The car accident claim process
- What to do directly after a car accident
- Enquire with Auto Claims Assist
- Getting recovered from the roadside
- We’ll take down the details of the accident
- Assessing Liability
- Auto Claims Assist driver checks & claim acceptance
The vehicle is unroadworthy
Unroadworthy repairable- Replacement comparable vehicle is provided
- The claim is passed to our monitoring team
- We fight for liability throughout
- Repairer instructed from our specialist repair network
- The repairer will collect your vehicle from where it is
- Repair estimate created and declared to the insurer
- Repair is authorised by the third-party insurer
- Parts and paints are ordered in - The repair begins
- Back on the road and your hire car is collected
- All costs are claimed back from third party insurer
Unroadworthy total loss- Replacement comparable vehicle is provided
- The claim is passed to our monitoring team
- We continue to fight for liability, even after payment
- Engineer instructed to value the pre-accident valuation
- Engineers report is agreed by you
- Valuation & payment request sent to third-party insurer
- Use of hire car for 7 days while you source a new vehicle
- Additional support to get you back on the road
The vehicle is roadworthy
Roadworthy repairable- We begin by fighting for liability
- Repairer instructed and repairs authorisation are granted
- We book in a date for your vehicle's repair
- Comparable replacement hire car is arranged
- Repairs are completed and your car is back on the road
- Replacement hire car is collected within 24 hours
- Payment is requested from the third-party insurer
Roadworthy total loss
- What to do directly after a car accident
- Enquire with Auto Claims Assist
- Getting recovered from the roadside
- We’ll take down the details of the accident
- Assessing Liability
- Auto Claims Assist driver checks & claim acceptance
- The vehicle is unroadworthy
- Unroadworthy repairable
- Replacement comparable vehicle is provided
- The claim is passed to our monitoring team
- We fight for liability throughout
- Repairer instructed from our specialist repair network
- The repairer will collect your vehicle from where it is
- Repair estimate created and declared to the insurer
- Repair is authorised by the third-party insurer
- Parts and paints are ordered in - The repair begins
- Back on the road and your hire car is collected
- All costs are claimed back from third party insurer
- Unroadworthy total loss
- Replacement comparable vehicle is provided
- The claim is passed to our monitoring team
- We continue to fight for liability, even after payment
- Engineer instructed to value the pre-accident valuation
- Engineers report is agreed by you
- Valuation & payment request sent to third-party insurer
- Use of hire car for 7 days while you source a new vehicle
- Additional support to get you back on the road
- The vehicle is roadworthy
- Roadworthy repairable
- We begin by fighting for liability
- Repairer instructed and repairs authorisation are granted
- We book in a date for your vehicle's repair
- Comparable replacement hire car is arranged
- Repairs are completed and your car is back on the road
- Replacement hire car is collected within 24 hours
- Payment is requested from the third-party insurer
- Roadworthy total loss
Repair Estimate Created and Declared to the Insurer
Once your vehicle has been collected and is with one of our BSI Accredited Accident Repair Centres, the next step is to create a detailed repair estimate. This repair estimate provides a damage assessment, parts and materials required, the repair procedures and all of the total costs.
Damage Assessment
A thorough inspection of the vehicle is conducted to identify all visible and hidden damage resulting from the accident. This includes a detailed description of each affected area and photographic evidence to document the extent of the damage.
Parts and Materials
Based on the damage assessment, a comprehensive list of replacement parts and necessary materials is compiled. This includes specifying original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
Repair Procedures
A step-by-step outline of the repair process is provided, detailing the specific procedures required to restore the vehicle to its pre-accident condition. This may involve bodywork, painting, mechanical repairs, or a combination of these.
Compiling the Repair Estimate
A complete repair estimate is then created. It outlines all the necessary repairs, parts, and labour required to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. This is based on the damage assessment, parts list, repair procedures, and total costs.
The document is created using specialised software. It is structured using industry standards, tailored for efficient insurer review and faster claim processing.
Submitting the Estimate to the Insurer
With the repair estimate prepared, we submit it to the third-party insurer (The at-fault driver’s insurer). This begins the approval process for the repair costs. Our process meets all the criteria of insurer requirements to streamline the process. The estimate is clear, detailed, and justifiable, making it easier for the insurer to understand and quicker for them to approve the necessary work.
The finalised estimate, along with all supporting documentation (damage photos, repairer certifications etc.), is submitted to the at-fault party's insurer.
Advocacy and Negotiation
Your dedicated claims manager handles all communication with the insurer. We address any enquiries and ensure the insurer understands the extent of the damage and estimate. Our claims team are experienced in dealing with insurers. We're well-equipped when negotiating for a fair and timely settlement to cover all repair costs.
Transparent Communication with You
Being involved in an accident can be stressful, and we're here to make the process as smooth as possible. Throughout this process, we keep you informed at every stage. You'll receive regular updates on the progress of your claim, including any communication with the insurer.
We're always available to answer your questions, address any concerns, and explain the repair estimate in detail. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and information you need to make informed decisions about your vehicle's repair.