5 August 2020

What to do after a hit and run

Car accidents are never fun - especially if you are not at fault. And what’s worse than the other driver not stopping to exchange details? All drivers are obliged to stop after any type of car accident and exchange details - but this doesn’t always happen.
So what is a hit and run accident?
A hit and run accident can be as simple as coming back to your car after a shopping trip and finding a scratch down your bumper, with no note left - or as scary as those stories we hear of pedestrians being hit by a car and left for dead as the driver flees the scene. 
A hit and run accident refers to any motor vehicle collision or accident where one of the drivers leaves the scene without exchanging details or checking to see if everyone involved is ok. It happens - and it generally happens when the fleeing driver is scared of any potential financial or legal consequences. 
If the hit and run is your fault
If you collide with another car and flee from the scene, you won’t be able to claim from your insurance. By driving away, you have committed a crime and your insurance won’t cover any claim you put forward.
If your car is damaged and the other driver flees the scene
If you are the victim of a hit and run, and you have comprehensive car insurance then you will more than likely be covered. Your own comprehensive car insurance may cover damages to your car from a wide range of sources, including other drivers and car accidents. 
If however you are found to be at fault, then you may need to pay an excess to make your claim. In order to be found “not at fault” you will need to provide evidence as well as details of the other driver - which is tricky in a hit and run situation. This is where things can become frustrating. There are a few ways that you can identify the other driver, including asking witnesses if they saw anything or finding CCTV footage of the area where your accident occurred. If you saw the other driver’s car make, model and registration, then you can pass this information onto the police and file a report.
Perhaps you are unlucky in finding or identifying the other driver and decide against making a claim for the damages, but you still need to let your insurance know about the accident. Here are the options you can follow if you can’t find the other driver

  • Pay for the repairs yourself, or
  • Make a claim on your comprehensive car insurance and pay any applicable excess. This option could also result in your premiums being increased.

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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