February 25, 2026
Auto Accident

After car accidents, most people put their time and energy into recovering from their injuries and getting their damaged vehicles back on the road. But many accident victims don’t realize that vehicle repairs are only part of the post-crash financial picture.

A wreck often triggers a long list of property-related expenses that pile up quickly, and under Alabama law, many of those costs are fully recoverable. As experienced Alabama car accident lawyers, we frequently see people accept settlements that cover visible damage while unknowingly leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

Learn which property-related losses are often overlooked and how our attorneys can make sure they’re properly accounted for in your claim.

Property Damage Goes Beyond Repairs

According to the National Safety Council, property-damage-only crashes cost an average of $6,300 in 2023. That’s not counting the cost of towing, rental vehicles, and lost vehicle value. When injuries are involved, those costs climb even higher.

In Alabama accident claims, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Towing and storage fees
  • Rental car costs
  • Diminished value of your vehicle
  • Property inside your vehicle that was damaged during the crash

Insurance companies rarely volunteer to pay these costs unless you know how to ask and how to prove them.

Towing and Storage Fees add up Fast

After a crash, your vehicle is often towed from the scene, sometimes without your input. That initial tow, which usually ranges between $125 and $175, is just the beginning. Storage fees can accrue daily while the insurer investigates liability or delays repairs.

These charges are generally recoverable, but insurers often try to dispute them by claiming:

  • The tow wasn’t necessary.
  • Storage fees were excessive.
  • The vehicle should have been moved sooner.

Saving invoices from towing companies and repair shops is critical for proving these losses. Photographs from the accident scene also help establish why towing was unavoidable.

Rental Cars: More Than Just a Few Days

Rental car reimbursement is a commonly undervalued part of accident claims. Insurance adjusters often limit coverage to an unreasonably short window, sometimes as few as 30 days, even when repairs take weeks.

In Alabama, accident victims are typically entitled to a rental vehicle:

  • For the entire time repairs are reasonably necessary, or
  • Until a total-loss settlement is paid if the vehicle is not repairable

You are not required to accept an economy car if you normally drive an SUV, truck, or family vehicle. Comparable transportation options are essential for work, childcare, or accessibility needs.

Proper documentation for loss of use damages includes:

  • Rental agreements
  • Repair estimates and timelines
  • Communications showing delays caused by the insurer

An Alabama car accident lawyer can help hold insurers accountable when they arbitrarily cut off rental coverage.

Diminished Value: The Claim Insurers Hope You Forget

Even after high-quality repairs, a vehicle with an accident history is worth less than one that’s never been wrecked. That loss, called diminished value, is real, measurable, and often compensable.

It’s typically calculated by:

  • Comparing pre-accident and post-repair market value
  • Reviewing the severity and type of damage repaired
  • Evaluating how similar vehicles sell after a reported crash

Insurers frequently ignore diminished value entirely unless it’s raised. Independent appraisals, pre-accident market comparisons, and repair records help establish these claims.

Personal Property Inside the Vehicle

Many people don’t realize they may be eligible for compensation for any property or possessions that were damaged inside their vehicles during accidents. This often includes losses for property like:

  • Phones and laptops
  • Child safety seats
  • Eyeglasses
  • Work equipment or tools

Photographs and replacement receipts strengthen these claims, which insurers may otherwise overlook.

Common Insurance Tactics to Watch For

Insurance companies protect their bottom line. Victims frequently deal with tactics like:

  • Limiting rental coverage arbitrarily
  • Refusing to pay for comparable vehicles
  • Questioning towing necessity
  • Ignoring diminished value
  • Bundling property damage settlements with injury claims

Once you accept a property damage settlement, you may lose leverage. That’s why it’s essential to work with a skilled Alabama car accident lawyer who can negotiate for fair compensation that covers the full scope of your losses.

Why Local Experience Matters

Founded by Stewart Vance, The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers guides Alabama accident victims through every phase of recovery, not just medical bills, but the real-world costs that affect daily life.

Our legal team can:

  • Identify recoverable damages, including property loss and diminished value
  • Coordinate medical care and records to support your claim
  • Seek compensation from all liable parties
  • Manage insurance negotiations to prevent undervaluation
  • Deliver results, with a track record of securing millions for injured victims

Our client feedback reflects consistent communication and hands-on support. One recently shared:

I called Vance Law Firm after my accident because of all the things that he does for the community that shows he cares. The medical treatment I was directed to go for was amazing! If you want to get the best care and be super informed, call The Vance Law Firm; it will be the best decision of your life!

That level of local, personalized care is a hallmark of our law firm.

Talk to a Qualified Attorney in a Free, No-Obligation Consultation Today

Property-related damages can add thousands to your claim. Working with our skilled Alabama car accident lawyers ensures every recoverable cost is identified, documented, and pursued before insurers close the door.

If you’ve been injured in a wreck, the right legal guidance can mean the difference between a quick payout and full financial recovery. Protect your rights with a free, confidential consultation. Because once a settlement is accepted, those overlooked costs are gone for good.

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