This is a general guide, not legal or insurance advice. Check your own policy, or take professional advice about your situation.
If another driver caused the accident, you shouldn't have to work out the repair on your own. Exactly what happens depends on the circumstances and on whether the other driver accepts responsibility, but these are the usual steps.
Record what happened
If it's safe, take photos of the vehicles and the scene, and swap details with the other driver. Note the date, time and place, and take the details of any witnesses. These can matter if there's a dispute about who was at fault.
Tell your insurer
Most policies require you to report an accident, even if you don't think it was your fault and don't plan to claim on your policy. Check your policy for how quickly you need to do this.
Who pays for the repairs?
There are generally two routes:
- Through your own insurer: your insurer arranges the claim and may try to recover its costs from the other driver's insurer. You may have to pay your excess at first.
- Through the other driver's insurer: if the other driver accepts fault, their insurer may deal with your repairs directly.
Ask your insurer which route fits your situation, and how each one could affect your excess and your no claims discount.
Can you choose who repairs your car?
You can ask to use a repairer you choose, even if an insurer suggests one of its own. Check the terms first, including anything about a courtesy car or guarantee. See our guide to choosing your own repairer.
Non-fault repairs in Wirral
We repair cars after fault and non-fault accidents, and we can deal with the insurer involved. Find out more about our insurance repairs, or send us your photos for a quote.