Understanding the Car Accident Damage Assessment Process in Illinois

After a car crash, one of the first steps for vehicle owners is assessing the extent of vehicle damage and dealing with the insurance company. Whether you’re facing visible dents, missing parts, or hidden mechanical issues, the car accident damage assessment process plays a significant role in how much you’ll be compensated—and how soon you can get your car back on the road.

For many Chicago drivers, this process involves appraisals, repair estimates, and back-and-forth negotiations with insurers. This article explains how damage assessments work in Illinois, what your rights are, and how an experienced lawyer can help if the insurance company undervalues your claim or pushes a low settlement offer.

What Is a Car Damage Assessment?

A car damage assessment is a formal evaluation of your vehicle after a collision, conducted to identify all damaged parts, assess the need for necessary repairs, and determine the total repair costs. These assessments are typically performed by either a certified collision repair technician or an insurance damage appraiser.

The technician or appraiser inspects both the exterior and interior of the damaged vehicle, including the frame, engine, electronics, and safety systems. Today, many assessments use computerized diagnostics to detect internal issues that aren’t immediately visible.

A complete damage assessment results in a written report outlining the estimated cost of repairs, parts needed (often differentiating between original equipment manufacturer and aftermarket parts), and labor hours. This report is used as the foundation of your insurance claim.

The Importance of Damage & Repair Cost Assessments Following a Car Crash

Getting a vehicle damage assessment immediately after a car crash is essential for both safety and financial reasons. Driving a damaged vehicle before it’s properly inspected may put you and others at risk. Unchecked structural issues or mechanical malfunctions can lead to serious injuries or additional breakdowns.

A proper damage assessment helps ensure the necessary repairs are identified early and that you’re not forced to pay out-of-pocket for issues missed during a basic inspection. For your insurance claim, the assessment provides evidence of the damage and is typically required before the insurance company agrees to pay for repairs.

Without a proper evaluation, the insurer might deny part of your claim, undervalue it, or delay the claims process.

What Insurance Companies Look For in a Vehicle Inspection

When you file a claim, your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer will typically initiate a vehicle inspection to assess the damage. This can take place at a repair shop or a designated assessment center. The goal of the inspection is to determine the type and extent of car damage, confirm whether the vehicle is repairable or a total loss, and estimate repair costs.

Insurance appraisers may focus on visible issues like dents, cracked lights, or deployed airbags, but they also look at the car’s frame and safety systems. In some cases, they may rely on images or videos submitted through an app. Ultimately, the insurer uses this information to decide how much they’re willing to pay under your insurance policy.

Property Damage You May Be Compensated for in the Insurance Claims Process

Illinois drivers involved in auto accidents may be reimbursed for several types of property damage in the claims process. The most common include:

• Vehicle repairs at a certified repair shop;
• Replacement value if the car is declared a total loss;
• Towing charges from the accident scene;
• Rental car costs while your vehicle is being fixed;
• Personal property damaged inside the vehicle (e.g., laptops, phones);
• Aftermarket parts or upgrades damaged in the crash (e.g., stereo systems, rims).

Your claim should reflect not just visible vehicle damage but all costs linked to the car crash. Keeping receipts, photos, and documentation will strengthen your claim and help ensure you receive proper reimbursement.

Do You Have to Use the Repair Shop the Insurance Company Recommends?

No, Illinois drivers are not legally required to use the repair shop suggested by the insurance company.

Insurers often steer claimants toward shops in their preferred network to keep repair costs low. While that might sound convenient, it could mean lower-quality work, non-OEM parts, or rushed jobs. You’re allowed to choose your own shop, especially if you want repairs done using original equipment manufacturer parts or at a location offering better warranties.

Choosing a trusted, certified shop gives you more control over your vehicle’s safety and long-term performance. If the insurer gives you pushback about using a different shop, a lawyer can help enforce your rights under Illinois law.

Understanding Total Loss Assessments

A vehicle is considered a total loss when the estimated cost of repairs exceeds a specific portion of its actual cash value (ACV) or when repairs exceed the market value after deducting the salvage value. This is known as the total loss threshold or total loss formula.

In Illinois, insurers typically use a threshold between 70%–75% of the car’s value to determine whether it’s totaled.

For example, if your vehicle is worth $10,000 and needs $8,000 in repairs, the insurance company may declare it a total loss and offer a settlement based on the ACV minus the salvage value. It’s essential to understand how this formula works, as accepting a total loss payout means giving up your vehicle and title.

Challenging the Insurance Company’s Vehicle Damage Estimate

You’re not required to accept the insurance company’s first offer or their vehicle damage assessment. If their repair estimate seems low or if they’re refusing to cover all the necessary repairs, you have the right to dispute their findings. You can submit:

• Photos of the car damage;
• Independent reports or estimates from other certified repair shops;
• A repair history showing recent maintenance or upgrades;
• Market data supporting your car’s actual cash value.

Disagreements about value, repair costs, or total loss declarations happen often. An experienced attorney can help you collect strong evidence and challenge lowball offers effectively, especially when your property damage claim is being unfairly reduced or denied.

How a Lawyer Can Help with the Damage Assessment Process

Legal counsel can make a significant difference when dealing with an insurance claim for vehicle damage. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped clients across Chicago handle disputes over repair estimates, total loss valuations, and settlement offers that don’t match the evidence. Our Chicago car insurance claim lawyers can:

• Review and dispute undervalued assessments;
• Help you gather evidence to support a higher repair cost or payout;
• Assist in obtaining a second damage assessment or independent report;
• Represent you in claims process negotiations with the insurance company;
• Guide you in understanding your options and rights when your damaged vehicle is declared a total loss.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers know how insurance adjusters work and how to push back when offers are unfair. If your vehicle damage assessment has left you without the compensation you need for repairs or replacement, contact us today.

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or complete our contact form to consult a personal injury attorney in Chicago.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.