13 August 2020

How to Get Through a Dispute

Fault after a car accident is very important to determine. It determines who is liable for the costs incurred from the car accident. These costs can include towing, repair or replacement of your car, hire-car costs, and lost wages or profits for income-earning cars.
Sometimes, this can lead to a dispute on who is the liable party - so what should you do if you get into this type of dispute?
Immediately following your accident and once you’ve secured the scene by making sure no one is seriously injured (and if they are, you need to call 000), it’s important to follow these steps carefully as they make things easier later on:

  • Document the accident scene by collecting evidence and taking photos. A few key pieces of information you need from the other drivers include their name, surname, address, insurance company, registration details and details of the vehicle owner (especially if this is a different person to the driver).
  • Take note of the time of the accident, where it happened, and what the traffic, lighting and weather conditions were.
  • If anyone refuses to provide their details, call the police to assist you.
  • It’s important to report your car accident within 24 hours, so if there were no police on scene you will have to visit your local police station to do this.
  • If your car can no longer drive and needs to be towed, you will need to contact a tow company and stay on scene until they arrive. It’s a great idea to keep the details of a trusted and reputable towing company saved as a contact on your phone – even better, contact Carbiz Assist as soon as possible and let us help you.

Making the claim and determining fault 
If you are not at fault, you may be entitled to a like for like accident replacement vehicle at no cost to yourself - but what is the process and how is this all handled? More often than not, fault is clear - either through admission of one of the drivers or following a quick investigation. Our team can help you with this - it’s important to wait for professional assistance when determining fault.
Disputes can happen - why and how to get through them
A dispute happens when the one of the drivers involved disagrees that it’s his/her fault. The steps following a dispute can be complex - and it’s advisable to have our team helping you through the process.

  • Fault may need to be determined by a court
  • More details may be requested from the parties involved in the accident
    • Details of any witnesses
    • Physical evidence (photos/footage, damage reports, skid marks on roads etc) and
    • Interpretation of the road rules

Not at fault? Contact Carbiz, 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.

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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.

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