We all wish we never needed to car insurance claim, but life has surprises in store at times.
However, if you are an RACV member, a car insurance claim can at first seem confusing, but it doesn’t need to be. With some help, the entire process can seem much smoother.
Here, we will cover everything you require when lodging an RACV car accident claim.
Moreover, from collecting your papers to handling repairs and receiving updates, we will take you through it all like having a cup of tea with mates.
1. The Rundown On A RACV Car Insurance Claim
Let’s dive into the checklist first. But before that, let’s understand what’s what.
What is a car insurance claim?
You inform your insurer, “Something’s happened to my vehicle, and I need assistance.”
Moreover, if it’s a ding in a car park or a nasty smash, your insurer covers expenses if the incident is insured.
Why join RACV?
RACV’s got a solid track record for being quick, efficient, and equitable in dealing with claims.
Furthermore, they have a large network of accredited repairers, which makes things go a little faster.
2. What You Should Prepare Before Submitting a Racv Insurance Claim?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Make sure you’ve completed these steps before contacting us or lodging your claim online.
- Your policy number: It’s your insurance coverage’s ID. Find this in your emails or by logging into your RACV account.
- Details of the incident: This includes when and where the accident happened, and how it unfolded. Try to jot down the sequence of events as clearly as possible, which helps avoid confusion later.
- Photos of the damage: Capture detailed images of your vehicle and all other vehicles involved. Include number plates, location signs, and wide shots.
- Details of the other party: Got someone else to be part of the crash? Pick up their name, phone number, licence number, rego plate, and insurer details if you can.
- Police report (if necessary): If the crash was severe or there were injuries, theft, or a hit-and-run, you’ll require a police report number.
3. How To Make Your RACV Car Insurance Claim
Now that you have your information, here is how you make it formal.
- Online via RACV’s website: This is the fastest option. You log in, click through the process, and upload your information and photos.
- By phone: You can call RACV and talk to someone over the phone if you don’t like doing things online. They’ll walk you through it.
Claim through your account. RACV’s online portal allows you to monitor progress, see what’s to come next, and upload additional documents if required.
4. What to Expect After Lodging Your RACV Car Insurance Claim?
This is where most people get worried. But here’s what happens.
- Initial assessment: RACV verifies your claim against your policy. If it all tallies, you’re taken care of quickly.
- Repair or assessment booking: You’ll have your car booked into an approved repairer, or someone will book an assessment first.
- Temporary car options: Depending on your policy, you may receive a hired car while yours is being repaired.
Repair updates. You’ll receive texts or emails letting you know how the repairs are progressing and when your car will be ready.
5. Tips For A Smooth Claim Process
Although RACV does its best to make things straightforward, a couple of savvy moves on your part can make a significant difference.
- Be clear and honest: When describing what happened, tell it as it is. Guessing or assuming may make things more complicated later.
- Make your claim promptly: The earlier you act, the earlier you will have your vehicle back in action.
- Keep everything in records: Preserve emails, note down calls, and save pictures. These may prove to be useful in case of a delay or query.
6. Don't Make These Expensive Car Insurance Claim Mistakes
Accidents are stressful, let’s be honest. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Failure to collect details on the spot: Once you have left the scene, it’s difficult to track down information, so make sure you have all the information before anyone moves their car.
- Waiting too long to make a claim: Don’t delay, some claims expire after a certain period.
- Assuming something is covered without verifying: Always refer to your policy terms and conditions. You may be surprised at what it excludes.
7. What If The Car Accident Was Your Fault?
Don’t worry too much. If you were responsible for the accident, your RACV car insurance claim can proceed if you have comprehensive cover.
- Inform RACV that you were to blame: It doesn’t mean you won’t receive assistance, it simply alters the way the claim is processed.
- Pay an excess charge: You’ll probably be required to pay the excess amount of your policy prior to repairs commencing.
8. Can You Claim If You're Not At Fault?
Yep! If someone else caused the crash and you’ve got their details, RACV can often chase them for costs.
- No excess in some cases: You might not have to pay an excess if you weren’t at fault and have the other driver’s information.
- Repairs handled as usual: The process for fixing your car doesn’t change much, you’ll just be reimbursed more quickly.
Conclusion
There’s no need to feel overwhelmed when making an RACV car insurance claim. Provided you’ve got your details in order and a general idea of what’s ahead, it can be a relatively easy process.
Whether you’re trying to cover a car accident, require repair assistance, or simply sorting things out for the first time, it makes all the difference to be prepared.
At Colonial Collision Centre, we understand that dealing with a car accident can be stressful, but lodging your RACV car insurance claim doesn’t have to be.
Our friendly team is here to guide you through the entire process, from helping with paperwork to getting your vehicle back on the road in top shape.
With years of experience working with RACV claims, we make sure everything runs smoothly and hassle-free.
