Diy Auto Repairs: Is It Worth The Risk?

Whether you can repair your own car after an accident depends on several factors, including the type of insurance coverage you have, whether you own your car outright, and whether there is a lien on your car. If you own your car outright and have comprehensive and collision coverage, you may be able to use the insurance payout to repair your car yourself. However, if there is a lien on your car, your lender may require that repairs be done by a certified mechanic or a shop approved by the lender. Additionally, your insurance company may be wary of repairs done by yourself and may not provide comprehensive or collision coverage for future repairs.

If you own your car outright, you can likely do your own repairs

Before starting any repairs, it is highly recommended to have an adjuster assess the damage and provide a cost estimate. This step is crucial to ensure you receive a reasonable settlement and avoid misunderstandings with your insurance provider. Keep in mind that if you undertake the repairs yourself and something goes wrong, you will be responsible for any additional costs. Therefore, if you are unsure about your skills or the complexity of the repairs, it is best to leave it to a professional mechanic or body shop.

Additionally, consider the safety implications of not repairing your vehicle, especially if it has sustained major damage. Delaying repairs or choosing not to fix the car at all could compromise your safety and that of others on the road. Furthermore, not repairing the vehicle may reduce its value, and any pre-existing damage will be taken into account by the insurer if your car sustains further damage in the future.

In summary, while you may have the option to do your own repairs if you own your car outright, carefully weigh the benefits against the potential risks and costs. Consult with your insurance provider, understand the terms of your policy, and make an informed decision that balances your financial considerations with the importance of vehicle safety and maintaining a good relationship with your insurer.

If you're still paying off your car, a lender may be co-owner and require a mechanic

If you're still paying off your car, your auto loan lender is a co-owner of the vehicle. This means that they have a lien on your car. Lenders with a lien on your car will likely require you to get it repaired by a licensed mechanic at a certified shop. This is because they want to minimise the risk of leaving repairs to someone who may not be capable of doing them properly.

Check your loan agreement for the conditions that apply to you. You're likely to find language that will state that you must have your vehicle repaired by a certified shop that guarantees its work. It may even require that repairs be made at a shop that is approved by the lender. If you can’t find the relevant language in your contract, call your auto loan provider to find out for sure.

If you are a licensed auto mechanic, reach out to your insurance company to find out if they will allow you to repair your own car. You will still need to take your vehicle to a certified mechanic to assess the damage and provide a credible estimate of the repair cost that you can submit to the insurance adjuster. This is because insurance companies require what they consider to be a “real” estimate from a certified professional to prevent insurance scams.

Your insurer may be wary of you doing your own repairs

If you own your car outright, you have more flexibility when it comes to repairs. In most cases, you should be able to fix your car at a shop, fix it yourself, or leave it unfixed. However, your insurer may still be wary of you doing your own repairs. As a result, your insurer may refuse to continue providing you with comprehensive or collision coverage.

If you decide to repair your car yourself, it is a good idea to have an adjuster look at the damage and provide an estimate before you start any work. Your insurance provider will likely insist on this. This is an important step as it provides both you and your insurer with a solid idea of what a reasonable settlement of the damages will be. It can also help to avoid any future misunderstandings.

If you mess up the repair, the costs of any further repairs will come out of your pocket, not your insurer's or a repair shop's. If you are not sure about your skills and ability to do the job right, it may be best to have the work done by a mechanic or body shop. In some cases, saving a few bucks in the short term may not be worth the hassle and/or costs in the long term.

If you are still paying off your car, your auto loan lender is a co-owner of the vehicle. Because of this, most lenders prefer to do vehicle repairs with a licensed auto mechanic. If you are a licensed auto mechanic, reach out to your insurance company to find out if they will allow you to do the repairs yourself.

Your insurance company will require what they consider to be a "real" estimate from a certified professional. This is because there is a potential for insurance scams, with people providing inflated repair cost estimates to get more money from the insurance company than is required to fully repair the vehicle.

You'll need a professional quote for insurance, even if you repair it yourself

If you want to repair your own car after an accident, you'll need to consider a few things. Firstly, if there's a lien on your car, you will likely not be allowed to repair it yourself, as the lender will want the assurance of a professional repair job. If you own your car outright, you'll have more flexibility, but it's important to read your insurance policy carefully, as some insurers may be unwilling to continue providing certain types of coverage if you choose to do your own repairs.

Even if you're repairing your car yourself, you'll need a professional quote for insurance purposes. This is because your insurance company will require a "real" estimate from a certified professional to prevent insurance scams and inflated repair cost estimates. They may also request multiple quotes to compare repair costs. Obtaining a professional quote will also give you and your insurer a solid idea of what a reasonable settlement for the damages will be and can help avoid misunderstandings.

To get a professional quote, you can take your vehicle to a certified mechanic or repair shop. They will assess the damage and provide an estimate of the cost of repairs. It's important to get this quote before doing any repair work yourself, as you don't want to find out later that your insurance policy doesn't allow it or that you're unable to claim for the full amount.

It's also worth noting that your insurance company might suggest using a repair shop from its network of approved mechanics, but you have the right to choose any repair shop you prefer. However, your insurer may offer a lifetime guarantee on work done by one of its recommended shops, which could be a factor in your decision.

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) can help cover repair costs

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional coverage that provides protection for repairs not typically covered by standard car insurance. It is an insurance policy that covers your car's major parts and systems, including the powertrain, electrical systems, and other major components. MBI can help pay for repairs to your vehicle's essential components if it breaks down, providing peace of mind while on the road.

MBI is similar to an extended car warranty, but there are some key differences. MBI is offered by insurance companies, while extended warranties are provided by dealerships or third-party providers. MBI is typically more affordable, costing between $30 and $100 per year on average, while extended warranties can cost between $400 and $900 per year. MBI is also more flexible, allowing you to choose any licensed repair shop, whereas extended warranties often require repairs to be made at specific dealerships or repair shops.

When purchasing MBI, it is important to note that not all insurance providers offer this coverage, and there may be limitations on when it can be purchased. For example, MBI may only be available for new or leased cars below a certain age or mileage level. Additionally, MBI does not cover routine maintenance expenses, such as oil changes, tire rotations, or brake pad replacements, and it also excludes wear and tear on parts such as belts, hoses, and brakes.

Some recommended providers that offer MBI include GEICO, Progressive, and American Family. GEICO's MBI is available for new or leased cars less than 15 months old and with less than 15,000 miles. It covers repairs to most original mechanical parts, excluding maintenance and wear and tear, and has a $250 deductible. Progressive's MBI includes benefits such as trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursement, and allows you to choose your deductible and payment options. American Family partners with ForeverCar to provide MBI, with plans typically costing between $45 and $75 per month and covering nearly all vehicle parts up to 105,000 miles.

Frequently asked questions