligent driver.
4. Maryland Statute of Limitations: Maryland’s statute of limitations is three years from the time of the car accident. This deadline exists so that claims are made quickly while evidence is still prevalent and while witnesses and involved parties still have reliable, fresh memories concerning the incident. ***
5. Your insurance company may drop your coverage. Though you own your car and don’t use approved auto repair shops to repair it, your car insurance company may not be too thrilled that you leapfrogged over the other shops and do it yourself. Your car insurer may decide to drop your car insurance at the next effective date. 

If you decide to get your car repaired on your own, be sure to let your car insurer know first. They may advise you on what you should do to protect yourself, even though it may be inconvenient. 

Lindquist Insurance can give you a car insurance quote and provide the coverage you need, whether you drive a lot or not. Call (301) 694-0008 to speak to our experienced and licensed insurance agents for a consultation. 

We serve the Annapolis, MD, and Frederick, MD areas.

*** You can read more about Maryland automobile accident laws at the Maryland.gov website.