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Is Auto Body Repair Covered by Insurance? What You Need to Know

Car accidents and unexpected damage can leave you wondering if your insurance will cover the cost of repairs. Whether it’s a minor dent or major collision damage, knowing what your policy covers can save you from unexpected expenses.

Yes, auto body repair is covered by insurance, but it depends on your policy and how the damage happened. If the damage was caused by an accident, vandalism, or severe weather, your insurance will likely help pay for repairs. However, wear and tear, minor cosmetic damage, and mechanical issues are usually not covered.

Understanding your coverage is key to making the right decision when it comes to filing a claim or paying out-of-pocket. Below, we’ll break down what’s covered, what’s not, and how to make the most of your insurance when dealing with auto body repairs.

What Auto Insurance Covers & What It Doesn’t

Not all auto body repairs are covered by insurance. It depends on the type of damage and the policy you have. Some repairs are fully covered, while others may leave you paying out-of-pocket. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included and what’s not.

When Insurance Covers Auto Body Repairs

If the damage is sudden and unexpected, insurance is likely to cover it. These are the most common situations where your policy will help pay for repairs:

Accidents (At-Fault & Not-At-Fault) – If you're in a crash, collision insurance covers the damage to your car, even if you caused the accident. If someone else is at fault, their liability insurance should cover it.
Hit-and-Run & Uninsured Motorist Coverage – If another driver damages your car and leaves the scene or doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist policy can help cover the cost.
Weather-Related & Natural Disasters – Hail, floods, falling trees, and other storm damage are covered under comprehensive insurance.
Vandalism & Theft Damage – If someone keys your car, breaks a window, or steals parts, comprehensive insurance will help pay for repairs.
Animal Collisions (Deer, Dogs, etc.) – If you hit a deer or another animal, comprehensive coverage will cover the damage.

When Auto Insurance Won’t Cover Repairs

Some types of damage fall outside insurance coverage, meaning you’ll have to pay for repairs yourself. Here’s what’s usually not included:

Normal Wear & Tear – Rust, faded paint, and small scratches from daily use aren’t covered.
Mechanical Failures – Engine, transmission, and brake problems aren’t covered unless caused by an accident.
Minor Cosmetic Damage Below Your Deductible – If a scratch or dent costs less than your deductible, you’ll pay for it out-of-pocket.
Damage from Racing, Off-Roading, or Neglect – If your car is damaged because of reckless driving or lack of maintenance, insurance won’t pay.

If you’re not sure whether your insurance covers a specific repair, check your policy details or call your provider before making a claim.

Deductibles & Out-of-Pocket Costs: What You’ll Need to Pay

Even if your insurance covers auto body repair, you may still have to pay something out-of-pocket. The amount depends on your deductible, repair costs, and claim history.

How Deductibles Work in Auto Body Repair Claims

A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in. If your deductible is $500 and the repair costs $2,000, you’ll pay $500, and your insurance will cover the remaining $1,500. The higher your deductible, the more you pay upfront, but the lower your monthly insurance premiums.

When It’s Cheaper to Pay Out-of-Pocket

Not all repairs are worth filing a claim for. If the cost of the repair is close to or lower than your deductible, it may make more sense to pay out-of-pocket. For example:

If your repair costs $400 but your deductible is $500, your insurance won’t cover anything.
If the damage is minor, filing a claim might increase your insurance rates, costing you more in the long run.

How Multiple Claims Affect Your Insurance Rates

Insurance companies track how often you file claims. If you file too many claims in a short time, your premium could increase, or your provider might drop your coverage. Collision claims impact rates more than comprehensive claims, so it’s important to weigh your options before filing.

If you're unsure whether to file a claim, get a repair estimate first. That way, you can decide if it’s worth using insurance or if paying out-of-pocket is the smarter choice.

What Type of Insurance Pays for Auto Body Repairs?

Not all insurance policies cover auto body repairs the same way. The type of coverage you have determines whether your repairs will be paid for or if you’ll have to cover the costs yourself.

Comprehensive vs. Collision Insurance

These two coverages handle most auto body repair claims, but they cover different types of damage.

Comprehensive Insurance – Covers non-collision damage such as:
Theft and vandalism
Weather-related damage (hail, floods, falling trees)
Animal collisions (hitting a deer, for example)
Fire or explosions
Collision Insurance – Covers damage caused by:
Accidents with another vehicle
Hitting an object like a guardrail or pole
Rollovers

If you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender may require both comprehensive and collision coverage.

Liability Insurance: When It Doesn’t Cover Your Own Repairs

Liability insurance is required in most states, but it only covers damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle. If you’re at fault in an accident, your liability insurance will pay for the other driver’s repairs. However, it won’t cover damage to your own car.

Gap Insurance & Additional Coverage Options

Gap Insurance – Helps if your car is totaled and you owe more on your loan than the car’s value.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage – Pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
New Car Replacement Coverage – Some insurers offer this for new vehicles, replacing them instead of paying for repairs if the damage is severe.

Understanding what type of coverage you have can help you make better decisions when dealing with auto body repairs.

How to File an Insurance Claim for Auto Body Repair

If your car needs repairs and you plan to use insurance, filing a claim is the next step. The process is usually straightforward, but knowing what to expect can help you avoid delays and unexpected costs.

Step 1: Report the Damage to Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the accident or damage occurs.
Be ready to provide details, including the date, time, and location of the incident.
If another driver was involved, get their insurance and contact information.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Take clear photos of all damage, including close-ups and wide shots.
If applicable, get a copy of the police report for accidents or vandalism.
Save any witness statements or contact information.

Step 3: Get a Repair Estimate

Your insurer may recommend an insurance-approved repair shop, but you’re not required to use their suggestion.
You can also get quotes from independent auto body shops or mobile repair services.
If the damage is minor, compare repair costs with your deductible before deciding to file a claim.

Step 4: Insurance Adjuster Review

The insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the damage before approving the claim.
If using an approved shop, the adjuster may work directly with the repair shop.
Once approved, your insurer will provide a payout based on repair costs and your policy coverage.

Step 5: Schedule Repairs and Pay Your Deductible

Once the claim is approved, schedule the repair.
If your deductible applies, you’ll need to pay that amount before insurance covers the rest.
Some repair shops may allow direct billing to your insurance company, so you only pay the deductible upfront.

Most claims are processed within a few days, but complex cases may take longer. If your car is undrivable, ask about rental reimbursement coverage to cover temporary transportation.

Does Mobile Auto Body Repair Qualify for Insurance Coverage?

Many drivers prefer mobile auto body repair because it’s convenient and often more affordable than traditional repair shops. But does insurance cover it? In most cases, yes, as long as the mobile repair service meets your insurer’s requirements.

When Mobile Auto Body Repair Is Covered

Insurance-Approved Providers – Some insurers have a network of approved repair shops, including mobile technicians. If the provider is in-network, your insurance will likely cover the repair.
Damage Falls Under Covered Events – If the repair is related to a covered event (accident, vandalism, hail, etc.), insurance should cover it, whether you use a mobile service or a shop.
Comparable Repair Costs – If a mobile repair quote is similar to or lower than a traditional shop’s estimate, insurers are more likely to approve it.

When Insurance May Not Cover Mobile Repairs

If the Provider Isn’t Recognized – Some insurers require work to be done by a repair shop in their network. If the mobile repair service isn’t listed, they may not cover the claim.
For Major Structural Repairs – Mobile repair services typically handle minor dents, scratches, bumper damage, and paint touch-ups. If the damage requires frame straightening or extensive bodywork, insurers may require you to use a full-service body shop.
If Repairs Are Cheaper Than Your Deductible – If the cost of repairs is lower than your deductible, insurance won’t pay, and you’ll need to cover the cost out-of-pocket.

How to Check If Your Insurance Covers Mobile Repair

Call your insurance company and ask if mobile auto body repair is covered under your policy.
Get an estimate from a trusted mobile repair service and compare it with a body shop quote.
Ask the repair provider if they work with insurance claims and direct billing.

If your insurance allows mobile repair, it can be a faster and more convenient way to get your car fixed without going to a shop.

For more details on how mobile auto body repair works, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Mobile Body Repair Services.

Getting the Best Auto Body Repair for Your Insurance Claim

Making sure your car gets high-quality repairs after an accident or unexpected damage is just as important as getting insurance to cover the costs. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results.

Get Multiple Estimates

Insurance companies may suggest their preferred repair shops, but you’re not required to use them. Getting at least two or three estimates can help you compare pricing and make sure you’re getting a fair deal.

Understand OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

Some insurers may cover aftermarket or used parts instead of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts to lower costs. If you want OEM parts, check your policy or be prepared to pay the difference.

Ask About Insurance-Backed Warranties

Many insurance-approved repair shops offer warranties on repairs that are backed by your insurer. This ensures that if something goes wrong after the repair, you’re still covered.

Check If Mobile Auto Body Repair Is an Option

If your damage is minor, mobile auto body repair may be a faster and more cost-effective choice. Check with your insurance company to see if it qualifies for coverage.

By taking the time to compare options and understand your coverage, you can maximize your insurance benefits and get quality repairs without unnecessary expenses.

Conclusion

Auto body repair is often covered by insurance, but it depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. Collision insurance covers accident-related repairs, while comprehensive insurance pays for vandalism, weather damage, and animal collisions. However, normal wear and tear, mechanical issues, and minor cosmetic damage below your deductible are usually not covered.

Before filing a claim, it’s important to understand your deductible, repair options, and whether mobile auto body repair is covered by your insurance. In many cases, mobile repairs are a faster, more affordable option for minor damage—as long as your insurer approves the provider.

If you need professional, insurance-approved auto body repairs, Mobile Brewer is here to help. Offering auto body work, bed liners, auto detailing, odor removal, auto body repair, and headlight restoration, Mobile Brewer provides high-quality mobile services in Rock Hill, SC, Lake Wylie, SC, Fort Mill, SC, and Charlotte, NC.