10 Things to Consider Before Contacting Your Insurer for Accident Repair | GVE London – Blog

Let’s assume for a moment that you’ve, unfortunately, been in an accident, and it wasn’t your fault. What’s the next course of action? Most people would say that contacting your insurer for repairs is the logical step. However, in reality, it is a bit more nuanced than that. There are a few things you must keep in mind before doing so to ensure you get the best possible outcome for yourself.

The Ten Things To Keep in Mind

Being in an accident, especially one wherein you weren’t at fault, is a stressful event. Knowledge of all the available options and your rights can be a breath of fresh air in situations like these:

1. Understand Your Claim Type

There are different types of claims, and it is essential to understand what type of claim you have on your hands right now. If you’re pursuing a non-fault accident claim, you are stating that the other party was responsible for the accident, and your insurer should now work with the other party’s insurer to recover the cost of damages. It is crucial to mention that it is a non-fault car accident claim when you speak to your insurance company.

Collect the Right Information

Remember, evidence matters. Anyone can claim they were in a non-fault accident. So, gather all the details of the accident, including how it happened, contact details of other drivers, a copy of the police report (if filed), as well as evidence like photographs or videos. Having these handy can really speed up the process.

Check Your Policy Details

Nobody likes going through the paperwork, but thoroughly understanding what your insurance policy covers is important—you’re paying a premium for it, after all! Does it mention if you’re entitled to a courtesy car while your vehicle is being repaired? Will your premium go up, even for a non-fault claim? What about your no-claims bonus? Knowing these answers makes decision-making and negotiations with your insurer much easier.

Decide Where to Get Repairs Done

You might be surprised to know that you don’t have to use the garage recommended by your insurance company. By law, you can choose an independent garage, provided they perform the maintenance procedure according to the required guidelines, which reputable garages already do. If you drive a high-value vehicle, consider a luxury car repair centre or supercar bodyshop, like GVE London, as these specialists have the expertise to handle your car’s unique needs and maintain its value.

Be Clear on Excess Payments

Even for a non-fault claim, you may need to pay an excess amount upfront, which is usually reimbursed later. Confirm the amount and the process with your insurer beforehand.

Know Your Rights

As mentioned above, you have the absolute right to choose where your car gets repaired, even if your insurer suggests otherwise. If you own a luxury vehicle or a supercar, selecting a repair centre specialising in premium cars is essential, as most garages aren’t equipped to address the challenges these cars may face after an accident.

Understand the Timeline

Luxury and supercar repairs can take time. A supercar body shop or luxury car repair centre may need to order parts, and the paperwork might take longer. However, independent garages like GVE London usually don’t have the same waiting times as insurer-recommended garages. Book an appointment, and you should be fine. Nonetheless, ask your insurer and repair centre for an estimated timeline so you can plan accordingly.

Read Also: Role of Body shops in Non-Fault Accident Claims

Ask About a Courtesy Car

If your car is your primary mode of transport, you’ll need a replacement vehicle while repairs are ongoing. Check whether your insurer or the other driver’s insurer provides a courtesy car, and confirm if there are any restrictions on the type of vehicle.

Look Out for Hidden Costs

While your insurer should cover most repair costs in a non-fault claim, ensure you’re not left paying for extras like car storage fees or expedited shipping for parts. Clarify all potential costs upfront.

Keep Everything Documented

Keep records of all communications, from your initial call with the insurer to updates from the repair centre. If there’s a dispute later, having a clear paper trail will protect your interests.

Conclusion

Nobody wants to be involved in an accident, at or no fault. Rights exist to protect us from these tough times and make dealing with the situation easier, as knowing them is quite important when filing for a non-fault accident claim. Take your supercar or luxury car to a supercar service centre or a luxury car repair centre like GVE London to ensure your vehicle is tended to with the utmost care. We handle everything from regular repairs and servicing to detailing,  modifications, and more. Contact us today to learn more!