The time limits depend upon the type of insurance policy that you hold and the nature of the accident. While there is no specific time limit, your insurer, will likely expect you to lodge a claim as soon as possible after an accident occurred.
Even if you are not completely ready to pursue a claim, for example because you do not have all the information you need at your disposal, you should ensure to at least touch base with your insurance company.
They are able to give you preliminary advice and make a note of the accident. You can always contact them and another time when you are ready to proceed with the claim.
What happens if I delay in reporting the accident?
If you fail to let your insurance company know about the accident, it might not prevent you from lodging a claim but to be safe it’s a good to not wait too long before letting your insurer know.
It’s also a good idea just from my financial hardship point of view. Sometimes insurance claims can drag on and getting a claim lodged as soon as possible after an accident can help your insurer pay all of the expenses and bills as quickly as possible.
What information do I need in order to pursue an insurance claim after an accident?
At a minimum you should have the name address and the phone number of any people that were involved in the accident.
If you’re able to provide the license details of the other driver as well as the number plates of the other vehicles involved, that would be helpful.
Further, if you have details of any witnesses you should provide these to the insurance company as well.
If you were not at fault for the accident, by providing the other parties information generally speaking this will mean that you will not be required to pay excess on your claim.
Further, it means that your insurance company can deal with the other driver directly instead of you having to do so.
If you do not know the details of the other driver, you should do your best to obtain this information. Whether that means contacting one of the witnesses or the police.
If the information of the other party cannot be located, then generally speaking most insurers will require that you pay the access to all the cost of any repairs to your vehicle.
How do I lodge a claim with my insurance company?
You should telephone your insurance company and let the person know that you are speaking with that you’d like to lodge a claim for an accident.
Alternatively, many insurers have an online form where you can lodge the claim online.
What happens after a claim is lodged?
In most car accident cases that involve damage to property, the relevant insurance company (whether that be yours or someone else’s) will conduct an investigation into the accident and the relevant factors that were involved in the accident.
This will usually involve obtaining material relating to fault such as the statements that were made by any witnesses.
It will also involve obtaining proof of any damage sustained, such as damage to the vehicle and any items that may have been damaged.
The damage to the vehicle will be inspected and once there is an agreement as to the repairs, then any work can proceed when you are ready.
What is the cost of repairing my car is less than the excess that I’m required to pay?
You would need to speak to your insurance company about this but generally speaking if this is the case then you need to make a decision as to they’re not you still wish to proceed with the claim.
Will my insurer pay for the cost of a higher car if I’m unable to drive my vehicle?
This depends on the policy that you have and what options you have previously selected. Obviously best to ask your insurance company about this one.
Can I choose my own repairer?
Again, this depends on your insurance company. Some insurance companies will require you to use one of the repairs that are in their network.
Whilst others well are you choice of repairer and again this will depend upon the nature of your policy.
Will my car accident insurer pay for medical treatment if I’m injured?
No, your car accident insurance will cover the cost of any damage to your vehicle and other costs such as damage to items it may have been in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
However, they will not be responsible for any expenses relating to medical treatment for injury sustained or any other compensation payments.
If you’ve suffered an injury in the motor vehicle accident then in addition to pursuing a claim via your insurance company for repair or replacement of your vehicle, you should lodge a claim with the transport accident commission in Victoria.
What happens to the cost of my insurance if I make a claim under my insurance?
Generally speaking, when you’ve made a claim on your insurance after an accident your future insurance premiums will increase.
Also, you might lose any no claim or claim for a discount that you may have had for not having been involved in any accidents or for having any claims during a certain period.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your insurance company about this and find out what sort of an impact pushing a claim under your insurance will have your cost moving forward. This will help you to decide whether it’s worthwhile making a claim or whether you should wear the cost of any expenses yourself for this particular accident.