After a car accident, what should you do? How do you go about the process of making a property damage claim to your insurance company? What are the options available to you when making a claim and getting your car repaired right away? We know that getting into car accidents can bring about many problems, especially if your car suffered from extreme damage. In this article, we will give you helpful pointers on the things you need to do to get back on track.
The Car Repair Process in Sydney
If you were in an accident and considering to filing an insurance claim to cover the cost of damages, you need to follow these steps:
– Contact your insurance provider to make a claim
– Choose your preferred car repair or auto shop in Sydney
– Take your car to the auto repair shop of your choice
– Inform your insurance company and the garage
– Confirm the needed repairs and pick up your car
– Get your claim
- It’s important to get yourself and your car to a safe place immediately after a car accident. Make sure to exchange important information with the other driver. Contact the insurance company as soon as you can to report the accident. Your insurance provider will discuss with you the things that you should and shouldn’t do after the accident.
- If you’ve decided to make an insurance claim, it is important that you file it with your provider as soon as possible.
- Choosing an auto shop that will be conducting all the repairs on your car is imperative. Your insurance company may offer you a list of automotive shops to choose from. You may also choose your preferred car repair shop in Sydney. If you are discerning in terms of the parts used and the quality of workmanship, it’s always best to choose an auto mechanic that you trust.
- If you do not have an auto mechanic in mind, here are tips that will help you choose an auto shop in Sydney that fits your needs:
– Check if the auto shop has mechanics with Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
– Confirm of the auto repair shop is affiliated with the Australian Automotive Repairers Association (AARA), Australian Motor Body Repairers Association (AMBRA) and Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales
– Check if the auto shop offers warranties on repairs
– Do not forget to check online reviews and unbiased feedbacks from previous customers
– Ask for a thorough assessment on your care before an auto mechanic conducts necessary repairs
– It’s always best to compare price quotes from two to three auto repair shops in Sydney before deciding on where to get your car fixed after an accident
- Take your car to the garage
Once you have chosen a reputable auto repair mechanic in Sydney, the next step is transporting your vehicle to the auto shop.
Make sure to check if towing fees are included in your roadside assistance from your insurance provider. If you are a member of the AAA or other road club member, it may be easier for you to get towing services immediately. For non-members, simply contact a towing company to pick up your car and transport it to your preferred auto mechanic shop in Sydney.
- Length of repair after a car accident
Your insurance company will have a good idea on the length of repair for your car. Most insurance claims include statute of limitations that will clearly define how long you need to get your vehicle fixed before a claim is deemed invalid.
Also, the total cost of repair for an issue such as a failed engine would increase the longer you wait to get it repaired. Your insurance provider might not agree to foot the extra expense if you exceed the statute of limitations. If you fail to have your car repaired immediately after an accident, this will be considered maintenance neglect, an issue that is not included in your policy.
How to get around while your care is being repaired?
The length of time that your vehicle will be in the auto shop will depend on various factors, including the extent of damages, an auto mechanic’s schedule, and the challenges that come with finding the specific parts that your car needs. If your car needs to be in the auto mechanic shop for more than a day, you may need to consider other transportation substitutes until the car is fixed.
If your roadside assistance comes with rental coverage, you may go ahead and drive a rented car of the time being. You may also check out loaner cars from your auto repair shop while yours is undergoing repairs. Public transportation is also a viable option, as well as the use of ride sharing apps to reduce disruption to your daily schedule.
- Follow up with your insurance company and auto repair shop in Sydney
Check with your insurance company about any paperwork that needs to be furnished to make a claim. Ask for documentations that you need to submit from the mechanic. Depending on your insurance provider, you may need to submit a comprehensive documentation of the repairs, along with estimated cost for each. Make sure to send this list to your insurance company and check if they have approved all repairs.
Lastly, create a list of requirements upon making a claim, then follow through with all of them. We hope that this guide will prepare you in the event that you experience a car accident yourself. Although we don’t want you to get into a nasty accident on the road, it’s always best to be fully prepared during these eventualities, so you don’t end up shouldering the cost for repairs in your car. For fast, reliable, and affordable car services, HP Automotive is at your service. Whether you need a dependable mechanic for small repairs or a competent team of auto mechanics to work on major accident damages, you may call us on our direct line to schedule an appointment.