Short answer: if someone else caused the accident, their compulsory liability insurance pays for the repair and you pay nothing out of the amount the insurer accepts. You choose the workshop — the insurer cannot assign one. If the insurer accepts less than the repair actually costs, we tell you the difference upfront, before we start.
Short answer: if someone else caused the accident, their compulsory liability insurance pays for the repair and you pay nothing out of the amount the insurer accepts. You choose the workshop — the insurer cannot assign one. If the insurer accepts less than the repair actually costs, we tell you the difference upfront, before we start.
The first 48 hours, step by step
- Secure the scene and check for injuries — the metal comes later.
- Photograph the car from a distance and close up, including the position of both vehicles and nearby signs.
- Complete an accident report and copy the documents and policy numbers of both parties.
- Report the incident to the insurer — under liability cover the at-fault driver reports it and the injured party makes the claim.
- Don't start any repairs before the assessment — the insurer needs to see the extent.
- Send us photos: we'll prepare the documentation and give a preliminary scope of repair.
When to call the police
Call the police to the scene if anyone is injured, if the damage to either vehicle exceeds the statutory limit, if third-party property is damaged (a barrier, a fence, a parked car), or if you and the other driver disagree about fault. Otherwise the accident report form is enough. Report the damage to the insurer without undue delay.
Liability or comprehensive: who pays
| Situation | What it's paid from | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Someone else caused the accident | The at-fault driver's liability insurance | nothing out of the accepted amount |
| You caused it and have comprehensive cover | Comprehensive insurance | the excess under your policy |
| You caused it without comprehensive cover | — | the whole repair |
| Damage by an unknown party (car park) | Comprehensive insurance, if you have it | the excess |
You choose the workshop
An insurer may recommend a partner workshop but cannot impose one — the right to choose the repairer belongs to the vehicle's owner. If you pick a different workshop the process runs the same way: assessment, agreement on scope, repair and invoicing. The difference tends to be how much care the workshop takes over hidden damage and how well it explains what happened to your car.
Hidden damage: the most common complication
Photos and a first inspection show the external extent. Only once parts come off does it become clear whether a chassis member, radiator or mounting is damaged. In that case we stop, photograph the damage and agree the additional scope with the insurer — nothing is done without approval. This is exactly where it's decided whether the repair is done properly or only for appearances.
When it pays to repair outside the insurance
With minor damage it's worth considering paying directly. A claim on the at-fault driver's liability policy won't affect your premium, but with comprehensive cover, an excess and a no-claims bonus it can come out much the same. We give the price upfront so you have something to compare.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use the workshop the insurer names?
No. The right to choose the repairer belongs to the vehicle's owner. An insurer can recommend a workshop but cannot require it.
Who pays for the repair when someone else caused the accident?
The at-fault driver's liability insurance. You pay nothing, provided fault is clear and the incident is properly reported.
What if the real damage exceeds the insurer's estimate?
We photograph and document the hidden damage and the scope is extended with the insurer. Until then we stop work and do nothing without approval.
Will the repair reduce the car's resale value?
A repaired accident is part of the car's history. What matters is quality — matching gaps, the correct shade and a documented process. We hand you the repair documentation.
Can you arrange towing for a car that won't drive?
We can arrange towing. Tell us where the car is and we'll give you the terms and price.
How long does the repair take?
The timeline depends on the scope, parts availability and paint curing pauses. We give a realistic date after assessment and stick to it.
What to do now
Send photos of the damage and the claim number if you already have one. We'll prepare the insurer's documentation and give a preliminary scope and timeline — without you having to tour workshops.
