Car accidents happen every day throughout Australia. The stress of dealing with repairs, insurance, and being without a vehicle shouldn’t be your burden when someone else caused the accident.
You shouldn’t be inconvenienced just because someone else caused an accident. Under Australian Law, you have the right to drive a replacement car that matches your own vehicle. The at-fault driver’s insurance company must cover all costs – from repairs to your temporary replacement vehicle.
The biggest problem that you now have to deal with is getting back on the road quickly. Whether it’s a simple fender bender or something more severe, your car could end up in a repair shop for repairs. Getting an accident replacement car is easier than you might think. You simply need to know your rights and follow the right steps.
This guide shows you exactly how to get your replacement car, from documenting the accident scene to choosing the right vehicle. You don’t want to have to depend on public transportation or asking for rides from friends and family which may not even be possible either. Let’s get you back behind the wheel today.
What To Do Right After Your Car Accident
The moments right after a car accident determine how quickly you’ll get back on the road. Throughout Australia, accidents happen every day. Knowing exactly what to do helps you protect your rights and get your replacement car faster.
Safety First At The Accident Scene
Your safety matters most after any accident. Here’s what you need to do:
Switch off your car engine immediately. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries before helping others.
Move your car off the road only if it’s safe to drive. If there’s major damage, leave it where it is until police arrive. Clear any dangerous items from the road if you can do it safely.
Remember – keep those hazard lights on until everyone is safe and the scene is secure. Stay calm and help others who might be worried or scared.
Taking The Right Photos And Notes
Getting your accident replacement car means having the right proof. Use your phone to take clear photos of:
- Every car involved from all sides
- Up-close pictures of the damage
- The whole accident scene
- Road signs and conditions
- Any injuries
Write down everything while it’s fresh in your mind. Note how fast you were going, what the weather was like, and exactly how the accident happened. Draw a simple picture showing where each car was if you can.
When To Call Emergency Services
YOU MUST CALL 000 RIGHT AWAY IF:
- Someone is hurt or stuck in their car
- A driver seems drunk or on drugs
- There’s dangerous goods involved
- Police need to control traffic
- A big vehicle needs towing
For smaller accidents without injuries, you don’t always need police there. But you must call the Police Assistance Line (131 444) within 24 hours when:
- Someone got medical help later
- Property got damaged
- An animal was hurt
- You couldn’t swap details with the other driver
Always get an “event number” from police – you’ll need it for your replacement car.
Getting The Other Driver’s Details
The at-fault driver’s information is crucial for your free replacement car. Get these details:
- Their full name, address, phone number
- Driver’s license information
- Car registration number
- Insurance company and policy details
- Car make, model, and color
Take photos of their license and number plate if possible. If they’re driving someone else’s car, get the owner’s details too.
Don’t talk about who caused the accident. Just focus on getting the information you need for your replacement car while your vehicle is being fixed.
YOUR LEGAL RIGHT TO A REPLACEMENT CAR
WE OPERATE UNDER AUSTRALIAN LAW. If you find yourself saying “it wasn’t my fault” after an accident, you have clear legal rights to a replacement car. Insurance companies don’t readily advertise this given the fact that they will be the ones paying for the costs incurred.
What You’re Entitled To
The biggest problem many drivers face is not knowing their rights. Under Australian Law, you have the right to drive a replacement car that matches your own vehicle. This isn’t a favor – it’s your legal right.
You get a like-for-like replacement car while your vehicle is being fixed. If your car is written off, you keep the replacement until you receive your settlement money. The best part? You don’t even need your own insurance policy to get these benefits. Being not at fault is enough.
No Cost To You
There’s no out of pocket expense to you when you get an accident replacement car. The rental car company works directly with the at fault insurance company or party at fault. You get the car under a “credit hire” basis.
You have two main options:
- Let specialized replacement car companies handle everything
- Work through your own insurance company
Some insurance companies might ask you to pay first and claim later. You shouldn’t have to do this. When you use a specialized service, they:
- Bring the car to you
- Sort out all paperwork
- Deal with the at-fault insurer
- Need no money from you upfront
You simply need to help with information about the accident when asked.
Don’t Wait Too Long
Getting your replacement car quickly matters. Here’s why:
The at-fault driver’s details might change. People move houses or change phone numbers. Memories get fuzzy about what happened. Photos and other proof get harder to find as time passes.
Different rules apply in different states:
- Regular insurance claims: No strict deadlines but act fast
- CTP insurance: Deadlines vary by state
To get your replacement car, you’ll need:
- Proof you weren’t at fault
- The at-fault driver’s details
- Evidence of the accident damage
It’s a Simple Process. Getting an accident replacement car is easier than you might think. You simply have to make the call or apply online to get the ball rolling and get you into one of our cars.
Getting Your Free Accident Replacement Car Fast
The biggest problem that you now have to deal with is while your vehicle is in the repair shop, you have no car. Let’s fix that quickly.
Using Specialized Car Providers
Getting an accident replacement car is easier than you might think. Specialized providers like Not My Fault focus on helping not-at-fault drivers get back on the road fast. They understand exactly what you need:
You get instant approval and same-day delivery right to your door. Not My Fault runs across Australia with over 4,000 vehicles, even reaching rural areas.
What makes these providers different? You don’t face any limits on how long you can keep the car or how far you can drive. No bonds or deposits needed. They give you a car that matches yours, and there’s no excess for damage (terms apply).
Their team knows insurance inside out. Former insurance case managers handle everything with the at-fault insurer. You simply get to enjoy having a car while yours is in the shop.
Going Through Your Insurance
Your insurance company might help too. Call them straight after the accident to start the process. Keep talking with them clearly about what you need.
Remember these points about insurance: Most comprehensive policies cover replacement cars GIO Platinum gives unlimited hire car days (up to $152.90/day) no matter who caused the accident Usually takes 24-48 hours to approve your replacement car
If your car’s written off and you have new-for-old coverage, they’ll try finding the same make and model within 90 days.
Getting Quick Approval
It’s a Simple Process. You just need the right paperwork ready:
- When and where the accident happened
- The other driver’s details
- Their insurance information
- Photos showing the damage
- Police report number if you have one
Want the fastest approval? Get photos of the other driver’s license (both sides), their insurance details, and car registration. Have your own car papers ready too.
Most providers make it really simple. You just tell them it wasn’t your fault, when it happened, and if you have the other driver’s information. You shouldn’t be inconvenienced just because someone else caused an accident.
Getting The Right Replacement Car For You
You shouldn’t be inconvenienced and not have the ability to drive your family around town or go to work because of being given an unsuitable car that you’re unhappy with. The biggest problem many drivers face is getting a car that doesn’t match their needs.
Getting A Car Like Your Own
When you get an accident replacement car, it is a like for like replacement. Australian courts say you deserve a car that matches yours as closely as possible. If you have a small, fuel-efficient vehicle, this is what we try to get you in return. If you have a larger vehicle or luxury make, we will endeavour to get you into a suitable vehicle also.
Your replacement car should match your original vehicle’s:
- How many people it fits
- Storage space you need
- Special features you use daily
- How it drives and handles
Luxury And Special Vehicles
The courts understand luxury car owners need proper replacements. You shouldn’t have to settle for a basic car when you’re used to driving something special. If you don’t have your car, it’s a major inconvenience.
Not My Fault offers premium and luxury SUVs that match what you’re used to driving. The best part? The at-fault driver’s insurance pays for everything. You get to keep your standard of driving without paying extra.
Cars For Families
Families need the right car – there’s no question about it. Your replacement vehicle must fit car seats, have room for strollers, and keep your family safe.
Here’s what works best for families:
- Family Cars and Wagons – Perfect when you need extra space but not too big
- SUVs – Great for bigger families with lots of gear
- People Movers – When you need maximum space and seats
Try fitting your car seats and strollers before taking the car. This simple check makes sure you won’t have problems later. We believe that you have a right to drive a car that works for your family’s needs.
Using Your Replacement Car
Getting an accident replacement car is easier than you might think. Once you have your temporary car, here’s what you need to know to avoid any problems.
How Long You Can Keep The Car
Regular insurance usually gives you 14 days with a replacement car. Some better policies like GIO Platinum let you keep it longer, up to $152.90 per day. When you’re not at fault, companies like Not My Fault don’t put any time limits on how long you can use the car.
The replacement car comes with insurance protection, but you should check exactly what’s covered. Most specialized services pay for everything except fuel and tolls.
Looking After Your Temporary Car
You simply get to enjoy having a car while yours is in the shop without having to worry about the financial impact. But remember:
- You pay for your own fuel
- You cover any toll charges
- Keep the car clean and in good shape
- Tell the provider straight away if anything happens to the car
Normal wear and tear is fine – don’t worry about that.
Giving The Car Back
It’s a Simple Process. Return the car when:
- Your repaired car is ready, or
- You get your settlement money for a total loss
Many providers make it easy. Not My Fault OK can arrange to swap cars right at the repair shop. Just check you haven’t left anything personal in the car before handing it back.
Keep talking clearly with your repair shop and car provider. This stops any surprise charges for keeping the car too long. You shouldn’t be inconvenienced just because someone else caused an accident.
Get Back On The Road Today
Throughout Australia, car accidents happen every day. The biggest problem you face isn’t the accident – it’s being without your car. Under Australian Law, you have the right to drive a replacement car.
Quick action puts you back behind the wheel faster. Take photos. Get the other driver’s details. Call specialized providers right away. They handle everything while you get on with life.
You get the car without having to spend a fortune on out of pocket rental car fees. Whether you need a family SUV, luxury car, or everyday vehicle – you’ll get one that matches yours. Just pay for fuel and tolls, nothing else.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company must pay. Insurance companies don’t readily advertise this given the fact that they will be the ones paying for the costs incurred.
WE BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO DRIVE IN AUSTRALIA
FAQs
Q1. What are the essential steps to take immediately after a car accident? Stay calm, ensure safety, check for injuries, call authorities if necessary, exchange information with the other driver, document the accident scene, and notify your insurance company. These steps will help protect your rights and facilitate the claims process.
Q2. How can I secure a replacement car quickly after an accident? Contact specialized providers like Not My Fault or your insurance company immediately. Prepare necessary documentation, including accident details, the at-fault driver’s information, and photos of the damage. Some providers offer same-day delivery and instant approval for replacement vehicles.
Q3. Am I entitled to a like-for-like replacement vehicle if I’m not at fault? Yes, if you’re not at fault, you’re legally entitled to a replacement vehicle similar to your own at no cost. This includes luxury or specialty vehicles. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering these costs.
Q4. How long can I keep the replacement car? The duration depends on your situation. If your car is being repaired, you can keep the replacement until repairs are complete. If your car is declared a total loss, you can use the replacement until you receive your settlement. Some providers offer unlimited hire periods for not-at-fault accidents.
Q5. What are my responsibilities while using the replacement vehicle? You’re responsible for fuel costs and toll charges. Keep the vehicle in the same condition you received it and report any damage immediately. Return the car promptly when your repaired vehicle is ready or when you receive a settlement for a total loss. Always remove all personal belongings before returning the vehicle.
