How to File a Property Damage Claim in Florida

When you are involved in a car accident, your vehicle takes the brunt of the impact, in many cases rendering it damaged beyond repair. By filing a Florida property damage claim with the help of a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer you may be able to recover compensation to fix the damage to your vehicle or replace it if the insurance companies classify it as totaled.

Two Types of Florida Property Damage Claims

When you seek to file a Florida property damage claim your St. Petersburg car accident lawyer will advise you on the two options you have. The first option is to file a Florida property damage claim against the other driver, while the second option is to file the claim with your own auto insurance company.

The option you choose depends on the auto insurance coverage both you and the other driver carry. Your St. Petersburg car accident attorney will be able to review your insurance policy coverage, as well as that of the other driver, and see which option offers higher limits.

Remember that your settlement amount is governed by the limits set forth in the liable party's insurance policy. If the other driver's property damage coverage is $10,000 that may be the maximum amount you are able to collect through this type of claim. If you choose to file a Florida property damage claim through your own insurance you will need to meet the deductible on your collision coverage before your insurance kicks in.

Filing a Florida Property Damage Claim against the Other Driver

As long as the other driver has the minimum $10,000 property damage coverage you can file a Florida property damage claim to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. The higher their property damage limit, the larger a settlement you can seek. Unfortunately, most Florida drivers only carry this minimum, if they are insured at all.

If the other drivers' insurance is not enough to pay for your vehicle expenses, you may need the assistance of a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer to look into your other legal options for recovering compensation.

Filing a Florida Property Damage Claim with Your Auto Insurance Company

When you bought your own auto insurance policy you were given the option of adding additional collision coverage. This option is highly advised for cars with custom work or those of high value. When you file a Florida property damage claim with your own auto insurance company, your settlement will be based on your own collision coverage limits.

The catch with filing a Florida property damage claim with your own insurance company is that you will have to meet your deductable before the insurance will pay for repairs or replacement. Your St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer can help you review your policy and determine the amount you will have to pay out of pocket. Your deductable may range from $100 - $1,000 depending on your policy, so minor body work may not be worth filing a claim if the cost does not exceed the deductable.

How a St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Dealing with insurance companies can be a hassle you don't need to face when you are trying to recover from your injuries after a serious car accident. A St. Petersburg car accident lawyer can help take some of the burden off of filing a Florida property damage claim. To consult with a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer about your Florida car accident, contact the Law Offices of William K Saron at 727-345-4566 or 866-836-4947.