How To Claim Vehicle Damage After A Non Fault Car Accident
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How To Claim After A Non Fault Car Accident
How to claim after a non-fault car accident? Will a non-fault car accident affect my insurance? Do I have to claim through my insurance? These are the 3 most common questions drivers consider after their car is damaged in an accident. The reason people ask these questions is to discover the best vehicle claim solution that avoids; incurring costs, further inconvenience, and any negative effects to their insurance policy. So what is the answer? This page provides information about aspects of claiming after a non-fault car accident. Our objective is to provide information to enable drivers to make the correct choices and understand some of their rights and entitlements to claim after a non-fault car accident.
Quick Answers:
How to claim after a non fault car accident? Answer – Independently is one option with a direct claim against the at fault drivers insurance company. This can often be arranged via your car insurance or legal cover policy, your insurance broker or a suitably specialist solicitor or legal service. Visiting the citizens advice website can also be a helpful independent source for information on your rights and ways to claim.
Will a non fault claim effect my insurance? Answer – This can happen, even if you claim directly from the at fault drivers insurance company and did not have to use your own insurance service have apid no excess. Drivers can dispute any raise in premium related to non fault car accident, but ultimately each insurer has their own conditions so for clarification on how claims effect your policy your will need to consult your policy.
A helpful tip. Drivers can request a liability statement letter from the fault insurer stating that you are not considered negligent for the accident and liability was accepted by their insured (the at fault driver). This can help when presented your insurers.
Do I have to claim with my insurance after a non fault car accident? Answer – Most drivers will have no obligation to claim with their insurer after a non fault car accident. This does not mean to say you will not still be required to report the accident. Always check your policy for clarification.
The Most Efficient And Effective Way To Claim
How can you claim after a non-fault car accident? the answer is you have various options of service who can assist you. Your car insurance company claims service is most peoples first point of contact, you may also be able to contact the negligent parties insurance as many will offer their assistance directly to the non fault party. There are also many independent direct vehicle claim services available who may be able to help. Understanding the differences between the vehicle claim services will help you find which option is most suited to you requirements. Independent vehicle claims services should always act only upon your instruction and in your best interest, and by claiming directly from the negligent parties insurance company (the at-fault driver’s insurance) you will usually no excess to pay and you should have full control over your vehicle claim. This means you should be given the option to decide where your car is repaired rather and an insurer who at times can specify this . If your car is written off, you should be given the valuation to agree the write off value, the report is often produced by an independent engineer who ensures you’re given an accurate valuation. This can be helpful as some services will use standard book valuations.
You should also ensure which ever service you appoint offers all your entitlements are available to you without compromise. For example, a ‘like for like’ temporary replace vehicle/courtesy hire car.
No excess to pay and retain have full control over your vehicle claim
So let us go into further detail and highlight the difference in services between an insurer and an independent vehicle claim service. This will show contrast between what you are entitled to, and what some insurers will offer you. We will also explain why selecting the right vehicle repair centre can be important. Why having an independent engineer inspect your vehicle can avoid financial loss. And why you should not have to compromise over courtesy car/ hire car provision. We will also cover your some of the rights and entitlements you may have, and which laws can be used to process car accident claims and how they work.
Advantages of Claiming Directly After A Non Fault Car Accident
The following sections details each aspect of a non fault car accident vehicle claims and highlights some of the possible differences between claiming with an insurer and claiming directly or via independent vehicle claim service. We cover each aspect of the vehicle claim individually and set out some of your possible rights and entitlements of claim, and the importance of processing each head of claim correctly to help avoid financial loss or negative effects from a car accident that was not your fault. Claiming directly from the negligent parties insurance company is often an efficient and effective way to claim. The following details are listed by claim type provide giving insight into your possible entitlements.
Non Fault Accident Car Repairs
If you claiming directly with an independent vehicle claim service you should get to decide where your vehicle is repaired. This is important for many reasons. For example, vehicles often have hold manufacturer warranties which are only preserved if repairs are carried out by manufacturer-approved repair centres. There is also a similar potential issue for a driver who has purchased their vehicles through vehicle financing or lease agreements. These agreements often state that any repairs should be carried out by manufacturer-approved repair centres. Failure to do so can result in the owner becoming liable to pay for any repair work corrections required. With many insurers appointing their preferred repair centre, this may not be the best option for you as the vehicle owner. Always request your vehicle is repaired inline with your responsibilities outline in your vehicles agreements.
The next issue involves classic, performance and prestige cars.
Specialist vehicles such as classic cars, high performance or prestige vehicles often require the services of specialist repair centres to ensure the work is carried out at the correct standard and to preserve the value of the vehicle. Once again owners should always check the suggested repair centre is suitable for the repairs to their vehicle type.
Vehicle Diminution Claim
Vehicle loss of value due to repairs. Accident repaired vehicles can have their resale value affected by the repairs, for example, if a potential buyer is presented with 2 identical vehicles, yet one has undergone an accident repair, a buyer will usually select the fully original vehicle to purchase, or if not wish to pay a lower price for the accident repaired vehicle. This difference in value can be claimed for with a vehicle diminution claim, something not always considered but worthy of consideration. Which ever services is processing your vehicle claim should be able to help you with this aspect of claim.
Non Fault Accident Write off valuations
Ensure your vehicle write off value is correctly calculated to enable the replacement without sustaining financial loss. Vehicle damage claims services will often appoint vehicle engineers to help accurately value your vehicle. The engineer inspects the vehicle often in person, and produces a detailed report covering the vehicles pre-accident condition, its exact specification, age, mileage, service history, and the current market value to replace it with an identical vehicle. Vehicle claims service will than act upon your instruction and you should get to agree the report and your vehicles valuation. Some insurers and vehicle claim service now use desk engineers and standard book values which can also be a good solution and speed up the claim process. For further details on non-fault write-off claims, visit non fault accident write off claims page.
Non Fault Accident Courtesy / Hire Car Entitlement
Claiming with a vehicle claim service will often ensure you receive a ‘like for like’ courtesy hire car after an accident. Drivers are usually entitled to receive a temporary replacement vehicle of the same size, standard, and specification as that of their vehicle after a non-fault car accident. Non fault accident courtesy car services claim the cost of the vehicle from the at-fault driver’s insurance company at often standard insurance rates (ABI /GTA daily hire rates). Drivers are usually entitled to keep the temporary vehicle until their vehicle claim is settled. The entitlement is not usually affected by your damaged vehicle repair or write off status. The temporary replacement courtesy hire car usually your entitlement and claim for under Tort law. Some insurers will only provide a small repair centre courtesy car, other a similar size car to your own. However if the vehicle offered is not suitable drivers do not have to compromise. They can request to use an independent service to obtain a suitable vehicle.
Speed of service
Vehicle claim services often specialise in non fault vehicle accidents only. Because they act upon your instruction and in your best interest they must process non-fault vehicle claims as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is because as the non-fault party in the accident, their customer has a duty to mitigate their losses after the accident. To ensure the customers is mitigating losses vehicle claims must be processed quickly and without delay. As a result, vehicles are often inspected within 48 hours of instruction and vehicle status reports are produced within 24 hours of the inspection. Once the report is agreed upon by the customer, vehicle repair authority is granted as quickly as possible to the customers preferred repair centre. In the event of a write off the customers agreed write off value claim is submitted to the negligent parties insurance company including the engineer’s report and full and detailed supporting evidence of their valuation. As a result of this fast efficient process vehicles are booked in for repair quickly and write off values are agreed and submitted for settlement.
What Can I Claim For After A Non Fault Car Accident?
The following section covers the most common heads of claim you can claim for after a non-fault car accident. We provide details of each claim type, some of your possible rights, entitlements and how these claims can made. If you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault there is a simple fixed rule to remember when considering what you can claim: Any loss that you have may have incurred as a direct result of negligent parties action is usually recoverable directly from their insurer. Drivers should try not to sustain any loss, be it physical or financial without receiving compensation of full recovery of the loss incurred. There are many services available via your insurers, the negligent insurers, Specialist solicitors, insurance brokers or others who will be able to help you process your claims.
Vehicle Damage Claims
If the car accident was not your fault you are entitled to claim for the full cost of the vehicle damage sustained in the accident. The resulting claim can be for either the full cost of repairs or should the damage have written your vehicle off, you can claim for the write off value of your vehicle. Write off value equates to the cost you will incur to purchase a replacement vehicle of the same vehicle type, specification, age, mileage and condition as that of your own written-off vehicle. It should be noted that this can be market value and not retail value. During the claim process, you may be entitled to a like for like courtesy hire car to keep you on the road until your vehicle damage claim is settled. The claim can often be made directly to the fault drivers insurer meaning there is no excess to pay or cost to your insurer.
Replacement Vehicle Claims
When your vehicle sustains damage in a non-fault car accident, an insurance company can provide you with a temporary replacement vehicle during the vehicle repair period. This may help you to get back on the road, but often the car is only a small standard group A vehicle which can be fine for some but not everyone. And if your car is then found to be a write off they will often request the car is returned. If the accident was not your fault and involved a correctly insured negligent party you can be entitled to a like for like courtesy hire car after the accident and until your claim is settled. We provide a nationwide like for like courtesy hire car service after non fault car accidents. Other services offering this service may be contacted via our insurers appointing their provider, the negligent parties insurer may have a temporary vehicle service. Or you could contact hire car companies and credit hire services for their assistance.
Types Of Replacement Car After A Car Accident
- Credit hire – Credit hire is the most common form of replacement vehicle provides after a non-fault car accident. Credit hire companies services are offered by both ‘fault’ and ‘non fault’ insurers or you can go directly to a credit hire company to obtain a temporary replacement vehicle. The advantage of credit hire is that service is specifically structured to provide the non fault driver with a ‘like for like’ replacement car during the claim process. Many insurers are party to ABI standards and GTA protocols which create a framework that enables swift settlement of credit hire charges as part of the non-fault drivers uninsured losses claim. The most inportant this to consider when using credit hire services is to ensure liability is established in your favor, that all vehicles and parties involved in the accident are correctly insured. And that your vehicle claim is processed quickly without delay. You should also not have access to other vehicles. These are just some of the points to consider.
- Claim loss off use – Loss of use claims can be made if as an alternative if a temporary replacement vehicle has not been attainable after the accident. Typically loss of use is valued at around £15+ per day. The claim is made from the day your vehicle is considered un-roadworthy and until your vehicle claim is settled, this usually will take around 2 weeks.
- Claim a courtesy car – The courtesy car can be provided by your insurer appointed vehicle repair centre. However, most larger accident repair centres will offer a courtesy car to secure the repair work. Courtesy cars from repair centres are usually standard small group A vehicles. They are only offered in the event your vehicle is repairable. Should it be written off the courtesy car must be returned.In this situation companies like ACC and other can often provide a non fault accident courtesy car service which ensures you receive a like for like courtesy car after the accident and until your vehicle claim is settled. This service is provided in line with your entitlements and temporary vehicle cost is claimed directly from the negligent parties insurance company. After a non fault vehicle accident courtesy vehicles can be available regardless of your vehicles repair or write off status.
- Claim Car Hire – Drivers involved in a non-fault car accident can hire a vehicle at a standard daily rate and claim the cost as an uninsured loss. If you wish to claim car hire charges after an accident you must ensure there are no delays to your claim. It’s your responsibility to mitigate your losses after an accident, if you wish to claim car hire charge reimbursement you must ensure the following: The daily hire car charges are reasonable. The vehicle is of the same or lesser group standard to that of your vehicle. The period of hire is kept at an absolute minimum.
Claims for Pecuniary Losses
After a non-fault car accident drivers can claim for the losses sustained as a direct result of the accident. These are known as pecuniary losses. A pecuniary loss refers to a financial loss sustained, in this case relating to your non-fault car accident. Pecuniary loss claims are made to return you to a neutral financial position as you were before the accident. The idea being that any financial loss you may have incurred as a result of the accident is claimed to recover the cost of your losses. Your insurers, solicitor or appointed claim service should be able to assist you with these claims. An example of the most common claims made are as follows:
- Vehicle Damage (Repair Cost / Write Off Value)
- Vehicle recovery and accident related services costs
- Temporary transportation costs
- Loss of earnings
- Medical treatments and cost
- Property damage and personal effects
- General losses and expenses
Car Accident, Do I Have To Claim With My Insurance?
You do not usually have to claim with your car insurance. If the accident was not your fault you can claim with a vehicle claims service, via the negligent drivers insurance company directly, via your legal protection cover or through your insurance brokers services. There are many services available who will be able to assist you. Whichever service you appoint, the claim is progressed directly against the negligent parties car insurance. As a result, you have no excess to pay and there is often no costs for pursuing the claim directly. Claiming directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance company can be an efficient effective way to claim and ensure you receive all of your claim entitlements in full. Visit our car accident vehicle claim page for detail of how ACC can help with your vehicle damage only claim..
Will A Non Fault Car Accident Affect My Insurance?
If the claim is made against the fault drivers insurance company directly the claim should have may have impact upon your insurance policy but this is not always the case. Always consult your car insurance policy to clarify how your policy may be effect after you have an accident. You will often be required to report accidents regardless of liability,always seek conformation of your responsibilities from your insurers. To help avoid any negative impacts upon your car insurance after an accident, a good tip is to request a letter of liability confirmation, this can be requested from the negligent driver’s insurers. This letter should state the accident liability in writing and confirms that you were not liable for the accident. This latter can then be presented to your insurer should they increase your car insurance premium and may be of help in this situation.
Car Accident Claims And Tort Law
None fault car accident claims are often processed through the use of Tort laws. A tort is a civil wrong caused by the ‘tortfeasor’ which unfairly results in loss or harm to another. In the circumstances of a non-fault car accident, the ‘tortfeasor’ is the negligent driver who is responsible for the causation of the accident. This can make the ‘tortfeasor’ or specifically their car insurer, liable to cover the cost of the losses incurred by you, as the ‘non-fault party’ in the accident. Claims under Tort law are dealt with by the civil courts, however, the vast majority are settled out of court through mediation with the liable parties insurance company. There are 4 elements to tort law: duty, breach of duty, causation, and injury. In order to claim for the sustained losses, there must be a breach in the duty. In the instance of a car accident, the breach of duty is found in the actions of the negligent driver which as a result caused your losses.
Accident Courtesy Car (ACC) Services
Accident Courtesy Car (ACC) provides a comprehensive vehicle damage claim and courtesy hire vehicle solution if required. Our service is available to any UK driver involved in a non fault accident that resulted in loss or damage to your vehicle as a result of a correctly insured negligent party. This could mean a road traffic accident, your car is hit or damaged whilst parked.
We provide full non fault car accident vehicle claims assistance together with the guaranteed provision of a true like for like courtesy car / temporary replacement vehicle after the accident. We try to keep you in the replacement vehicle until your vehicle damage claim is settled, which can mean your car is fully repaired and returned to you. Or in the event of a write off claim, you keep the replacement vehicle until your agreed write off value is both paid out and cleared funds are available to you. Our service is nationwide. For independent car accident claim advice visit the UK Citizens Advice web page on non-fault car accident claims.
For immediate assistance contact a member of our team today.
Call: 0800 860 0171
