Car Inspection After Accident in Sun Valley, CA

There's no general legal requirement to have your car inspected after an accident, but it's strongly recommended. Most insurance claims rely on a documented assessment of the damage, and hidden damage that goes uncaught can become a much larger problem later.

Insurers inspect to validate the claim, verify the cost of repairs, and compare the repair cost against the vehicle's value to determine whether it should be repaired or declared a total loss. Their inspection protects the insurer's interests; an independent inspection from a shop you trust protects yours.

You can, but doing so may affect your claim. Most policies require cooperation with the insurer's inspection process, and refusal can lead to delayed payment, denial of the claim, or even cancellation of coverage. Check your specific policy or speak with your agent before refusing.

Review the inspection report carefully and make sure the repair estimate covers everything documented, including any allowance for hidden damage that may surface once the repair begins. Ask questions about anything you don't understand before approving the work.

Depending on the extent of the damage, a professional damage inspection typically takes between half an hour and two hours. Vehicles with significant ADAS systems or structural damage take longer because more components need to be checked and verified.

Yes! And might we also add meaningfully. A thorough inspection establishes the documented scope of damage, validates the cause, and supports the repair cost. This is the foundation of a fair claim settlement and your best protection against disputes.

If the damage is minor and the vehicle is safe to drive, you can usually drive it to a repair facility. If you see fluid leaks, hear unusual noises, notice warning lights, or feel anything off in steering or braking, don't drive it — arrange a tow. When in doubt, check with your insurer; some policies have specific requirements about driving a damaged vehicle.