Got Rear Ended - How to Fix This and Insurance Process

Rincewind on 05/11/2021 - 19:43

https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/384061/92118/20211105_…

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My car was rear ended in stop and go traffic near a signal. I hit the brake when the car in front stopped suddenly and the guy behind me couldn't brake in time.
I have insurance and confirmed the other driver also had cover and exchanged details.
Couple of things i wanted to check.
1. What is the insurance process to get this fixed . I believe i am not at fault and so should i ask the other driver to Cover this via third party .
2. Will i need to pay anything out of pocket?
3. Will it be possible to fix the bumper or should i replace it? I bought this car second hand six months ago and it is in great shape other then couple of invisible scratches and i don't wasn't anything to spoil the appearance .

Automotive

Comments

  • thatonethere on 05/11/2021 - 19:46

    You can either get a quote to fix the car (new bumper or recycled) and send a letter of demand to the driver. They will pay or not or pass it on to their insurer who will probably want to repair it via their network. If the latter make sure you get a rental car from the insurer.

    Or use your insurance. They will deal with the other driver (or not). That part won't be your problem.

  • kerfuffle on 05/11/2021 - 19:47

    You don’t have comprehensive insurance, do you?

  • SF3 on 05/11/2021 - 19:50
    +2

    I have insurance and confirmed the other driver also had cover and exchanged details.

    Speak to your insurer, they'll let you know your options.

    As you are not a fault, then you are not expected to pay any excess.

    • Rincewind on 05/11/2021 - 19:54

      Got it so Leave it to the insurance company to follow up. 👍

  • Rincewind on 05/11/2021 - 19:53

    I have comprehensive from huddle.
    Just that i don't want to increase my premium for the future by this claim.

    • kerfuffle on 05/11/2021 - 19:54
      +2

      You're not at fault; your premium shouldn't increase.

      • Rincewind on 05/11/2021 - 19:55
        +1

        That's a relief 👍

      • kipps on 05/11/2021 - 20:03
        +4

        Triple check your insurance certificates afterward to confirm. I had AAMI pay a claim, confirm I wasn’t at fault, but somehow try to stiff me with a higher premium the next year and close inspection revealed they’d attempted to take the no at-fault bonus away. A quick call after they were caught out and they reduced the premium.

        • Rincewind on 05/11/2021 - 21:27

          Sure thing . 👍

      • DoctorCalculon on 06/11/2021 - 21:53

        Not true - totally depends on your insurer.
        Certain dodgy insurers will increase your premium the following year just because your vehicle was involved in an accident (regardless of no fault status).

        Culprits: most Suncorp companies, specifically AAMI (they are the worst predator).

  • SF3 on 05/11/2021 - 19:58

    couple of invisible scratches

    They are the best ones :D… however if they are invisible they can't be seen… so… there aren't any :)

    • Rincewind on 05/11/2021 - 20:08

      Well my wife is very particular , which is why i won't go for just patching the bumper

  • Kangal on 05/11/2021 - 20:33
    +2

    Rincewind is a true OzBargainer:
    Car Accident thread - Check!
    Drives a Corolla - Check!

    • Rincewind on 05/11/2021 - 20:36
      +5

      I even got a dashcam from a deal listed here, and today checked for recommendations for who could install them

      • dust on 05/11/2021 - 23:24
        +1

        No pitchforks needed for this thread. Good work OP.

      • pegaxs on 06/11/2021 - 09:24

        today checked for recommendations for who could install them

        I would give Airtasker a miss…

    • TheBooleanOne on 06/11/2021 - 00:07
      +2

      Comprehensive insurance - Check!

  • Stopback on 05/11/2021 - 20:48

    Just beware of structural damage

    I got rear ended and my vents got smashed it's hidden in the trunk

    Causing water leakage etc.

    So annoying

    Check everything in the back

    • Rincewind on 05/11/2021 - 21:28

      Ok .. Will do ..

  • Vheissu on 05/11/2021 - 20:54

    I was in this situation not too long ago, sadly my car was written off and I was put in the unfortunate situation of being out of pocket for hire car costs after my insurer paid out my claim. I'm going on almost 4 months waiting for my new car. I hope your car is repairable, or you're going to find yourself in a similar situation where replacing it might not be as fast as you would have hoped.

    Provided you got all of the insurance details, let the insurers handle it.

    • Rincewind on 05/11/2021 - 21:27

      It is only cosmetic damage. The other guy was also quite confused in the heat of the moment but we swapped all details and i have put in the claim now as advised .

    • BlueGlass on 06/11/2021 - 00:00

      you can put in a claim for car hire against the other party's insurance provider. I had to do this a while ago… the insurance companies are scumbags, they will never cover the full amount. I regret not going much harder to recover my out of pocket expenses.

      Google 'negligent driver’s insurance company car hire' and you'll get a bunch of hits that talk about the process.

      • ol mate on 06/11/2021 - 09:13
        +1

        The other party is only liable until the point where settlement happens - for repairs, this is once the repairs are done. For a total loss/write-off, this is only until they have paid out the agreed settlement amount.

        Ultimately, once they have paid out for a total loss/write-off, you are free to spend that money however you want - buy a used car you can pick up today, buy a new car you have to wait 18 months for, buy SHIB, spend it on coke and strippers. They aren't liable for a hire car because you want a new car instead of a used one - that's a decision you have made.

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