What to do after an accident, how insurance claims work, and what to expect from your repairer.
By law, as the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident you must immediately stop and give assistance to any injured person. In Victoria, you are only required to report an accident if any person is injured, or if property is damaged and the owner of the property is not present.
You must give your full name, address and registration number to other drivers, injured persons or owners of property which may have been damaged in the accident. If you don’t own the vehicle, also give the name and address of the owner.
You must obtain the name, address and registration number of the other vehicle(s) and/or owner(s). You should also try to get the names and addresses of any independent witnesses. To make sure you have the correct details, write them down yourself, from their driver’s licence if possible, and get their telephone number. The law does not require them to give you their licence or telephone number.
Make a note of the time, date and location of the accident and draw a plan of the scene.
Inform your insurance company as soon as possible. Most companies now have an after-hours contact number.
Every insurance company has its own requirements, and generally they do allow you to select the repairer. S & J Smash Repairs are authorised repairers for most insurance companies.
If you have any queries, contact our Accident / Claims Advisor on 03 9357 9944 or after hours on 03 9357 9911.
Properly repairing today’s vehicles is a complex task. It requires precision measuring and pulling damaged components to tolerances measured in millimetres. It also involves restoring paintwork with factory-like finishes in a climate-controlled, dust-free environment. And of course, it demands highly trained professional technicians who are experts in their craft.
At S & J Smash Repairs, we have the staff and equipment to meet all these requirements, so you can be sure your vehicle is repaired to the standard required.
Generally, no. Most insurance companies now require one quote only. Once your claim is lodged with your insurer, all you need to do is call in and let us see the damage. We’ll then tell you how long the repairs will take and book you in for a date that suits you.
Again, if you have any queries, contact our Accident / Claims Advisor on 03 9357 9944 or after hours on 03 9357 9911.
Yes. Most insurance policies require that you notify your broker or the company, lodge a claim or report, and tell them where the damaged vehicle can be inspected. Even if the other party agrees to pay for your damages, it may pay to make a “report only” to your own insurance company.
It pays to check with your insurance company. In most cases they pay the repairer, but you are responsible for paying any excess. Unless previously arranged, this has to be paid to the repairer before you take delivery of your vehicle.
The repairer. That is why it is important to select a reliable repairer. The right facility will be properly equipped and staffed to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. At S & J Smash Repairs we give a lifetime guarantee whilst the vehicle remains in your possession.
First, the manager of the shop. Responsible shop owners and managers stand behind their services and provide warranties which cover their work. They will work with you to solve the problem. If your problem is not resolved, contact the claims manager at your insurance company.
Talk to our Accident / Claims Advisor. We’ll walk you through your claim and book you in.
Our work is 100% guaranteed for the lifetime of the vehicle whilst it remains in your possession.
Call our Accident / Claims Advisor. We’ll tell you what to do next, arrange a tow if you need one and handle the claim with your insurer.
Send us the details and we’ll come back to you with next steps, or call the team directly.
