If you have just had a car accident in NSW, the first question on your mind is probably: do I have to pay for this and what happens next? The answer depends on one thing: who was at fault. And the answer depends on who was responsible or at fault. Whether you experience a fault dispute, an accident with an uninsured driver, a not-at-fault crash, or an at-fault car accident in NSW, this guide provides clear information about all scenarios and guides what to do next. Jump to the section that matches your situation.
If You Were At Fault — What Happens to Your Car Repairs?
The comprehensive car insurance will provide coverage for repairs if you’re involved in an at-fault car accident in NSW. You do not need to pay the full repair bill yourself. Instead, you pay the excess amount according to the policy, usually $300-$800 for standard policies, and your insurer covers the rest. Comprehensive insurance also covers damage you cause to other vehicles and property.
Also, many of you confuse comprehensive insurance with the CTP (known as a green slip). CTP only covers injuries to the people involved in the accident. It is not for repairs to your vehicle or damage to your property. However, if you are insured only for third parties, then it’s a different situation. Your policy typically provides coverage for damage to the other person’s property or vehicle, but not for your vehicle.
If it is an at-fault accident insurance NSW claim, it will also impact the premium when the policy comes up for renewal. To begin the car insurance claim process, contact your insurance company and get a claim number. Then call G&R Rix on 02 9601 2674. We will also guide you through the repairs and work directly with your insurance provider.
If You Were Not At Fault — Do You Pay Anything?
If you have been in a not-at-fault car accident in NSW, the news is usually positive. When the other driver is at fault and has comprehensive insurance, your repairs are typically covered at no cost, whether it is minor panel damage or a full bumper replacement.
Who pays for repairs if not at fault? In most cases, the insurer of the at-fault driver pays for the repair. G&R Rix will deal directly with your insurer, which means you don’t have to manage the claim yourself. You also have the right to choose your own repairer, even in a not-at-fault claim where another insurer is paying.
Some drivers also use their own comprehensive policy to speed up the process. When liability is determined, it’s usually possible to recover the excess paid from the at-fault insurer.
In case of a car accident not my fault in NSW, do not say sorry at the accident scene. Words of apology can cause problems afterwards. Instead, share contact and insurance information, photos, and get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
Call G&R Rix with the at-fault driver’s insurance details, and we will guide you through the next steps from there.
What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
A car accident with an uninsured driver is one of the most difficult cases. But it is not impossible. If you have a comprehensive policy, you can claim using your own coverage. Your excess will apply, and your insurer will later seek to recover costs from the uninsured driver in NSW responsible for the accident.
But if you don’t have a full coverage policy, you might have to go to the other party directly. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) will usually deal with claims under $10,000. However, bigger claims may proceed through the district court.
NSW does not have a vehicle damage uninsured motorist fund. So, you cannot expect the repair claim cost from a government body. But if someone is injured, the at-fault driver’s CTP has personal injury coverage. Keep photos, witness details, and any police event number. G&R Rix can also provide a formal itemised repair quote for NCAT or court proceedings.
What Happens When Both Drivers Dispute Fault?
A disputed car accident fault in NSW is very common. Both drivers typically think the other driver was at fault in the accident. But it does not mean you are in serious trouble.
If the fault is disputed, both insurance companies will investigate the claim. They review pictures, police logs, witness accounts, and any dash cam footage available. If the dispute is simple, the insurance investigation timeline takes two to six weeks. But for a more complex case, it takes longer.
Do not wait for the outcome or dispute to be resolved. The quickest way is typically to file a claim under a comprehensive policy and make timely repairs. If the investigation determines the incident was not your fault, your excess will be refundable.
G&R Rix provides a detailed vehicle damage report along with photos. You can use this information to support your disputed claim.
What to Do Right After a Car Accident in NSW
- Ensure safety first. Turning on hazard lights and moving to a safe spot is feasible.
- Call 000 if anyone is injured and needs police or ambulance assistance.
- Exchange details. gather name, addresses, phone numbers, license numbers, registration, and insurance information.
- Take photographs of damaged vehicles, road scenes, number plates, signs, and road markings.
- Obtain the phone numbers and names of witnesses.
- Don’t admit fault. Avoid discussing responsibility at the scene.
- Report the accident to the insurance company within 24 hours.
- Call G&R Rix on 02 9601 2674 or send photos via WhatsApp for a free assessment.
G&R Rix Handles All Accident Repair Scenarios in Liverpool
G&R Rix Smash Repairs will assist you with your claim, whether you’re at fault, not at fault, disputed, or involved in an uninsured driver. We deal with all major insurance companies and handle all communication with your insurer or the other party’s insurer.
Having over 50 years of experience and 225 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating, we stand out as the trusted insurance smash repair in Liverpool. As an expert panel beater in Liverpool, we also supply formal repair quotes for any disputes or NCAT proceedings.
Visit our workshop at 40 Heathcote Rd, Moorebank. We serve smash repairs in Liverpool, Chipping Norton, Casula, Holsworthy, and all of South West Sydney. Not sure which scenario applies to you? Call us first, we will help you work out the best path forward before you commit to anything.
Accident Repair Serving Liverpool, Moorebank & South West Sydney
We serve all drivers across Liverpool, Moorebank, Chipping Norton, Casula, Holsworthy, Milperra, and South West Sydney from our workshop located at 40 Heathcote Rd in Moorebank. We also service customers from other nearby locations, including Prestons, Glenfield, Wattle Grove, Heathcote, Alfords Point, Bangor, East Hills, Padstow, Panania, Revesby, and Warwick Farm. Whether you are in Liverpool, Moorebank, or anywhere across South West Sydney, G&R Rix is your closest established smash repairer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: If I’m at fault in a car accident in NSW, do I pay for the repairs?
If you have comprehensive car insurance, your insurer covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. In an at-fault accident insurance NSW, you pay your excess, the amount set in your policy documents, typically between $300 and $1,000 for standard NSW policies. If you only have third-party property insurance, your own vehicle is NOT covered, only the other driver’s vehicle. CTP (Green Slip) covers personal injuries only, not vehicle damage.
Q2: If I’m not at fault, do I pay anything for the repairs?
Generally no. If the other driver was at fault and has comprehensive insurance, their insurer covers your repair at no cost to you. In case of a car accident not my fault, NSW, G&R Rix can liaise directly with the at-fault insurer, so you do not need to manage the claim yourself. You are also entitled to choose G&R Rix as your repairer, even when the at-fault insurer is paying. Important: do not admit fault at the scene, even casually. Say nothing about responsibility until you speak with your insurer.
Q3: What happens if the at-fault driver has no insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you have two options: (1) Claim on your own comprehensive insurance. Your excess applies, and your insurer may pursue recovery from the uninsured driver. (2) Pursue the driver directly through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for amounts under $10,000. NSW does not have an uninsured motorist fund for vehicle damage. If anyone was injured, the at-fault driver’s CTP (Green Slip) covers personal injury claims regardless of their comprehensive insurance status.
Q4: What if both drivers dispute who was at fault?
A disputed fault is common. Both insurers investigate using photos, police reports, witness statements, and dashcam footage. This typically takes 2–6 weeks. The fastest way to get your car repaired during a dispute is to claim on your own comprehensive policy now. If you are ultimately found not at fault, your excess is usually refunded. G&R Rix can also provide a detailed repair report and photographic documentation that is useful evidence in a disputed liability claim.
Q5: Should I call G&R Rix before or after I contact my insurer?
You can call G&R Rix at any point, before or after contacting your insurer. We can advise you on the best approach for your specific situation, including whether to claim through your own policy or the at-fault driver’s insurer, and what information you need to gather before lodging a claim. Call 02 9601 2674 or send a WhatsApp photo of the damage. We will help you work out the right path before you commit to anything.
Whether you were at fault, not at fault, or still working out what happened, G&R Rix can help. We have handled accident repairs for Liverpool and Moorebank drivers for over 50 years, working with all major insurers on both at-fault and not-at-fault claims. Call 02 9601 2674 with your accident details, or send a WhatsApp photo of the damage. We will advise you on the right next step before you commit to anything. Learn more about our accident repair and insurance smash repair services in Liverpool →