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After a breakdown or an accident, you have the option of choosing the workshop you leave your car to. Are you crazy about mechanics and would you like to be in charge of repairs? If the law allows you to carry out the repairs yourself, the compensation from your car insurance depends on your contract and the condition of your vehicle.
Only certain contracts and repairs allow compensation
Not all repairs are eligible for compensation. Your insurance does not cover the necessary after a technical inspection and those related to wear and tear.
To breakdowns and disasters, it all depends on your contract. If you have taken out cheap third-party car insurance, damage caused to third parties is covered. On the other hand, if you suffer an injury, you will not receive compensation from your insurance.
Insured against all risksyou are also covered for certain mechanical breakdowns and for the damage you have caused.
When your Car insurance allows for reimbursement, the company appoints an expert. This is responsible for assessing the necessary repairs, their costs and the value of your car. Depending on the conditions and your contract, the insurance company determines the compensation amount. She basically is payable to the garage to avoid upfront costs.
You can also choose to go to the garage of your choice. The insurance company can no longer impose an advance on costs (since the Hamon law of 2015).
Your insurance company accepts you to carry out minor repairs
But when the damage is minimal and does not affect the safety of the vehicle, your insurance company may be satisfied with a fixed compensation stipulated in your contract. This is the case, for example, when someone steals your rear-view mirror, your rear light is broken in a collision or your door is scratched. Compensation usually includes purchase of spare parts (new or used) and a fixed rate for labour.
The amount is paid directly to you. You can use it for call a professional or do the repair yourself. If you are afraid to start, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Many association or solidarity workshops help motorists maintain their car and carry out minor work under the supervision of experienced mechanics.
Impossible to carry out complex repairs yourself
When the breakdown or accident causes a big failure, you cannot get compensation and carry out the repairs yourself. The expert and your insurance company require that the car be left to a professional.
Certain actions such as changing the timing belt, clutch or windshield actually require knowledge, equipment and know-how which very few people have.
If you carry out these repairs yourself, your insurer will declare them not in accordance with the expert’s opinion and you don’t see anything. Your car also run the risk of being failed at the technical inspection.
Repairing an economically irreparable vehicle (IEV) yourself
When the amount of the restoration is greater than the replacement value according to an expert (VRADE), your insurer makes you a takeover offer. If you refuse, you keep your car and the gray card. You still receive a check that you can use to repair your car yourself.
But be careful! The expert may have reported your vehicle as dangerous to the prefecture. Your registration certificate has been withdrawn. To retrieve it, you must perform all recommended repairs by the expert and pass a final check.
