Insurance smash repairs
We repair insurance jobs as well as private work. Here's how a claim usually runs in WA, from the scene of the accident to picking up the car.
1. At the scene
- Check everyone is safe and move out of traffic if you can. Call 000 if anyone is hurt.
- Swap details with the other driver: name, address, phone, licence, registration and their insurer.
- Take photos of both cars, the damage, number plates and where it happened.
- WA Police require some crashes to be reported, including any where someone is injured. Check police.wa.gov.au for the current rules and to report online.
2. Lodge the claim
Contact your insurer, usually online or by phone, and lodge the claim. Write down your claim number; you'll need it when you book the repair. If the other driver was at fault, give your insurer their details. If you don't have insurance, you can claim directly from the at-fault driver or their insurer.
3. Choose where it's repaired
Your policy decides this. Some policies let you pick any licensed repairer, some direct you to the insurer's own network, and some change the excess depending on which you choose. Read the "choice of repairer" part of your Product Disclosure Statement, or ask your insurer. If your policy lets you choose, tell them you'd like the car repaired at Malaga Smash Repairs, 4/11 Oxleigh Drive, Malaga.
4. Quote and assessment
Bring the car in, or send photos first. We prepare a written quote, and the insurer assesses it, sometimes by sending an assessor or asking for photos. Once they authorise the repair, we book the car in.
5. Repair
The repair follows the authorised quote. If hidden damage turns up once panels are off, we report it to the insurer for approval before doing the extra work, so there are no surprises.
6. Excess and pick-up
Your insurer tells you how much excess applies and how to pay it. If it's paid to us, you pay it when you collect the car. We'll call you when it's ready.
What to bring
- Your claim number and insurer's name
- The car's keys and any locking wheel-nut key
- The other driver's details, if they were at fault
Common questions
Can I choose my own smash repairer?
It depends on your policy. Many comprehensive policies let you choose, some only let you use the insurer's repairers, and some charge a higher excess if you choose your own. Check your Product Disclosure Statement or ask your insurer.
Do I pay the excess to you or to my insurer?
Your insurer tells you how and to whom the excess is paid when they approve the claim. If the repairer collects it, it's paid when you pick the car up.
The accident wasn't my fault. Do I still pay an excess?
Often not, if you can give your insurer the other driver's details and they accept liability, but that depends on your policy and the circumstances. Your insurer will confirm.
What if I don't have insurance and the other driver was at fault?
You can ask the at-fault driver or their insurer to pay for your repairs. Get their details at the scene. We can give you a written quote to support your claim.
Can I get a quote before I decide whether to claim?
Yes. For smaller damage, some people compare the repair cost with their excess and the effect on their premium before deciding. A free written quote helps with that.
Bring it in, or send us photos first.
Call during workshop hours, text photos any time, or drop in to 4/11 Oxleigh Drive, Malaga. Quotes are free and written.