Car accidents can happen in an instant – but the hassle of getting your insurance claim sorted out can go on much longer. If your beloved vehicle is damaged in an accident, knowing what to do can save you time, trouble and money. Whether it’s the other driver who has caused the accident or you’re making a car insurance claim my fault, read on to discover our tips on what to do next:
Gather the information you need to make a car insurance claim
Even though you may well be feeling shocked or scared after an accident, it’s vital to collect the information necessary to make a claim:
- The other driver’s name and address
- Their insurer and policy information
- Their car registration number, make and details
- Statements and contact details from any witnesses
It’s a good idea to take some pictures at the scene if you can.
Notify your insurer or the other driver’s insurer
Keep to the basic facts; if you are unsure as to who is at fault, you should not admit liability for the accident and let the police or insurance companies help decide who is to blame. Even if you think the accident was minor you should still notify your insurer so that in case the other driver tries to claim against you your insurer will have to protect you against any actions the other side may bring.
When should you not make an at fault car accident insurance claim on your policy?
If the damage to your car is only minor and the cost of the repairs would be lower or equal to the amount you have to pay as excess, you may consider not making an at fault car accident insurance claim. Making a claim might also affect your no claims bonus and the cost of your future premiums. If the other party is at fault, it is a better option to pursue your claim through their insurer.
Getting your car repaired
In theory, with a car insurance claim not my fault, you should not have much to worry about as all liability falls on the other party and their insurer so you shouldn’t have to worry about much else besides getting your car repaired and organising a replacement vehicle whilst yours gets fixed.
Are you entitled to a rental car while yours is being fixed?
Under Australian law, when making an insurance claim “not my fault”, you are entitled to a ”right to drive” replacement car, the cost of which should be paid by the insurer of the driver at fault. Insurance companies often try to cut costs by telling drivers that they will only reimburse a certain amount per day for a courtesy car rental but you are entitled to a replacement rental car of the same quality as your own vehicle, paid for completely at the expense of the “at fault” driver’s insurance company, if you have been truthful.
Being in the wrong place
Being in the wrong place at the wrong time as they say doesn’t make being involved in a not at fault car accident any less stressful. It is very important that you try to remain calm and ensure that everyone involved is safe and sound.
When it comes to your damaged car and almost more importantly how you are going to continue your day to day life without a car whilst its being repaired we have you covered Australia wide.
Use our quick and easy online application and you’ll be well on your way to being back on the road with an accident hire car, on many occasion on the same day as the accident.
Information required
The information required to have your vehicle repaired and to obtain a replacement car are very similar.
The most important information to obtain are details including location and approximate time of accident, other vehicle’s registration plate, phone number and licence details.
If you have this information handy there will be minimal delays in processing your claim.
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Application
You’re not at fault but NOT INSURED
If you happen not to be comprehensively insured or not insured at all and the other party in the accident was at fault then you can still fix your vehicle without any issues provided the other party is insured.
You’d simply need to find out who the person at faults vehicle is insured with and contact that insurer to advise them that their client has hit your vehicle. In the event that the other party isn’t insured things will then become a little trickier and you may need to engage the services of a Lawyer.
Extent of damage
We like to inform our clients that just because the extent of damage visually caused may seem quite minimal or not evident in some cases please do not ignore getting your car repaired or looked at by a licenced Smash Repair workshop.
Vehicles these days contain plastic bumper bars and when they absorb an impact they sometimes pop back out giving the initial visual effect that there is no damage except for a few light scratches.
In reality you may be surprised to know that there are plastic brackets, clips, bar absorbers etc which could be damaged underneath the bumper bar and could possibly even compromise the safety of the vehicle. Please be sure to have professionals to investigate further.
