Average Settlement for Non-Injury Car Accidents

Typical Range of Settlements Based on These Factors

Non-injury accidents usually involve less damage to vehicles than accidents involving injuries. Thus, the settlements in these cases usually range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. 

The following are some common cases and likely outcomes:

• A new car damaged by someone with the minimum required policy: The minimum policy only covers $10,000, which would probably be the offer.
• A heavily damaged older car: Older cars are likely to suffer more damage than the car is worth, which means the claimant would receive the total value.
• Mostly cosmetic damage: Even cosmetic damage is expensive to repair, but it will likely result in about $1,000 to $2,000 in compensation.

The limit of any settlement is usually the lower of the Kelley Blue Book value (or equivalent car valuation source), and the policy limit of the covering insurance policy.

What Does the Settlement Amount Cover?

A non-injury car accident settlement will generally cover property damage and related costs that you suffered because of the car accident. Some of the following are types of damages you could pursue in a non-injury car accident case:

• Vehicle repair costs: Your vehicle is likely damaged after a car accident, and the cost to repair it can range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars. You will be able to recover any vehicle repair costs that resulted from the car accident.
• Rental car expenses: If you’ve had to rent a vehicle because your vehicle was totaled, or is in the shop being repaired, settlement amounts can include the cost of your rental car expenses.
• Towing fees: Any towing fees you’ve incurred because of the car accident are recoverable as well.
• Storage fees: If your vehicle is in storage, or there is a storage fee charged to you from the tow company, these are related fees that you can seek reimbursement for as well through a car accident settlement with no injuries.
• Diminished value: Perhaps your vehicle is not totaled but has a salvaged or rebuilt title after repairs, this will diminish the value of your vehicle. You will be able to recover the lost value through your car accident non-injury settlement. 
• Lost wages: If you’ve lost time off from work either because you’ve been unable to get there because your vehicle is damaged, or you’ve had to take off work for other reasons related to your accident, you may be able to pursue lost wages as part of your car accident settlement.

Factors That Influence the Value of a Non-Injury Car Accident Settlement in Miami, Florida

How much money will you receive when you make a Miami car accident insurance claim? Well, typical car accident settlement amounts for no-injury cases depends on the following important factors:

• How much damage was dealt to your car.
• The value of the car.
• What type of insurance coverage you have.
• Which party was at fault in the accident.
• The policy limit of the at-fault party.
• Any additional expenses associated with the damage.

Insurance companies look at all of these factors when determining a non-injury car accident settlement offer. If the offer is low, your lawyer will be prepared to argue for a more reasonable outcome.

How Long It Takes To Receive a Settlement

The process for making an insurance claim involves a lot of red tape. You need to report your accident, and then the insurance company needs to investigate it. This investigation can take days, weeks, or even months. 

After it is complete, they will make an offer that you must accept or refuse. If you refuse it, you will need to appeal, potentially delaying payment by weeks or months.

Payment is usually relatively quick once you agree to a car accident settlement in Miami. You should expect a check within one to two weeks.

What To Do After a Non-Injury Car Accident in Miami

After a Miami accident, you should take all of the following steps:

• Report the accident to the police.
• Report the accident to your insurance company.
• Share contact and insurance information with the other driver.
• Gather evidence at the accident scene.
• Contact a Miami car accident attorney.

That last step is particularly important if you want to receive fair compensation.

How Hiring a Lawyer Can Help

A Florida car accident attorney will start helping immediately. They understand the insurance process and can help you navigate it smoothly. They will also act as your representative in all dealings with the insurance company, and fight back against lowball offers so that you can recover the no-injury car accident compensation you deserve. 

Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers

According to the Insurance Information Institute, roughly 16% of drivers in Florida are uninsured. If your car is damaged by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you can get full compensation if you have uninsured motorist coverage. 

However, if you don’t, your only option may be to sue the driver, who likely doesn’t have the funds to compensate you.

Effects of a Non-Injury Car Accident on Your Insurance Premiums

According to Florida law, your rates cannot increase after a car accident if you were not at fault for the wreck. However, your rates will likely increase by 50% or more if you are at fault. This is one of the reasons that you should hire a lawyer to investigate your claim.

Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, After a Non-Injury Car Accident

At Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, our team brings decades of experience representing victims like you, so you can recover the compensation for a car accident no-injury crash that was caused because of someone else’s negligence. Reach out to our team today to schedule your free case consultation, and understand your legal options to move forward with your case.