A Santa Clarita collision repair shop owner is explaining how car insurance deductibles work in the case of a crash, as well as the lesser known “uninsured motorist” coverage option.

Cesar Ranuschio of Body Shop 661 described a deductible as “the first amount of the bill” that the insurance holder is responsible for before their insurance company will pay toward the cost of repairs. 

“If you go through your insurance, you’re responsible for the first amount of the bill,” Ranuschio explained. “So your deductible can be $250, $500, $1,000, and last week I got a $2,500 one.”

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Typically, a person has a higher deductible in exchange for a lower monthly premium, where if they pay more for their insurance per month, their deductible is lower, according to Ranuschio. 

Ranuschio advised caution for those with a low premium and high deductible who feel they are good enough drivers and are willing to take that risk. 

“Then when you get in an accident, it really affects you because you’re going to owe most of the bill,” he said. “Imagine you’re in charge of the first $2,500 of that bill. What’s going to happen?”

In the case that a driver is not at fault and the other person agrees to use their insurance to cover the cost of repairs, then Ranuschio noted that no deductible would be required, as it would be paid by the other person to their own insurance company. 

A tip Ranuschio offered motorists is to consider adding the “uninsured motorist” option to their insurance coverage, which some people may not realize even exists. 

“If you’re driving and you get hit by somebody and they don’t have insurance, then you’re responsible for your deductible,” Ranuschio said. “The uninsured motorist (coverage) is not that much more money, … and that would cover your deductible.”

However, this coverage usually requires proof that the other driver is uninsured, so if that person flees the scene and no picture of their license plate number is obtained to track them down, the coverage won’t apply, according to Ranuschio. 

“Things happen where people hit you and they don’t have insurance, but if they hit and run and you don’t get a license plate, that doesn’t count as another person’s fault,” Ranuschio said. “You have to have the person and they have to prove he doesn’t have insurance for the uninsured motorist (coverage) to come into play.” 

Those in need of Santa Clarita collision repair who may be struggling with the cost can tell Ranuschio they heard about him through KHTS for some additional help, he noted. 

“I’m here to help you guys,” Ranuschio said. “You’ve got to mention the radio station, though.” 

Ed. Note: This article is a KHTS Community Spotlight based on a recent radio interview with Body Shop 661.

The family owned and operated Santa Clarita auto body shop Body Shop 661 offers collision repair services, classic car restoration and more for the Santa Clarita Valley. The owners of Body Shop 661 believe that total customer satisfaction can only be achieved by caring about their customers and taking pride in the value, quality and professionalism of their work. Those in need of Santa Clarita collision repair services, Santa Clarita classic car restoration services, or an auto body shop in Santa Clarita can contact Body Shop 661 today. 

Body Shop 661

26524 Ruether Ave Unit #401

Santa Clarita, CA 91350

661-251-2252

Body Shop 661 – Santa Clarita

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmufV_dBi3A

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