For those wondering how car insurance deductibles work after a car crash, a Santa Clarita collision repair shop owner is offering an explanation, and talking about a less commonly known “uninsured motorist” coverage option.
Body Shop 661’s Cesar Ranuschio called the deductible “the first amount of the bill” that a driver is responsible for before their insurance company covers any repair costs.
“If you go through your insurance, you’re responsible for the first amount of the bill,” Ranuschio said. “So your deductible can be $250, $500, $1,000, and last week I got a $2,500 one.”
Usually, someone with a higher deductible has a lower monthly premium, and a lower deductible means they pay more per month for insurance, according to Ranuschio.
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Individuals who believe they are good enough drivers and are willing to risk paying a higher deductible after a crash in exchange for a lower premium were offered caution by Ranuschio.
“Then when you get in an accident, it really affects you because you’re going to owe most of the bill,” he said. “Imagine you’re in charge of the first $2,500 of that bill. What’s going to happen?”
If the other person involved in the crash is at fault and agrees to use their insurance for repair costs, then Ranuschio noted that they would pay their own deductible, and that is all that would be required.
Ranuschio advised drivers to look into the “uninsured motorist” option available through most insurance companies, which some motorists might not know about.
“If you’re driving and you get hit by somebody and they don’t have insurance, then you’re responsible for your deductible,” Ranuschio said. “The uninsured motorist (coverage) is not that much more money, … and that would cover your deductible.”
However, in order for the coverage to apply, proof the other driver is uninsured is typically required, according to Ranuschio.
“Things happen where people hit you and they don’t have insurance, but if they hit and run and you don’t get a license plate, that doesn’t count as another person’s fault,” Ranuschio said. “You have to have the person and they have to prove he doesn’t have insurance for the uninsured motorist (coverage) to come into play.”
Drivers who need Santa Clarita collision repair, but might be having difficulty with the cost can contact Ranuschio at Body Shop 661 and mention KHTS for some extra help, he noted.
“I’m here to help you guys,” Ranuschio said. “You’ve got to mention the radio station, though.”
The family owned and operated Santa Clarita auto body shop Body Shop 661 offers collision repair services, classic car restoration and more for the Santa Clarita Valley. The owners of Body Shop 661 believe that total customer satisfaction can only be achieved by caring about their customers and taking pride in the value, quality and professionalism of their work. Those in need of Santa Clarita collision repair services, Santa Clarita classic car restoration services, or an auto body shop in Santa Clarita can contact Body Shop 661 today.
Body Shop 661
26524 Ruether Ave Unit #401
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
661-251-2252
