Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Can an insurance company pay repair costs to me directly so I can keep my vehicle?

My 2008 Chevy Trailblazer was damaged during a windstorm in Montana. It will most likely be totaled, as the cost of repairs is $6,000. I would like to keep my vehicle, as I still owe $1,000 on my loan. Would my insurance company pay me the $6,000 directly? And then I can sell the car myself.

avatar
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Car insurance
companies typically do not pay repair costs directly to an insured. When they decide that a vehicle can be repaired, they work directly with the shop that is performing the work. This is to ensure that the vehicle will be repaired.
If your vehicle is deemed a total loss and you want to keep it, you’ll need to negotiate with your insurance company. They most likely won’t offer you the actual cash value of your vehicle, but you would get something. This would allow you to either repair the vehicle and sell it or pay off your loan.
Every insurance company is different, so you’ll need to reach out to yours to discuss the possibility of keeping the vehicle. “
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings