| FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I do if I am involved in an accident?
By law, as the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident
you must immediately stop and give assistance to any injured
person. In Victoria, you are only required to report an accident
if any person is injured or property is damaged, and the owner
of the property is not present.
You must give your full name, address and registration number
to other drivers, injured persons or owners of property, which
may have been damaged in the accident. If you don’t
own the vehicle, also give the name and address of the owner.
You must obtain the name, address and registration number
of other vehicle/s and or owner/s. You should also try to
obtain the names and addresses of any independent witnesses.
To ensure you have the correct details, you should write them
down yourself. If possible, write them down from their driver’s
licence and get their telephone number. The law does not require
that they give you their licence or telephone number.
Make a note of the time, date and location of the accident
and draw a plan of the scene.
Inform your insurance company as soon as possible. Most companies
now have an after hours contact number.
Do I have the right to choose the repairer?
Every insurance company has their own requirements and generally
they do allow you to select the repairer. S & J Smash
Repairs are authorised repairers for most insurance companies.
If you have any queries, contact our Accident / Claims Advisor
on (03)-9357-9944 or after hours on 9357 9911.
How should I choose a shop to repair my vehicle?
Properly repairing today’s vehicles is a complex task.
It requires precision measuring and pulling damaged components
to tolerances measured in millimetres. It also involves restoring
paint work with factory like finishes in a climate controlled,
dust free environment. And of course, accomplishing this demands
highly trained professional technicians who are experts in
their craft.
At S & J Smash Repairs, we have the staff and equipment
to meet all these requirements so you can be sure your vehicle
is repaired to the standard required.
Do I need to contact several shops for estimates
/ quotes?
Generally, no. Most insurance companies now require one quote
only. Once your claim is lodged with your insurer, all you need do is call in and lets us see
the damage. We’ll then tell you how long the repairs
will take and book you in for a date that is convenient for
you.
Again, if you have any queries, contact our Accident/Claims
Advisor on 9357 9944 or after hours on 9357 9911.
Must I notify the insurance company before
repairs are made?
Yes - Most insurance policies require that you notify your
broker or the company, lodge a claim or report, and tell them
where the damaged vehicle may be inspected. Even if the other
party agrees to pay your damages, it may pay to make a “report
only” to your own insurance company.
Who is responsible for the cost of repairs?
It pays to check with your insurance company. In most cases
they pay the repairer but you are responsible for paying any
excess. Unless previously arranged, this has to be paid to
the repairer before you take delivery of your vehicle.
Who is responsible for the repairs made to
my vehicle?
The Repairer - That is why it is important to select a reliable
repairer. The right facility will be properly equipped and
staffed to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
At S & J Smash Repairs we give a lifetime guarantee whilst
the vehicle remains in your possession.
Who should I contact if there is a problem
with the repair?
First, the manager of the shop. - Responsible shop owners
and managers stand behind their services and provide warranties
which cover their work. They will work with you to solve the
problem. If your problem is not resolved contact the claims
manager at your insurance company.
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