Will a Car Accident Insurance Claim Completely Cover My Car’s Damage?

 Posted on March 20, 2025 in Car Accidents

When car accidents happen, cars are often damaged. Some vehicles may have minor damage, while others can be totaled. Repair and replacement costs can be high, and vehicle owners often wonder if those expenses will be covered by filing an insurance claim. There is no set answer to that question, as there are several factors that must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Whether your insurance claim is against another motorist’s policy or your own, the liable insurer may not offer you as much compensation as it should. A skilled DuPage County, IL car accident lawyer can help you maximize your compensation.

Factors to Consider in a Car Accident Liability Claim

Illinois laws require vehicle owners to purchase car insurance. The state’s minimum liability coverage amounts are $25,000 per person for injury or death, $50,000 per accident for injury or death, and $20,000 per accident for damage to another person’s property. Comprehensive coverage, which would cover your own car’s damage if you are at fault, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages are optional.

Laws also mandate that drivers remain at the scene of an accident that causes injury or death. These factors are relevant for deciding whether an insurance claim will completely cover the damage to your car.

Insurance claims can be confusing, and a settlement offer often does not reflect the maximum value of your claim. We offer free consultations and will be happy to answer your questions and handle your case.

What Are the Repair or Replacement Costs for Your Car’s Damage?

The damage each car sustains in a crash varies widely, as do the costs of replacing a totaled car or fixing a damaged one. Repairs and replacement of more expensive vehicles cost more than economy cars, for example. The extent of your vehicle damage may be minor, or it could be extreme. To understand whether an insurance claim will cover all these expenses, you need to know their total amount.

Who Was at Fault, and Did the At-Fault Driver Remain at the Accident Scene?

No insurer will pay a claim without proof that its policyholder caused your vehicle’s damage. If someone else caused your collision, your insurance claim will be against that driver’s policy — if he remained at the scene.

If you caused your own crash, your claim would be against your comprehensive insurance coverage if you have it. In hit-and-run accidents, you would file a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UI/UIM) coverage. Keep in mind that you likely have deductibles that you must pay out-of-pocket.

Did the At-Fault Driver Have Car Insurance, and What Are the Policy Limits?

Even if another driver caused your accident and stayed on-site, he or she may or may not have valid car insurance coverage. If they do, the next question is what the policy limits are. Assuming the $20,000 minimum property damage limit, that compensation may need to be divided between you and others involved in the same crash. If you have UI/UIM coverage, your policy may make up the difference between what you receive from the other driver and the total of your damages if your limits are high enough.

If the at-fault driver was not insured, you may be able to collect compensation directly, but it is unlikely you would succeed. Again, your UI/UIM coverage would come into play.

Call Our Knowledgeable Schaumburg, IL Car Accident Lawyers Today

When you suffer car damage due to an accident caused by someone else, you do not have to handle your insurance claim alone. Call Grauer & Kriegel, LLC at 847-240-9010 now to speak with one of our experienced Des Plaines, IL personal injury attorneys. If you prefer, you can also contact us online.