Philippine context: can you still claim payment?

The core idea: you can’t collect twice for the same loss

In the Philippines, vehicle damage from a road crash is ultimately a civil liability issue: the at-fault party must restore you (as nearly as possible) to your pre-accident position. Insurance, on the other hand, is generally built on the principle of indemnity for property damage: it is meant to compensate an actual loss, not become a source of profit.

So, if the at-fault party already repaired your car at their expense, the usual rule is:

You generally cannot still claim “payment” for the same repair cost (because you did not actually suffer that repair expense anymore).
You may still claim other unpaid losses tied to the accident—if they are real, provable, and not already satisfied by the repair, and if your insurance coverage (or the at-fault party’s coverage) actually covers them.

Whether you can still claim money depends on (1) who you’re claiming from, (2) what exactly you’re claiming for, and (3) what documents you signed when the repair was arranged.

1) Know the coverages: CTPL vs “property damage” insurance

A common confusion in the Philippines is the role of CTPL (Compulsory Third Party Liability).

CTPL (Compulsory Third Party Liability)

Intended for death/bodily injury of third parties arising from motor vehicle use.
It is not a property damage policy for cars. So, if only your car was damaged (no injury), CTPL is usually not the correct pot of money.

Property damage coverage (what usually matters for car repairs)

Property damage is typically handled through:

The at-fault party’s Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) or broader liability cover (if they have it), or
Your own Comprehensive Motor Car Insurance (often includes Own Damage / Acts of Third Party, depending on the wording).

Because policies vary, the exact label differs, but the practical difference is:

Their insurer pays because they were at fault (liability), or
Your insurer pays under your own contract (own damage / acts of third party), then may pursue the at-fault party through subrogation.

2) Three different “claims” people mix up

When people ask “Can I still claim payment?”, they might mean one of three things:

Claim reimbursement for the repair cost
Claim additional losses besides repair (towing, storage, car rental/loss of use, etc.)
Claim anyway (cash-out) even though the repair was already done at no cost to them

Each has a different answer.

3) If the at-fault party already repaired the car: what you can (and can’t) claim

A. Can you still claim the repair cost as cash?

Usually, no—if you didn’t pay it. If the at-fault party repaired the vehicle and you did not shoulder the bill, then the specific loss “repair expense” has already been satisfied. Demanding (or claiming from an insurer) a cash equivalent for that same repair commonly becomes a double recovery problem.

But there are exceptions—mainly when the “repair” did not actually make you whole, such as:

The repair was incomplete (missing items, unresolved issues).
The repair was substandard and you must spend more to restore the car properly.
The repair covered only what was visible, and supplemental/hidden damage was later discovered and remains unpaid.

In those cases, your “claim” is not for the already-paid repair, but for the remaining uncompensated damage.

B. Can you still claim for other losses connected to the accident?

Often, yes—if not already included and if provable. Common examples:

Towing and recovery fees
Storage/parking fees while awaiting repair (where reasonable)
Car rental or “loss of use” (the value of being deprived of the vehicle)
Personal items damaged inside the car (depending on policy terms and proof)
Professional fees directly caused (sometimes contested; depends on circumstances)

Important: insurers and opposing parties often require these to be reasonable and documented (official receipts, booking records, etc.). Also, some comprehensive policies exclude or limit “loss of use” unless explicitly covered.

C. Can you still claim from your own comprehensive insurer after the other party repaired the car?

You may still file—but payment is another story.

Because property insurance is generally indemnity-based:

If you have no remaining actual loss, your insurer may say there is nothing to indemnify for repairs already provided free to you.
If you’re claiming other covered losses (and your policy covers them), you might still be paid for those—subject to policy terms and proof.

A major practical issue: most policies require prompt notice and an opportunity to inspect the damage before repairs. If repairs happened first, insurers may question causation, scope, or compliance with claim conditions. This does not automatically kill a claim, but it can make it harder unless you have strong documentation.

4) The biggest trap: quitclaims, releases, and “full settlement” language

If the at-fault party repaired your car, they may ask you to sign documents such as:

Quitclaim / Release / Waiver
Acknowledgment of full settlement
Affidavit of desistance (especially if a reckless imprudence complaint was filed)
Any letter stating you have “no further claims”

Why this matters

Against the at-fault party: If you sign a clear “full settlement” release, it may bar you from later demanding additional money—unless you can legally challenge it (e.g., vitiated consent, fraud, mistake, or it’s unconscionable), which is fact-heavy and not guaranteed.
Against your own insurer: If you later claim under your own policy, insurers commonly rely on policy conditions that prohibit you from prejudicing their rights of recovery against the wrongdoer. If you signed a waiver that prevents your insurer from going after the at-fault party (subrogation), your insurer may deny or reduce your claim.

Safer paperwork (if repair is being arranged but you want to reserve rights)

Instead of “full settlement,” people often use language that:

Acknowledges the repair arrangement, but
Reserves the right to claim for supplemental/hidden damage and other expenses, and
States it is not a waiver of insurance rights/subrogation.

Illustrative wording (adapt as needed):

“Acceptance of repair is without prejudice to claims for hidden/supplemental damage discovered later and other reasonable expenses arising from the incident.”
“This acknowledgment is not a quitclaim or release and does not waive any rights against insurers or third parties.”

(Insurers may still have their own preferred forms; the point is to avoid accidentally signing away rights.)

5) Who should you claim against: their insurer, your insurer, or the driver directly?

Option 1: Claim against the at-fault party (and/or their insurer’s property damage cover)

This is the cleanest route when:

Fault is clear, and
The at-fault party has TPPD (or similar) coverage and cooperates.

If they already repaired your car, you typically pursue:

Unpaid residual damage, and/or
Consequential costs (towing, etc.), and/or
Diminution issues if provable (see below).

Option 2: Claim under your own comprehensive policy (then let your insurer subrogate)

This route is common when:

You want faster repair,
Fault is disputed,
The at-fault party delays,
Or you prefer your insurer’s accredited shops.

But if the at-fault party already repaired the car, your insurer may:

Decline repair indemnity due to no remaining loss, and/or
Raise compliance issues (late notice/no inspection), and/or
Focus only on reimbursable, documented, covered residual items.

Option 3: Hybrid handling (be careful)

Some people:

Start with their own insurer, then
Accept some payment/repair from the at-fault party

This can create complications:

Potential double recovery,
Documentation mismatch,
Subrogation prejudice if releases are signed.

If you used your own insurer first, any later settlement with the at-fault party should be coordinated so the insurer’s subrogation rights are not impaired.

6) Common scenarios and likely outcomes

Scenario 1: At-fault party paid a shop directly; you paid nothing; repair is satisfactory

Cash claim for repairs: generally not proper (no actual repair expense).
Other losses: possible if not covered by the repair and if you can prove them (towing, etc.).
Insurance claim: may be denied for repair cost due to no loss; other covered losses might still be evaluated.

Scenario 2: At-fault party repaired, but you later discover hidden damage (alignment, sensors, frame issues, leaks)

You can pursue supplemental repair costs if you can show they are accident-related and not wear-and-tear.
Best practice is a supplemental estimate from a reputable shop plus photos/diagnostics.

Scenario 3: At-fault party repaired, but quality is poor (paint mismatch, panel gaps, recurring warning lights)

You can pursue cost to correct as remaining damages, especially if you can document defects and obtain comparative assessments.

Scenario 4: You already filed with your insurer; insurer repaired; then the at-fault party offers reimbursement

Be careful not to receive money that duplicates what your insurer paid.
Typically, the insurer will assert subrogation; any settlement should account for the insurer’s outlay and your deductible/out-of-pocket.

Scenario 5: You signed a quitclaim for “full settlement”

You may be barred from additional demands against the at-fault party.
Your own insurer may deny if the quitclaim impaired subrogation, depending on policy wording and timing.

7) Diminution in value (the “repaired but worth less” argument)

Even after competent repairs, some cars become harder to sell or are valued less because the vehicle now has an accident history. In pure civil-law terms, actual damages can include proven financial loss, but:

This is not automatically paid in practice.
Insurers often resist it unless the policy explicitly contemplates it.
You typically need strong proof (pre-accident value vs post-repair value; market data; appraisals) and a credible causal link.

It can be pleaded as part of damages against the at-fault party, but outcomes are fact-dependent.

8) Timing, documentation, and proof: why “repair first, claim later” is risky

Even if you are legally entitled to damages, insurance claims are heavily evidence-driven. If the car is repaired before an adjuster sees it, disputes arise over:

Whether the damage was really from the accident,
Whether the replaced parts were necessary,
Whether there were pre-existing issues,
Whether the cost was reasonable.

Best documentation to preserve a claim after repairs:

Photos/videos immediately after the accident (wide shots and close-ups)
Plate numbers, driver’s license, OR/CR details (as appropriate)
Police blotter/traffic accident report (if available)
Repair estimate(s) and final invoice/job order
Official receipts for towing, storage, transport, rentals
Written messages/emails confirming the at-fault party’s undertaking to pay/repair
Before-and-after photos from the repair shop
Diagnostic reports for later-discovered issues

9) Practical checklist before accepting an at-fault party’s repair offer

Notify your own insurer promptly anyway (even if you plan to let the other party pay).
Document damage thoroughly before repairs begin.
Avoid signing “full settlement” unless you truly intend to end everything.
Put the repair agreement in writing:
- scope of repairs
- parts quality (OEM/Surplus/Replacement)
- paint and workmanship standards
- timeline
- warranty/guarantee
- handling of supplemental/hidden damage
Insist on official receipts/invoices and keep copies.
If you anticipate claiming towing/loss-of-use, collect receipts and records immediately.

10) If negotiations fail: enforcement paths in the Philippines (overview)

When property damage remains unpaid or disputed, options commonly include:

Demand letter stating the facts, fault basis, itemized damages, and supporting documents.
Civil action for damages (or civil aspect alongside a case arising from reckless imprudence, depending on the situation).
Insurance-related complaints may be brought before appropriate regulatory/complaint channels depending on the insurer and issue involved.

The best strategic path depends on the amount, evidence, and whether there are injuries/criminal proceedings.

Bottom line

If the at-fault party already repaired your car, you generally cannot still claim cash for that same repair cost because the loss has already been satisfied. You may still claim for remaining uncompensated damage (hidden/supplemental defects, correction of substandard work) and other provable accident-related losses (towing, storage, loss of use, and similar), subject to evidence, reasonableness, and—when dealing with insurers—your specific policy conditions. The single most important practical factor is whether you signed any document that treats the repair as a full and final settlement or that waives further claims.