At Fault Accident

At Fault accident where there is damage to both vehicles

When you crash into a car in New Zealand and both vehicles are damaged and insured, the process typically involves the following steps:

Immediate Steps at the Scene:

Ensure Safety: Check if anyone is injured. If there are injuries, call emergency services (111) immediately.
Exchange Details: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance company details.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, the scene of the accident, and any relevant road conditions or signs. Note the date, time, and location of the accident.
Report to the Police: If the accident involves injuries, significant property damage, or if there's a dispute about the circumstances, report it to the police.

Insurance Claims Process:

Notify Your Insurer: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all the details of the accident and the other party's information.
Lodge a Claim: Both you and the other driver will need to lodge claims with your respective insurance companies. They will guide you through the process, which may involve filling out a claim form and providing any evidence or documentation from the scene.
Assessment: Your insurer will assess the damage to your vehicle, and the other driver’s insurer will assess the damage to their vehicle. This may involve inspections by approved repairers or assessors.
Repairs and Costs:
- If you are at fault: Your insurance will cover the cost of repairs to the other vehicle (up to the limit of your policy), and your comprehensive insurance will cover repairs to your own vehicle. You will likely need to pay an excess (deductible) as specified in your policy.
- If the other driver is at fault: Their insurance should cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle. You may need to provide your insurer with the other driver’s insurance details. Your insurer might recover costs from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- If fault is disputed: Insurers will investigate and determine responsibility based on evidence and statements from both parties. This process may take some time.

Considerations:

Excess: The excess is the amount you have to pay when you make a claim. Check your policy for the exact amount.
No Claims Bonus: Your no claims bonus (if applicable) may be affected if you are at fault. Some policies offer protection for the first claim, so check with your insurer.
Disputes: If there's a dispute about who is at fault, insurers will investigate and determine responsibility. Providing clear evidence (e.g., photos, witness statements) can help resolve disputes.

Additional Tips:

Stay Calm: Accidents can be stressful, but staying calm and collected will help you manage the situation more effectively.
Legal Advice: If there are injuries or significant damages, or if you're unsure about your rights and responsibilities, consider seeking legal advice.

Summary:

Ensure everyone's safety and check for injuries.
Exchange contact and insurance details.
Document the scene with photos and notes.
Report to the police if necessary.
Notify your insurance company and lodge a claim.
Follow your insurer's process for damage assessment and repairs.

By following these steps and working with your insurance company, the process should help ensure that both vehicles' damages are appropriately addressed and that you fulfill your responsibilities as the driver involved in the accident.

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