Car accident inspection laws are typically confusing. You can liken it to a confusing network of twists and turns that vary dramatically depending on where you live. What’s mandatory in California might be entirely optional in Texas.
This guide is specifically designed for you, no matter what state you live in. We’ll break down the legalities in a way that’s clear, concise, and directly applicable to your situation. With this article, you should be well-versed on how to go about car inspection after an accident.
Regulations Guarding Car Accident Inspections
Car accident inspection laws vary by state. Nonetheless, here’s a breakdown of some key aspects:
Mandatory Inspections
Some states mandate inspections following accidents that exceed a specific damage threshold. These inspections, typically conducted by licensed inspectors, aim to ensure vehicle safety and facilitate accurate reporting.
For instance, California mandates inspections for accidents exceeding $750 in visible damage. Other states, like Montana, have no such mandate.
Law Enforcement Involvement
Following an accident, depending on the severity and local regulations, law enforcement officers may conduct an initial inspection at the scene.
These inspections primarily focus on immediate safety hazards like disabled lights, fluid leaks, or unstable vehicles that pose a risk to others on the road.
The officer’s report may also document details of the accident scene and contributing factors. However, this initial inspection rarely delves into the full extent of damage sustained by your car.
Insurance Company Inspections
While not mandated by law, most insurance companies require a post-accident inspection before settling claims. These inspections are a standard practice for insurers to verify the extent of the damage, and identify the cause (accident-related or pre-existing). It also helps them ensure that the payout is fair.
The specific procedures for these inspections can vary depending on the insurance company. Some companies have designated repair shops within their network that conduct the inspections, while others may send independent appraisers.
You have to ensure that you fully understand your insurance policy’s requirements regarding inspections to avoid delays in claim processing.
Your Right to be Present
In most states, you have the right to be present during any post-accident inspection, whether conducted by your insurance company or an independent appraiser.
This allows you to ask questions about the inspection process, ensure a thorough examination, and point out any pre-existing damage that should not be attributed to the accident.
Legal Considerations that Come into Play in Car Accident Inspections
In every state, the state laws are the core foundation that accident inspections rely on, but in some cases, the following legal considerations can come into play
Federal Regulations
For commercial vehicles like trucks, federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may apply. These regulations can mandate post-accident inspections for commercial vehicles involved in accidents exceeding a specific threshold.
Your Insurance Policy
Your specific car insurance policy may contain clauses regarding post-accident inspections. Do your best to familiarize yourself with these clauses to avoid any potential violations impacting your claim.
In some cases, your policy might require inspections at specific repair shops within the insurer’s network.
What to Expect in the Inspection Process
A typical car accident inspection follows these general steps:
- Initial Contact: You, your insurance company, or the at-fault party’s insurance company will initiate the inspection process.
- Scheduling the Inspection: An appointment will be scheduled with the chosen inspector at a convenient location (e.g., your mechanic’s shop, a designated inspection facility).
- Documentation Gathering: Be prepared to provide documentation such as your driver’s license, insurance information, and the accident report.
- The Inspection: The inspector will perform a thorough examination of your vehicle, both inside and out. This may include:
- Visual inspection of the body for dents, scratches, and misalignment.
- Examination of lights, turn signals, and other safety features.
- Inspection of tires for tread wear and damage.
- Checking fluid levels and for any leaks.
- Assessing the functionality of brakes, steering, and suspension systems.
- In some cases, a more detailed mechanical inspection might be necessary.
- Inspection Report: Following the inspection, the inspector will generate a detailed report outlining the findings. This report will typically include:
- A description of the damage sustained by the vehicle.
- Estimated repair costs.
- Any pre-existing damage identified.
- The inspector’s opinion on the cause of the damage.
