Free Consultation. No Fees Until You Collect. Call 24 Hours a Day 1-800-4-RIGHTS
Minnesota Offices

Serving all of Minnesota
Call 1-800-4-RIGHTS

If you’re recovering, we’ll come to you. Or we’ll set up a meeting at one of our convenient office locations:

See all results for ‘
Enter 3 or more characters for full site search

Who Pays for Your Vehicle Damage after an Accident in Minnesota?

If your vehicle was damaged in a car accident, you may be wondering who pays for the repairs. After all, if the accident was another driver’s fault, why should you be stuck with the bill?

Fortunately, in most cases, Minnesota law allows you to get the compensation you need for vehicle damage. Here’s what you need to know.

Will Insurance Pay for the Damage to Your Vehicle After an Accident?

This will depend on what insurance you have and who was at fault for the accident. If you have collision coverage under your auto insurance policy, then your insurance provider will cover the cost of repairing your vehicle. This is true regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

However, collision coverage is not mandatory in Minnesota. If you do not have this type of insurance, the coverage will depend on who was at fault.

If you caused the accident, you will have to pay for any repairs to the vehicle yourself. If the other driver caused the accident, then your insurance company can seek compensation through the other driver’s insurance policy. This is known as subrogation.

Will You Have to Pay the Deductible for Collision Coverage?

Once again, this depends on who was responsible for the accident.

If you were at fault, you will have to pay the deductible even if you have collision coverage. If the other driver was at fault, then their insurance will have to pay for the full amount—including the deductible.

In some cases, you may still have to pay the deductible initially even if the other driver was responsible. Your insurance provider will then demand compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Once they receive payment, they should reimburse you for the deductible. (We recommend always double-checking with your insurance company to make sure they demand the deductible and reimburse you.)

You can also opt to pursue compensation directly through the at-fault driver’s insurance rather than through your collision coverage.

What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?

If the driver who caused your accident has no auto insurance, you may have trouble recovering compensation. You can always file a lawsuit against them, but they would have to pay you out of their personal finances. In many cases, this would limit the amount you could expect to claim. Even a successful lawsuit can’t take money that a defendant does not have.

Still, there are times when this option is worth pursuing. An experienced Minnesota car accident attorney can advise you on how best to proceed.

Can You Negotiate an Insurance Offer?

Yes. Regardless of which insurance provider is covering the damage to your vehicle—your own or another driver’s—you can negotiate the amount of compensation you receive. Common reasons for negotiating include:

  • The insurance claims adjuster underestimated the damage done to your vehicle
  • The repairs are likely to cost more than the adjuster originally thought
  • The vehicle had modifications or upgrades that weren’t taken into account when calculating your financial loss

What If Insurance Won’t Cover the Damage to Your Vehicle?

Even if you are entitled to compensation from your own insurance provider or the at-fault driver’s, you may struggle to get what you’re owed. It’s important to remember that an insurance company’s primary concern is their bottom line. That means paying you as little as possible—or nothing at all, if they can manage it.

Many insurance companies will pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement offer. Before agreeing to anything, consult a car accident attorney to ensure you don’t settle for less than you’re owed. If necessary, your attorney will file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek fair compensation.

What If I Was Injured in the Accident?

Many car accidents lead to more than just property damage. Drivers and passengers can also be injured in the crash. When this happens, there are more options for compensation.

To start, Minnesota is a no-fault state. This means that Minnesota drivers are entitled to compensation for injuries regardless of who caused the accident. However, that coverage has limits. There are caps on the amount you can claim, and it only covers certain injury-related expenses.

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you can pursue further compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. These lawsuits can cover a wide range of damages, such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Lost earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Loss of consortium

Get Help from an Experienced Minnesota Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one are injured in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation—and we can help you get it.

At SiebenCarey, we’ve helped thousands of injury victims get the financial support they need in the aftermath of an accident. Just contact us, and we can:

  • Evaluate your case
  • Answer all your questions
  • Investigate the details of your accident
  • Build a solid case on your behalf
  • Help you recover every dollar of compensation you deserve

Best of all, we work on a contingency fee basis, so unless you win your case, you won’t owe us a dime.

Click here for your free case evaluation.

Related Posts

Client Reviews

out of 200 reviews
Jenna L. at Insider Pages

I have had nothing but great service with these guys. They are very knowledgable on a wide variety of subjects and topic. They will help you with any case you need!

Jazz Smith

SiebenCarey is a professional and dedicated law organization that help accident victim.

Morgan Petoletti

My husband had an amazing experience with this firm. They listened and took the time to understand our case.

Jesse Bukal

In need of a personal injury attorney? Well you're if you're reading this you're in the right place. You'd be hard pressed to find more competent attorneys than the ones here at SiebenCarey.

They took my case to trial and an amazing job presenting the facts and fighting for my best interests! Three years ago I was unsure of what my future would bring; now that it's over I can rest a bit easier. With SiebenCarey as my counsel, I believe I had the absolute BEST representation a person could've asked for. I knew that I wanted the absolute best representation when searching for an attorney to handle my case and I most definitely received it.

If you need a personal injury attorney, look no further. Can't recommend highly enough.

St. Paul Local 12

Thanks for everything, your experience paid off BIG!!!

Daniel Ball

Really good professionals, they solved my issues in no time using the most impressive and advanced approach. Really good, highly recommended.

Eric Petoletti

Even though I was states away and could only talk on the phone, they listened and did everything that they could to win my case. I felt like I was a part of the family.

Renee Goneau

SiebenCarey is a great personal injury law firm that really cares about their clients.  Highly recommend!

Carly R.

My boyfriend was hit by a car and while all the attorneys he talked to said he didn't have much chance of a case, SiebenCarey took him on and gave him a fighting chance. He's still recovering, but SiebenCarey is making it a lot easier.

Greg Christiansen

My wife and daughter were killed in a vehicular incident.  I was referred by a good friend to SiebenCarey . Jim Carey personally handled my situation. The compassion, professionalism, and competence was beyond excellent.  In a most difficult  time for my son and me the help we received was immeasurable and in fact, helped our healing process.  I want to personally thank Jim and his team for their assistance.  I would recommend this organization unreservedly and totally to anyone who needs help in a tough time.

Award Winning Know Your Rights Attorneys

Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists

8 Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, Minnesota Bar Association
3 Board Certified Trial Advocates, National Board of Trial Advocacy.

2022 Super Lawyers

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

2022 Best Lawyers in America©

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

2022 U.S. News Best Law Firms

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

Attorneys of the Year

5 of our attorneys have been recognized as Attorneys of the Year

FREE DOWNLOAD

50%

To help us recommend the best resources for you, please indicate the relevant accident type below:

Step 1 of 2: Case

Please select an answer before proceeding

Please enter your email address below so we can send your download link right away.

Step 2 of 2: Download

Please enter your valid email address so we can send your download link and special printing instructions.

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.

FREE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE

50%

To help us customize our resources for you, please indicate the relevant accident type below:

Step 1 of 2: Accident Type

Please select an answer before proceeding

Please enter your email address below so we can send your download link right away.

Step 2 of 2: Download

Please enter your valid email address so we can send your download link and special printing instructions.

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.

FREE DOWNLOAD!

50%
The Minnesota No-Fault Fact Sheet is a valuable resource for all Minnesotans

Have you been in a recent accident, if so, which type?

Please select an answer before proceeding

Please enter your email address below so we can send your download link right away.

Please enter your valid email address so we can send your download link and special printing instructions.

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.

Had an Accident or Injury?
WE CAN HELP!

  • No risk or obligation. We only collect fees if you win.
  • Free review of your options and potential for success.
  • Trusted by more than 65,000 people just like you since 1952.

Call us 24/7 at 1-800-4-RIGHTS(744487)

Or complete the form

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.
Please enter the required information above

Would you recommend us?

We are interested in hearing about your experience with SiebenCarey Personal Injury Law.

Would you mind leaving a review? If so, please take a moment to tell us about your experience and also mention the attorney you worked with. Your feedback helps us to improve our services to you and all clients.

Step 1 of 2:

Contact Us

We strive to provide top quality legal and customer service. We're sorry that we didn't meet our own expectations for you - How can we do better?

Please enter the required information above