Car Insurance Advice: When Should You Pay for Vehicle Repairs Following a Car Accident?
Ray Cogan
Is it a good idea to get your car repaired on your own after an accident? Yes and No.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. ***
- 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.
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At Lindquist Insurance, we offer personal, proactive service that keeps you focused on growth, not guesswork. Whether you're expanding, hiring, or just refreshing for the season, we’re here to ensure your business is covered from every angle. Call us today at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com to schedule your Spring Business Insurance Checkup.
We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.
Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .
At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.
Call Lindquist Insurance today at (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com to request a free, no-obligation quote.
We serve the Frederick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C. areas.
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