Being hit by another driver on the road when you are not at fault in a car accident is extremely frustrating. But the good news is, it’s usually much simpler to resolve a not-at-fault car accident in NSW than you think. You can repair your vehicle at zero cost, choose your own repairer, and G&R Rix Liverpool manages the claim from the insurer from start to finish. Here is what to do exactly, step by step.
If You Were Not At Fault — Do You Pay for the Repairs?
If it is not your fault and the other driver’s insurance is comprehensive, the repair will be free. Then who pays for the repairs if it’s not your fault? The answer is typically that the other driver’s insurance company will cover the repairs, not you. And that’s how the process works for not-at-fault accidents in NSW.
Some motorists involved in a “car accident, not my fault in NSW” go to file a claim with their own insurance policy to receive a faster claim settlement. They pay the excess initially and then claim it back from the party who is at fault once they accept liability. However, the process changes if the at-fault driver is uninsured. We explain this in S5.
The first thing to do is not call your own insurer, call G&R Rix Smash Repairs. We will tell you whether to go through the at-fault insurer or your own policy, and which is faster for your situation.
What to Do at the Scene After a Not-At-Fault Accident
The following are the steps explaining what to do after a car accident, not my fault. They help to defend your position and make the car insurance claim go more easily.
- Stay calm. If possible, turn on your flashing lights and go to safety.
- Do not apologise or take responsibility. Even a simple ‘sorry ’ can be considered an admission.
- If someone is injured, call 000 only. For vehicle-only accidents in NSW, police attendance is not mandatory.
- Photograph both cars, the road, traffic signs, skid marks, and number plates.
- Exchange names, addresses, license registrations, and insurance details.
- Obtain names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Note the time, date, and exact location.
- If safe, do not move your vehicle until you have taken photos.
Whether you choose to handle the claim personally or through insurance smash repairs, these steps for a car accident in NSW outline what to do.
How to Start Your Not-At-Fault Insurance Claim in NSW
There are two ways you can begin your car insurance claim process after a not-at-fault accident.
Pathway A
Provide the at-fault driver’s insurance details and lodge your claim with their insurer. They will assign a claims manager who assesses the damage and authorises the repair. G&R Rix handles all communication with them throughout, ensuring a smooth process for your not-at-fault smash repair.
Pathway B
If you wish to move quickly, you can claim through your own comprehensive insurer. Typically, you pay your excess first, repair your vehicle, and the insurance company then tries to recover from the at-fault insurance company. If they recover, they return your excess usually within 4 to 12 weeks. The best action for claiming for car insurance in Liverpool depends on whether the liability is accepted. During the first call, the G&R Rix insurance smash repair Liverpool team will guide you. We also work with all major insurance companies, including NRMA, AAMI, Allianz, GIO, QBE, Budget Direct, and Suncorp.
Can You Choose G&R Rix Even When the At-Fault Insurer is Paying?
Yes, even in a not-at-fault claim, you can choose G&R Rix Smash Repairs for your not-at-fault smash repair in NSW. The at-fault insurer is responsible for the repair, not the choice of the repairer. Paying does not mean that they have control over which repair is used. Australian consumer law protects the right to choose your own repairer in NSW. The insurer may say ‘we prefer you use one of our approved repairers.’ But that’s just a preference. It’s not a legal requirement. If you want G&R Rix, simply tell the claim manager.
‘I’d like to use G&R Rix Smash Repairs at 40 Heathcote Rd, Moorebank NSW 2170. Please note this on my claim and provide them with the claim authorisation directly.’
Once G&R Rix has your claim details, we deal directly with the at-fault insurer. You do not need to manage the back-and-forth.
What If the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?
An uninsured driver in NSW will make the process more difficult, but not impossible. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, pay the excess and repair your car. Your insurer could later seek reimbursement from the uninsured driver. But remember the excess may or may not be recovered.
If your claim is less than $10,000, you can also pursue the driver directly at the NSW Civil and Administrator Tribunal (NCAT). You must serve the claim and attend the hearing. In addition, NSW does not have an uninsured motorist fund to recover vehicle damage.
G&R Rix offers repair quotes in detail for these claims. Whether you claim through your policy or pursue the driver directly, we assist you with documenting the damage if you don’t have insurance on the other side.
Your Not-At-Fault Action Plan — From the Scene to Repaired
Here is what to do after a car accident, not my fault.
At the scene
Record photos, exchange information, gather witness data, and do not admit fault. Document the exact time, date, and location.
Within 24 hours — call G&R Rix first
Call G&R Rix at 02 9601 2674 on WhatsApp with the pictures of the damage. We suggest the quickest claim pathway for a not-at-fault accident in NSW.
Notify your own insurer
Notify your insurance company within 24 hours. Do this even if you use the at-fault insurer. This can also protect you if liability becomes disputed later.
Provide the at-fault driver’s insurance details to G&R Rix
Provide G&R Rix with the other driver’s name, insurance company, and policy number. We contact their insurance company and handle repair authorisation directly.
Drop off your vehicle
Bring your car to 40 Heathcote Rd, Moorebank. We test, submit, and begin repair once approved.
Collect your repaired car
We’ll contact you once your car is fixed. Our team explains the complete repair work. Our workmanship warranty applies to all repairs.
Why Choose G&R Rix for Your Not-At-Fault Repair in Liverpool?
G&R Rix has been offering smash repairs in Liverpool for more than 50 years and receives over 225 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating. In insurance smash repair Liverpool, we manage all communication with the at-fault insurance company and follow up till they approve your repairs. We will also provide a formal quote for repair for an uninsured driver for claims that go to NCAT or courts. We deal with NRMA, AAMI, Allianz, GIO, QBE, Budget Direct, and Suncorp. So, if you are looking for a trusted panel beater in Liverpool, we are ready to help. You did nothing wrong. You should not have to fight for your car to be repaired. That is our job.
Not-At-Fault Accident Repairs Serving Liverpool, Moorebank & South West Sydney
Located at 40 Heathcode Rd, Moorebank, we serve drivers coming from Liverpool, Moorebank, Chipping Norton, Casula, Holsworthy, Milperra, Warwick Farm, Prestons, Glenfield, Wattle Grove, Heathcote, Alfords Point, Bangor, East Hills, Padstow, Panania, and Revesby. We provide trusted smash repairs in Moorebank with expert service and quality workmanship. For every driver searching for smash repair near me, we are ready to assist you with our trustworthy services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: If I’m not at fault, do I have to pay for car repairs in NSW?
Generally no. If the other driver was at fault and has comprehensive insurance, their insurer is responsible for your repair costs, meaning your repair is typically free to you. G&R Rix liaises directly with the at-fault insurer on your behalf. You do not need to pay upfront and claim back. The only exception is if the at-fault driver is uninsured, in which case you may need to claim on your own policy first. Call 02 9601 2674, and we will advise the fastest path for your specific situation.
Q2: Can I choose G&R Rix even though the at-fault driver’s insurer is paying?
Yes. Even in a not-at-fault claim, you retain the right to choose your own licensed repairer under Australian Consumer Law, regardless of which insurer is paying. The at-fault insurer may suggest one of their preferred repairers, but this is a suggestion, not a legal requirement. Tell them you would like to use G&R Rix Smash Repairs at 40 Heathcote Rd, Moorebank NSW 2170, and ask them to direct the claim authorisation to us. We handle everything from there.
Q3: What if the at-fault driver disputes they were at fault?
Disputed liability is common. If the at-fault driver or their insurer disputes fault, the fastest way to get your car repaired while the dispute resolves is to claim on your own comprehensive insurance (your excess applies, and may be refunded if you are found not at fault). Alternatively, G&R Rix can hold the vehicle until liability is determined. We advise on the best approach when you call. Document everything: photos, witness details, dashcam footage, and a police event number if applicable.
Q4: What should I NOT do after a not-at-fault accident in NSW?
Do not say sorry or admit fault at the scene. Even a casual ‘sorry’ can be interpreted as an admission of liability in NSW. Do not move your vehicle before taking photos. Do not accept any verbal agreement from the at-fault driver without getting their details in writing. Do not sign any document the at-fault driver or their insurer presents without reading it carefully. And do not delay; contact G&R Rix on 02 9601 2674 as soon as possible after the accident while evidence is fresh.
Q5: How long does a not-at-fault repair take in Liverpool?
Once the at-fault insurer accepts liability, approval typically takes 1–3 business days. Repair time depends on the damage: minor repairs take 1–3 days, single panel repairs take 2–4 days, and significant collision damage takes 5–10 business days. G&R Rix follows up with the at-fault insurer proactively to prevent delays. We provide a firm completion timeline before starting work, so you know exactly when your car will be ready.
You did nothing wrong. Your car should not have to wait weeks for a repair because of someone else’s mistake. G&R Rix has handled not-at-fault accident smash repairs for Liverpool and Moorebank drivers for over 50 years, with 4.9 stars across 225 Google reviews. We deal with the at-fault insurer directly. You just drop off your car. Call 02 9601 2674 with the other driver’s insurance details, or send a WhatsApp photo of the damage. We will advise the fastest path forward within the hour.
Learn more about our not-at-fault repair services in Liverpool →