Get a Free Car Repair Estimate in 30 Seconds.
Upload a photo of your damage, see your AI estimate, compare shop prices.
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📸 Upload a photo of your car damage
→
🤖 Immediate AI price estimate
→
🚗💬 Shops send quotes — no calls or driving around
700+App users
10,000+Web users
100+Partner shops
The Hidden Cost of Insurance Claims
Most people don't realize that filing a claim — even when you're not at fault — can raise your premiums for 3 to 5 years. Plug in your numbers and see for yourself.
🧮 Should You File a Claim?
Enter your details to see what makes financial sense
$
$
CA average is ~$180/month. Used to estimate your premium increase.
File Claim
$0
3-yr total
Out of Pocket
$0
one-time
File a Claim
$0
3-year total cost
• Deductible: $500
• Likely premium increase: ~25%
• Monthly increase: +$45/mo
• 3-year premium cost: +$1,620
• Likely premium increase: ~25%
• Monthly increase: +$45/mo
• 3-year premium cost: +$1,620
Pay Out of Pocket
$0
One-time cost
• No premium increase
• Keeps record clean
• Keeps record clean
Finance the Repair
$0
~$0/mo for 12 months
• $0 down options available
• Many shops offer 0% APR
• Many shops offer 0% APR
When Does Filing Make Sense?
Consider paying out of pocket if:
- Repair cost is under $2,000 – $3,000
- You were at fault or fault is shared
- You've filed a claim in the past 3 years
- You're planning to switch insurers soon
- The damage is cosmetic only
Consider filing a claim if:
- Repair cost exceeds $3,000 – $5,000
- The other driver was clearly at fault
- There are injuries involved
- Your car may be totaled
- You have accident forgiveness on your policy
Not sure where your situation falls? Run your actual numbers.
🧮 Try the Calculator AboveGet Your Repair Estimate Before You Decide
Don't call your insurance company until you know what the repair actually costs. Once you file a claim — or even ask about filing — it may go on your record.
Otto gives you a free, no-obligation repair estimate in 30 seconds with our free car repair calculator. See what the damage will cost to fix, then decide whether it's worth filing a claim.
Free · No account needed · Takes 30 seconds
Trusted by Thousands
700+
App Users
10,000+
Web Visitors
100+
Partner Shops
As Featured On
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Otto
How accurate are Otto's AI estimates? +
Otto prices your repair the way a body shop does. The AI reads your photo to identify each damaged panel and what it needs — repair, refinish, or replace — then applies real labor hours to current body, paint and structural labor rates for your area, and adds parts and materials on top. Those hours and rates are grounded in real shop estimates rather than a generic lookup table, and we calibrate the price ranges against what shops actually charged. The one thing a photo cannot show is hidden damage behind a bumper cover or panel, so a shop's final number can move once parts come off.
What happens after I get my estimate? +
The estimate is yours to keep and use however you like — for your own planning, for a conversation with your insurer, or to take to any shop. Where Otto has a shop nearby, we will also connect you with a vetted local body shop that can take the job, usually within a business day. There is no obligation and no account to create.
Is Otto really free to use? +
Yes! Otto is completely free for vehicle owners. We're compensated by the repair shops in our network when you choose to get your repairs done through them. There are no hidden fees or obligations.
What types of damage can Otto estimate? +
Otto can provide estimates for body damage (dents, scratches, collision repair), windshield repair or replacement, paint damage and touch-ups, and bumper repairs.
Do I have to use one of Otto's recommended shops? +
No, there's no obligation to use any of our partner shops. The estimate we provide is there to help you make a more informed decision. You're free to take it to any shop of your choice or use it for an insurance claim.
How do I know the shops are trustworthy? +
All shops in our network are verified and must maintain valid business licenses and insurance, minimum 4.5-star customer ratings on Google, fair and transparent pricing, and quality guarantees on their work. We continuously monitor shop performance and customer feedback.
What if the damage is too complex for a photo estimate? +
For complex damage involving mechanical issues, frame damage, or multiple panels, a photo estimate is a starting point only. Where Otto has a shop nearby, we'll still connect you, but the shop will need to see your vehicle to confirm the final price.
Is my information secure? +
Yes, we take your privacy seriously. Your photos and personal information are encrypted and securely stored. We will only share your contact details with the shops if you provide written consent. We never sell your data to third parties.
Still have questions?
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