What Happens to Your Car After a CT Accident | Shehu Law
A Straightforward Guide from Shehu Law
If you're involved in a car accident in Connecticut, damage to your vehicle can create challenges, from repair costs to time without your car. At Shehu Law, we guide clients through every step of the property damage process—with no legal fees for vehicle damage claims.
👉 If you were also injured, visit our Car Accident Lawyer page to learn about injury compensation.
No Legal Fee for Property Damage in Connecticut
When we represent you in a car accident case, we handle your vehicle damage claim at no extra legal cost.
Our contingency structure means:
- No upfront or hourly fees
- You only pay a percentage of your injury settlement when we win
- Your property damage claim is always included
Connecticut Insurance Options After a Car Accident
After an accident, you typically have two options to repair your vehicle:
- Your collision coverage
Often the fastest, especially if fault is still being investigated. - The at-fault driver’s liability insurance
Once responsibility is confirmed. Your insurer will later be reimbursed once fault is determined.
Rental and Loss-of-Use Compensation
If another driver caused the crash, you’re entitled to:
- A comparable rental car, or
- Reimbursement for the time you’re without your vehicle.
If your own policy includes rental reimbursement, that coverage applies immediately.
Storage Fees After a Connecticut Accident
- Storage fees are regulated by DMV statutes.
- Insurers may cover only a reasonable period.
- Always move your car promptly once notified to avoid paying out-of-pocket.
Your Right to Choose a Repair Shop in Connecticut
Connecticut law gives you the full right to select your repair shop—not the insurance company.
Whether you prefer a dealership, a trusted local shop, or a specialist, the decision is entirely yours.
Insurance companies may suggest “preferred” shops, but you are not required to use them.
To protect yourself:
- Research ASE- or AASP-certified shops
- Check online reviews
- Put your shop choice in writing to the insurance adjuster
Negotiating Repair Costs and Disputes in Connecticut
Most repair costs are agreed upon between your shop and the insurer. But disputes may arise over labor rates or parts.
Connecticut law (Section 38a-355):
Insurers may propose after-market parts, but they must notify you in writing.
Your options if disputes arise:
- Negotiate with documentation (photos, quotes, receipts)
- File a complaint with the Connecticut Insurance Department
- Use the Automobile Physical Damage Arbitration Program for binding resolution
What to Do If Your Car Is Totaled in Connecticut
Sometimes, repairs exceed the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV). In that case, the insurer declares the car a total loss.
The Constructive Total Loss Threshold
If repair costs equal or exceed the ACV, the car is totaled.
Example:
- Repair estimate: $10,000
- ACV: $5,000
- Insurer pays $5,000 + 6.35% CT sales tax
How Insurers Calculate ACV
Connecticut law requires insurers to use at least two approved valuation sources (such as NADA guides) and provide you with:
- A detailed ACV breakdown
- Copies of valuation reports
- Notice of your right to dispute
Your Options If Your Car Is Totaled
- Take the payout
Sign over the title and let the insurer handle the salvage. - Keep the car
Accept a reduced payout (ACV minus salvage value). This leads to a salvage title and stricter DMV inspections.
If you believe your ACV is too low, you may dispute it with the Insurance Department or pursue arbitration.
Call Shehu Law for Help With Property Damage Claims
Dealing with property damage after a Connecticut accident can feel overwhelming.
At Shehu Law, we handle the process for you—with no additional legal fee for property damage claims.
📞 Call us today at (860) 999-7777
or visit our Car Accident Lawyer page
