Accident and Repair

In some cases it may be cheaper to repair a part following an accident, but in other cases it’s easier to replace it. This will depend on the part damaged, the condition of the part and for what make and model the part is for.

If a mechanical part fails, it is usually a good idea to get it replaced with a new part, or a used one that has been tested. If a garage is repairing bodywork, they will usually take the cheapest option whether to repair or replace it, but body shops can be expensive.

There are firms which will pull out dents without respraying panels, others which will ‘blow over’ minor scratches and chips and others that will repair interior trim.
If you have a light bump, the chances are that there will be damage to the paint. If left, this can cause a major rust problem which is expensive to rectify and can affect the resale value of the car.

Always choose an established and reputable garage - preferably one with membership of a recognised trade association, such as the Motor Vehicles Repairers Association (www.mvra.com).

If your car is comprehensively insured, your insurers may advise you to use their approved repairers, who may provide you with a courtesy vehicle.

If your car is insured third party only and the accident was not your fault, you may be able to recover the cost of its repair from the other party. Once the details of your claim are passed to the other party’s insurer, they may offer to have the repairs to your vehicle done for you. However if they don’t, you will need to recover the cost involved, along with any other uninsured losses.

Firstly, you should contact your insurer to see if legal expenses/protection are part of your insurance policy. If they are, your insurer will help you to recover all uninsured losses after a traffic accident. If not, you will have to seek independent legal advice to assist you with your claim.

If you are claiming under a comprehensive policy which is subject to an excess, you will normally have to pay the excess to the repairer before being allowed to collect the repaired car.

If your car is damaged and off the road you can charge ‘reasonable’ hire charges, public transport costs or general damages. Contact the other driver’s to see if they have any proposals relating to providing another vehicle. If they do not, you may have to pay at first and then claim back later.

If you are claiming the cost of the repair or the total loss of your vehicle from your own insurers, they will normally pay reasonable towing and storage charges as well. If you are claiming from the other side, remember that storage charges will not be recoverable if there is unreasonable delay in repairing your vehicle or disposing of the salvage if it is a write-off.

If a person was injured in the accident you may receive a bill for the emergency treatment rendered at the scene or immediately after. This is a statutory charge and should be referred to your own insurers immediately for payment. These payments will not affect your ‘no claims’ discount.

In the case of personal injury, including loss of earnings after an accident, the handling of such claims requires expert knowledge and you should immediately seek legal advice.