Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but if you weren’t at fault, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying for repairs. However, many drivers aren’t sure how to handle the claims process or what steps to take to ensure the at-fault driver covers the costs.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your car fixed without footing the bill yourself.
What to Do Immediately After a Non-Fault Accident?
The steps you take at the scene can have a huge impact on how smoothly your claim goes. Here’s what you need to do:
Gather Evidence
Take clear photos and videos of the damage, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or signals. If possible, get footage of the other driver’s number plate.
Get the Other Driver’s Details
Make sure you collect their name, contact information, insurance provider, and policy number. If they refuse to share their details, call the police.
Speak to Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their contact details. Witness statements can help prove you weren’t at fault and mean that you don’t have to pay for things like repairs. Check out this non-fault accident repair service.
Report the Accident
Let your insurer know about the accident as soon as possible, even if you don’t plan to claim through them. This protects you in case the other driver tries to make a false claim against you.
How to Ensure the At-Fault Driver Pays for Your Repairs?
Once you’ve gathered the necessary details, you need to make sure the other driver’s insurance covers your repair costs. You have a few options:
Claim Through the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
The simplest route is to contact the at-fault driver’s insurer directly. Provide all the evidence you’ve gathered, and they should handle the repairs.
However, this process can take time, especially if the other driver disputes the claim. If their insurer drags their feet, you may need to take additional steps.
Use a Claims Management Company
If you don’t want to deal with insurance companies yourself, a claims management company (also called a credit hire or accident management firm) can handle everything for you. They will:
- Arrange repairs for your car.
- Provide a courtesy vehicle if needed.
- Recover costs directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
The benefit of using a claims management company is that you don’t have to pay anything upfront, and your no-claims bonus remains protected.
Consider Legal Action if Necessary
If the other driver refuses to admit fault or their insurer won’t pay, you may need to take legal action. This could involve:
- Using a solicitor to negotiate a settlement.
- Taking the case to the small claims court.
While most claims are settled without legal intervention, it’s good to know your rights in case things don’t go smoothly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure you don’t end up paying for someone else’s mistake, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Accepting a Cash Offer at the Scene: Some drivers may offer to pay in cash to avoid an insurance claim. While tempting, this can leave you out of pocket if hidden damage emerges later.
- Delaying Your Claim: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and prove fault.
- Automatically Using Your Own Insurance: While this may seem like the easiest option, it could lead to an excess charge or impact your premium.
Moving On After a Non-Fault Accident
Undoubtedly, being in a non-fault accident can change your perspective on the road. Some people lose all of their confidence after once enjoying being behind the wheel. But when they’re in an accident and feel like there is nothing they can do, it can bring anxiety to driving.
If you’re always commuting to work and rely on this mode of travel to get around, you don’t want to feel like this every day. It can start to negatively impact your health.
So, how do you move on after a non-fault accident? There are techniques you can use to build your confidence back up. This can ensure that driving doesn’t become something you’re scared of. Let’s take a look at a few things you can do.
Understand What Happened
It’s easy to replace the crash in your head. But, it can help to process what happened when you consider what happened before. This can make sure that you don’t start blaming yourself for the accident. Therefore, take the time to really understand what happened.
You need to clarify that it wasn’t your fault and avoid creating a different narrative. You can even talk to someone and they can help you understand your emotions and how to move forward.
Get Behind the Wheel Again
One of the worse things you can do after a non-fault accident is avoid driving. This is going to make your fear worse. You need to try to get back out onto the road soon after it happens. You can build up your confidence again and avoid replaying the incident over and over. You can replace the crash with positive driving experiences.
Look for Positives
There’s a lot you can learn from a non-fault accident. For example, you can look at it from the other driver’s perspective and learn what you shouldn’t do.
You can understand how it happened and even how they could have avoided doing what they did. There are going to be learning experiences and positives you can take from the situation. It’s about finding them.
Final Thoughts
Being involved in a non-fault accident is frustrating, but knowing your rights can make all the difference. By gathering evidence, choosing the right claims process, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure the at-fault driver covers your repair costs without unnecessary stress.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, act quickly, stay informed, and don’t let the other driver’s insurer dictate the process. The key is to be proactive and assertive to get the outcome you deserve.
