The accident wasn't my fault. Do I pay a deductible?
Usually no. Sometimes yes, temporarily. Here is how it plays out in Arizona and how we keep you from paying either way.
Claim against the other driver
Arizona is an at-fault state. If the other driver caused the crash, you file a third-party claim with their insurer. If they accept liability, they pay the repair in full. No deductible, no waiver needed. We help you open that claim and work with their adjuster.
When their insurer stalls
Liability investigations can take weeks. Your car cannot wait weeks. You can repair under your own collision coverage now; your insurer pays, you owe your deductible, and your insurer later recovers the money from the other driver ('subrogation') and refunds your deductible.
Where the waiver comes in
While that plays out, we waive up to $1,000 of your deductible so you are not out of pocket at pickup. If your insurer later recovers the deductible, that refund is between you and your insurer.
Hit-and-run or uninsured driver
Your uninsured-motorist property damage or collision coverage applies. There is usually a deductible. We waive up to $1,000 of it.
What would you pay?
- We waive
- $1,000
- You pay toward your deductible
- $0
On qualifying insurance repairs. The exact amount is written on your estimate before work starts.
Real numbers, no fine print
| Your deductible | We waive | You pay |
|---|---|---|
| $500Most common collision deductible | $500 | $0 |
| $1,000The one that stops people from fixing the car | $1,000 | $0 |
| $1,500Higher deductible, lower premium | $1,000 | $500 |
| $2,000High-deductible policy | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Qualifying insurance repairs. If your repair is under $1,000, we cannot waive more than the repair costs.
Common questions
Should I file with my insurer or theirs?
If liability is clear and they're responsive, theirs. If anything is slow or disputed, yours; it protects your timeline. We'll talk it through with you.
Do I still get a loaner car?
Yes. On a third-party claim the at-fault insurer usually pays for a rental; our loaner is often cheaper and we bill them.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
Arizona requires it, but about one in nine drivers has none. Your UM coverage or collision coverage steps in, and our waiver applies.
Deductible help
More on deductibles
Common questions
- How does a body shop waive a $1,000 deductible?
- $500 vs $1,000 deductible: what you actually pay
- Is waiving a deductible legal in Arizona?
- Comprehensive vs collision deductible: which one applies?
- Can't afford your deductible? Here's how the car gets fixed anyway.
- $0 out of pocket. Here's how the math works.
- Hit-and-run: who pays the deductible?
By insurance company
Send a few photos. We'll take it from there.
Upload pictures of the damage for a preliminary price range, or call and talk to someone at the shop.
Visit the shop
5511 N 51st Ave, Suites 108 & 109
Glendale, AZ 85301
Open every day, 7 AM – 6 PM
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