When the Other Driver Refuses to Share Their Insurance Details

We’ve all made note of the information that we must collect after a car accident - the other driver’s name and contact details, their insurance information, any witness information and details of the accident. But what happens if the other driver simply refuses to share their insurance details with you.

And what happens if you were not at fault?

It can be frustrating, but it can happen that the at fault driver refuses to cooperate after an accident - or it may be a simple case of forgetting to get this information while on scene.

Evidence you need to collect after an accident

We’ve previously shared an extensive list of details to collect after any car accident, here’s a quick overview.

The other driver’s details (including their name and contact information, their car information (vehicle registration/model and make), insurance information)
Photos of the damage as well as the area where the accident occurred
Witness information and statements
Any additional notes about the accident and the accident scene
Any dashcam footage (your own footage or that of witnesses)

So what happens if you don’t get everything on this list - and what if the other driver refuses (or forgets) to give you their insurance information?

If you are not at fault, this information is critical to your successful insurance claim - our team at Carbiz needs all of this information to ensure that your claim is complete. In short, it’s a legal requirement that the other driver share their insurance details with you (and for you to share your details with them). If asking the other driver for their information doesn’t yield any results due to refusal or aggression, then you have the right to call the police for help - the other option is to make note of their vehicle as well as vehicle registration number and to call the police to report the accident. If it is an emergency, you should always call 000.

And it’s important to remember that if you need help after a car accident then you can give us a call! We’ll help you

1300 889 256

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What To Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

Coming back to find your parked car damaged is never fun, but knowing how to respond correctly can save you time, money and stress.

Firstly, understand that getting upset is natural, but taking a deep breath will help you make better decisions. Examine your car thoroughly and document any visible damage, taking multiple photos from different angles, including close-ups of dents, scratches or broken parts, and capturing the surrounding area, such as road signs and markings, for context.

Next, see if you can locate the driver responsible. Sometimes, people leave a note with their contact information and insurance details. If there’s no note, look for witnesses nearby who may have seen what happened. You can also check for CCTV from nearby businesses, homes or on the street, as some areas have coverage. If you’re unsure, consider contacting the local council to find out whether cameras are in place that might have captured the accident.

If the driver didn’t leave a note, or if they did but are unresponsive or the information they provided seems incorrect, contact the police to report the accident and provide all the information you have, including photos, footage and witness statements. Be sure to request a copy of the police report, as it can be useful when dealing with insurance.

If you’re still having a hard time getting a hold of the at-fault driver and therefore cannot claim directly through their car insurer, it’s time to lodge a claim with your own insurance provider, if you have one. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the police report. From there, your insurer can determine whether your coverage, along with the information you have, will cover the damage to your car.

If your car insurer happens to find information about the at-fault driver and is able to have them lodge a claim so the costs of the damage are recoverable, you can contact Carbiz for a replacement car while your car is being repaired or until it’s been deemed a total loss. This ensures you’re not left without a car during this time, giving you peace of mind and the ability to keep your life moving.

What It Means When Your Car Is Declared A Write-Off After An Accident

If your car has been involved in an accident, you may hear the term “write-off” from your insurance company or repairer. But what does it actually mean when your car is declared a write-off? Understanding this process can help you make informed decisions about your car, repairs and costs.

A car is considered a write-off when the cost to repair it after an accident is too high compared to its market value. Insurance companies often calculate the repair cost and compare it to the car’s value prior to the accident. If the repair cost is more than a certain percentage of the car’s value, typically around 60–75%, the car may be classified as a write-off. This doesn’t always mean your car is completely destroyed; sometimes the car could technically be repaired, but the cost would outweigh the benefits.

There are different types of write-offs. A total loss write-off is when the car is so badly damaged that repairing it is not financially viable. A repairable write-off is when the car can be fixed, but it requires significant repairs. In either case, the insurance company will usually pay out the car’s value at the time of the accident, minus any applicable excess or deductions.

The cost implications of a write-off can vary. If your car is declared a write-off, you may need to consider the cost of replacing it with another car. Some car owners opt to keep a repairable write-off, but this comes with the added repair costs, which can be substantial depending on the extent of the damage. Repair costs can quickly add up, especially if the accident involved structural damage or expensive parts.

It’s also important to understand that a car that has been written off may have a lower resale value even after repairs. Future buyers often view written-off cars as higher risk, which can affect the cost of insurance and overall value.

If your car is declared a write-off after an accident, speak with your insurance provider to understand your options. You may receive a payout for the car’s value, and in some cases, you can negotiate repair costs or even retain the car if it is repairable. Knowing what a write-off means, how it affects repair costs, and how it impacts the car’s value can save you time, money and stress after an accident.

20 April 2021