Local Car Insurance Myths That Cost Columbia Drivers After a Crash

Whether you have had the same car insurance company for years or recently switched providers, there is likely a lot that you don’t know or understand about your policy’s coverage and the claims process. It can be hard to get answers from your insurance provider. When you turn to friends and family or online sources for answers, you may encounter a lot of false information or myths. Here is a look at common car insurance myths in Surrey, BC, that can cost drivers after a crash.

Myth #1: “If the crash isn’t my fault, I don’t have to pay anything.”

Even if you’re not at fault, you may still have to pay upfront costs like a deductible until fault is officially determined. Also, some coverage types—like rental vehicles or loss of use—may not be included in your policy unless specifically added. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance coverage, you may need to pay for repairs if your insurance company won’t cover them.

Myth #2: “My insurance will cover everything.”

Many Columbia drivers assume they’re fully covered, only to find out too late that their policy doesn’t cover non-OEM parts, paint matching, flood damage, or custom equipment. Even full-coverage policies don’t necessarily cover everything. Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage can cover the cost of repairs under certain circumstances, but damage that occurs due to negligence, regular wear and tear, or lack of maintenance may not be covered.

Myth #3: “I have to use the repair shop my insurance company recommends.”

In British Columbia, you have the legal right to choose your own auto repair shop. Insurers may suggest preferred vendors, but the final choice is always yours. It’s best to get estimates from more than one shop in order to make sure you get the best deal. Ask friends and family to recommend a local auto body repair shop that they have used and had a good experience with. Before choosing a shop, read their reviews online, evaluate their experience and the services they offer, and consider setting up a consultation.

Myth #4: “Filing a claim will automatically raise my rates.”

Not all auto damage claims affect your insurance premiums. If you’re not at fault, your rate may stay the same. However, repeated claims, fault determination, and policy type do influence your premiums. Your insurance premium also won’t increase until it’s time for you to renew your policy, so you can shop around for a better deal rather than pay the higher premium.

Myth #5: “I don’t need comprehensive coverage unless I drive a new car.”

Choosing the cheapest auto insurance plan won’t do you any favours if you’re in an accident. The minimum coverage options typically won’t offer enough to cover all of the damage sustained in a major auto accident. You also might not be covered if your vehicle is damaged due to vandalism, weather or hail, or other unexpected situations. Investing in comprehensive auto insurance coverage protects you against costly non-collision events like theft, hail, flooding, fire, falling objects, and flying projectiles —all of which are increasingly common due to climate change and rising property crime.

Myth #6: “The insurance company will always offer a fair settlement.”

Your insurance adjuster is working for a huge, powerful, multi-million-dollar company. They do not have your best interests at heart. Insurance companies may offer the lowest possible payout by default, or devote an entire team to trying to find reasons to deny your claim. If your car is declared a total loss or if repairs seem rushed, it’s okay to ask questions or seek a second opinion. You may even consider hiring an attorney to protect your rights throughout the auto insurance claims process, or if you feel that your insurance company has wrongfully denied your claim.

Myth #7: “I don’t need rental coverage—I’ll just manage without my car.”

Not all auto body repair shops offer loaner vehicles or a pick-up and drop-off service. When you take your vehicle in for repairs, you will need to rely on friends and family for rides or take public transportation. Even if you think you only need a minor repair, it could end up taking days or weeks, especially if the shop is busy or shorthanded, the damage ends up being more extensive than previously assumed, or parts need to be ordered. If your policy doesn’t include Loss of Use or rental vehicle coverage, you could be left scrambling for transportation and paying out of pocket.

Need Post-Accident Help or a Second Opinion?

At Columbia Collision Repairs, we can help you separate car insurance myths from reality. We have extensive experience working with all major auto insurance companies in British Columbia. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about the auto insurance claims process for vehicle damage and repair. When you bring your vehicle to us, we will do a comprehensive assessment and inspection, full diagnostic testing, and a detailed estimate for vehicle repairs.

We will work closely with your insurance company to make sure they have everything they need for your claim. Our goal is to make the auto insurance claims and auto repair process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. We can even arrange for pick-up and drop-off of your vehicle and a loaner vehicle. Call us now or contact us online to ask questions or make an appointment for collision repair or auto body repair in Surrey, BC. You can also use our convenient drive-through inspection process with no need to schedule an appointment.