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Have you ever wondered what you would do in the event of a car accident? And have you ever then considered how you would get around town without a car - while yours is getting repaired? There are many misconceptions about car accidents - and about accident replacement vehicles - here are just a few that are false!

No one will be there to help - especially when you’re not at fault

This is completely wrong! Car accidents happen when you least expect it, but we will always be there to help you! Just give our team a call on our dedicated accident support line and we’ll help you. If you’re not at fault, we’ll be able to help you with your insurance claim as well as to secure a like for like accident replacement vehicle while your car is getting repaired.

If you don't have optional car hire cover then you’re going to be out of pocket

While it’s often sold as the only option to see you through the time while your car is getting repaired, this may not be the case. Many don't know that if you’re not at fault in your car accident and there was more than one vehicle involved, then you may be eligible for a like for like accident replacement vehicle at no cost to you. These costs are for the at fault drivers (or their insurers) account.

If you get an accident replacement car, it won’t suit your needs

Another misconception is that even if you are not at fault, the accident replacement vehicle that you will get will be from the lowest car rental category. This is also not the case! If you’re not at fault then you have the right to drive - this means that you are eligible for a like for like accident replacement car, a car that is similar to or the same as yours. So if you were driving a family sized SUV, then you can expect a similar rental.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you - 1300 889 256

All car accidents have one thing in common - you can’t fully plan for them! You can prepare a list of things you will do in the event of one, but car accidents often happen out of the blue - and never at a good time in your life. There is, however, one guaranteed way to make sure you’ve properly prepared for a car accident when you least expect it - that’s by saving our number in your emergency contacts and giving us a call as soon as possible.

Our dedicated accident support line is on hand 24/7 to help you through an accident, from assisting you in gathering information on scene, to arranging a tow vehicle to collect your car and take it to the nearest repair shop. Another service we offer is providing accident replacement vehicles - loan cars to see you through the time while your car is getting repaired. What’s more is that if you’re not at fault, then you may be entitled to drive off in an accident replacement vehicle at no cost to you.

So how does this all work? Not my fault

Give us a call or apply directly on our website. We’ll be happy to help you as quickly as possible - with some claim assessments happening immediately. We’ve spent time refining the process to make things as quick and easy for you as possible.

Once you’ve provided us with the accident details, the at-fault driver’s details and any supporting documentation - and we’ve assessed your claim, we will be able to provide you with your accident replacement car.

If you’re not at fault, then you have the right to drive. This means that the cost of the accident replacement vehicle is covered by the driver at fault - so it’s important that you make sure you get their information at the accident scene. Accident replacement vehicles help to get you back on the road and back to normal life - with as little inconvenience as possible.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you

1300 889 256

With the number of cars on the road on the rise and more people getting distracted with their phones, radios or just general conversation, accidents are happening more and more. Even if you’re a careful and safe driver, you can still land up in one - if another driver is distracted or not looking around them, they may drive into you! In this case, the other driver could be at fault leaving you to file for a not at fault insurance claim. If you’re not at fault, you have the right to drive and the at fault driver is liable for the costs and damages associated with the car accident. Here are some ways to make sure your claim is successful.

Work with the right team

Having the right team on your side to help you through this stressful time will make your life so much easier and calmer! Our team is experienced in not my fault accident claims, and will be able to assist you in determining fault, organising an accident replacement vehicle and towing your damaged vehicle should you need assistance at the accident scene. All you need to do is to provide all of the accident and at fault driver details to us as soon as possible.

Gather enough evidence and information at the accident scene

It’s vital as the driver not at fault, that you gather enough information and evidence while you are at the accident scene. This includes taking photos of the damage to the vehicles, making note of the at fault driver’s registration, car as well as insurance and contact details. 

Talk to witnesses

If you’re able to, take a look around to see if anyone witnessed your car accident. If you’re not at fault, these witnesses will be able to provide additional details to the insurers about what really happened. Ask them if they’d be willing to share their contact details with you as well as their witness accounts that you can pass on for your insurance claim.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you 

Car accidents can be traumatic - even minor bumper bashing can affect your emotions in a negative way. It can even be difficult to fully understand the depth of your emotional trauma following a car accident, and once the initial impact has cleared from memory it’s important to seek help if you’re still struggling with the aftermath of the accident. 

Here are some of the emotions you could expect to feel following a car accident

Shock or denial

Often people feel shock immediately after an accident. Common symptoms of shock include feeling numb, emotional distress, feeling afraid or experiencing unpredictable mood swings. Shock is different for everyone.

Anger or irritability

Whether you’re at fault - or not at fault - some people can feel anger at the other driver involved. Many passengers can also experience this anger or irritability. It’s important to recognise this anger or irritability and to not take it out on others around you. These feelings are a valid response to the trauma experienced, but it’s important to not act on them.

Guilt or shame

Car accidents can come out of nowhere, and many feel guilt or shame following an accident. It’s important to not beat yourself up after an accident - accidents happen.

Anxiety, worry or fear

Anxiety is one of our natural reactions to stress. Feeling anxious after an accident can be a normal and common response, with some people feeling many symptoms while others have none at all.

In Australia, we have organisations dedicated to helping. Please reach out if you feel you need help.

• Lifeline: Phone 24/7 helpline on 13 11 14 or chat online.
• Australian Psychological Society: Find a psychologist in your area or phone the Referral Service on 1800 333 497. Your local GP can give you a referral for free counselling through Medicare. There are even organisations of counsellors for particular faith backgrounds, e.g. the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia.
• Beyond Blue: Phone 1300 22 4636.
• SANE Australia: Phone 1800 18 7263 to chat with a mental health professional on weekdays, 9am-5pm.
• ReachOut Australia: Download their Toolbox of mental health self-help apps.
• Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation: There are Headspace centres all over Australia for you to talk in person – or you can chat online or phone 1800 650 890.
• National Centre for PTSD: For more information and help finding mental health professionals who specialise in PTSD.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you 

1300 889 256

Traffic happens - and if you’re caught in a bad traffic situation, then these tips are for you. Here’s how to keep your calm and avoid that accident that’s not your fault.

Keep distance

When moving slowly in traffic, it’s easy to get comfortable and to get close to the other vehicles around. It’s important while driving in heavy traffic, however, to keep your following distance. This will help you have enough time to make a change to your driving should you need to avoid an accident!

Stay focused

It’s important to avoid doing anything you wouldn't usually do while driving in heavy traffic. This can include getting distracted by your radio or by your phone. Even though traffic may be moving slowly, things can still change very quickly - potentially becoming dangerous.

Avoid weaving in and out of lanes

Weaving in and out of traffic may seem like it saves you a considerable amount of time or will get you ahead of everyone else - but it actually doesn’t! Weaving in and out can also get you into a lot of trouble if you misinterpret how much space you have to change lanes. If you do need to change lanes, be sure to indicate with enough time, letting everyone around you know you’re making a move. 

Keep your eyes on the road

Many times, traffic happens because people are looking at an accident on the other side of the road - it’s natural to want to look at what's happening. However, it’s safer to keep your eyes directly in front of you and to keep checking your blindspots as you drive past the accident scene.

What happens if you’re unlucky and get into an accident - not my fault

If you’re really unlucky and another driver drives into your car, be sure to give us a call as soon as possible. Being not at fault means that you have the right to drive - we’ll help you. From organising an accident replacement car to filing your insurance claim for you.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you 

Driving at night can be quite different from driving during the day - especially if you’re tired or not used to it. Accidents are more likely if you’re tired, it’s dark and you’re not used to driving in the dark. Here are some tips to keep you safer during that late night trip.

Be aware of tiredness

Getting sleepy can happen quickly - and for most people, they don’t realise that the tiredness is setting in. When driving at night, it’s important to be aware of how tired you’re feeling - and to take regular refresher breaks to stretch your legs.

Don’t look directly at oncoming vehicles

Something we do without thinking about doing the day - but can lead to problems if you do it while driving at night. Looking directly at oncoming traffic is a natural response - but at night, the cars are likely to have their headlights on. Staring into their headlights may make you temporarily blind. It’s better to rather keep your focus to the side of the road, while keeping track of the vehicles and traffic around you - this takes practice!

Keep your windscreen clean

Dirt and grime can seriously dampen your view out of your windscreen at night - especially as lights shine on it. Make sure to keep your windscreen clean!

Watch out for pedestrians - and animals crossing the road

At night, in the dark, there’s often less time to see oncoming danger - our reaction times are greatly reduced. While driving at night, it’s important to keep an eye on your surroundings and watch for any pedestrians or animals crossing the road.

Accidents happen - what to do if you’re not at fault

Accidents can happen - at any time of the day! At night, things can be more complicated - reduced visibility, lack of people passing and potentially assisting. If you find yourself in an accident and you are not at fault, then give our team a call as soon as possible. Luckily, our dedicated accident support line is available to you 24/7! 

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you 

1300 889 256

How much do you use your car? Have you ever sat down and considered how much value your car brings to your life? For the majority of people, a car is an essential part of getting things done. From getting to and from work to dropping your kids off at school - a lot of time can be spent just driving around town!

What happens when your car is not available to use?

It could be a breakdown, a faulty fuse - or worse case, a car accident that suddenly means you’re unable to use your car. There are really a multitude of reasons that your car may need to go into the repair shop. So how will you be getting around now? You could ask friends and family to help you to get to work, school and back - but that is not a long term solution!

If your car has been damaged in an accident - not my fault

If it happens that your car has been damaged in a car accident that was not your fault, then you have the right to drive. Did you know that in Australia, any costs associated with a car accident where you are not at fault, are to be covered by the driver at fault? This includes the cost of hiring an accident replacement car while yours is getting repaired!

Life can go on! Like for like accident replacement vehicles

Yes! You may be entitled to an accident replacement car at no cost - and even better news, it will be as close as possible to your own car meaning that you can get back to life without skipping a beat! Like for like accident replacement vehicles mean that if you’re used to driving a large family SUV, you’ll be able to get a similar car for the time that yours is being repaired.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you

In an instant things can go from fantastic to grim - car accidents happen out of the blue and it can be a set back you just don't need. Not to mention the time you will need to set aside to manage your insurance claim, get your car fixed and organise an accident replacement vehicle. It can all seem a bit daunting - and imagine if you were not even the driver at fault!

If you’re not at fault then it shouldn't have to be that difficult! We’ll help you! Here are a couple of things that you should keep in mind when making your not at fault insurance claim.

Collecting vital information at the accident scene

If you didn't already know, an important step to follow after any car accident is to take down and record as much information as possible - this is especially true if you are not at fault in the accident as we’ll need this to successfully file your insurance claim. Here are a few things that you need to gather:

• The other driver’s name, address and contact information;
• The other driver’s car details (such as their car registration number, make and model);
• The other driver’s insurance information;
• Statements and witness contact information;
• Time and place of the car accident;
• Damage sustained to your car (be sure to take some clear photos).

Call Carbiz as soon as possible

Our team is here to help you. You can contact us at any time on our dedicated accident support line - 1300 889 256. By contacting us as soon as possible, we will be able to help you right from the start - ensuring that you're not missing any important information! We will also be able to send a tow truck to take your car away should you not be able to drive it, as well as organise an accident replacement vehicle that can meet you at a location most convenient. If you’re not at fault then you shouldn’t need to worry about anything! 

Getting your car repaired - and organising an accident replacement vehicle

Did you know that in Australia you have the right to drive? This means that if you are not at fault in the car accident (the other driver caused the crash), then you may be entitled to an accident replacement vehicle at no cost to yourself while your car is getting repaired. The cost to repair the damage caused by the accident (including the cost of the rental car and the damage to your vehicle for instance are to be paid by the driver at fault or their insurer.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you