What Happens After a Non-Fault Car Accident

So you've been hit by another driver. Maybe you were waiting at traffic lights, perhaps someone reversed into you in a car park, or maybe they just weren't paying attention and drove straight into the side of your car.

Either way, your day has gone from normal to absolute chaos in about three seconds. The car's damaged. You're still a bit shaken. And now you're standing there thinking... What do I even do now? Do I ring my insurance? How am I getting home? Who's fixing this mess? How am I getting to work tomorrow?

This blog provides an outline of what you can do after a non-fault car accident.

Why Claims Get So Messy These Days

Remember when cars were just... cars? You'd have a bump, get it fixed at the local garage, and be sorted.

Not anymore.

Modern vehicles are basically computers on wheels. They've got sensors everywhere, cameras, parking assist, and lane departure warnings. This means that even a seemingly minor collision can rack up repair bills in the thousands. Because it's not just about hammering out a dent anymore, those sensors need recalibrating. Those cameras need realigning. And if the garage gets it wrong, your safety systems won't work correctly.

Then there's the parts situation. Yes, it's better than it was during COVID, but you can still wait weeks for specific components, especially if your car's a less common make or model.

And insurance companies? They've got more regulations to follow now, more boxes to tick, and more processes. The Consumer Duty rules mean they have to prove they're treating you fairly, which sounds great in theory, but in practice, it means even more paperwork and delays.

Most drivers have no clue what they're actually entitled to after an accident. Credit hire agreements, liability assessments, third-party claims - this stuff isn't exactly common knowledge. So people end up accepting the first offer they get, even when it's nowhere near what they deserve.

Accident Claims Management Process in London

This is where a proper claims management company comes in. Not just someone who answers the phone and writes down your details, but a team that actually handles everything for you.

Here's the thing: most people don't realise until it happens to them: sorting out a car accident claim in the UK has become complicated. And if it wasn't your fault, you definitely shouldn't be the one dealing with all the hassle.

At Simple Claims, we take over the whole nightmare. From the moment you call us, whether that's from the roadside right after it happened or a few days later when you've had time to process things, we're on it.

Someone else deals with the other driver's insurer. You don't have to chase them, argue with them, or try to understand their jargon. We do that.

We get your car recovered. It doesn't matter if it's the middle of the night or you're stuck on a motorway somewhere. We've got a recovery service that operates 24/7 across London. 

You get a replacement vehicle after accident. Not some tiny courtesy car that's nothing like yours - an actual comparable vehicle. Usually delivered within 24 hours. Fully insured. No upfront costs.

Repairs get appropriately sorted. We work with approved garages that use manufacturer-approved methods and provide warranties on their work.

If you've been injured, we help with that, too. We connect you with specialist solicitors who handle personal injury claims on a no-win-no-fee basis.

Everything gets recovered from the at-fault insurer. You're not left paying for any of this.

Why Taxi and Private Hire Drivers Need This Even More

If you're a taxi driver or work for Uber, Bolt, or any private hire company, your car isn't just transport: it's your income. Every day you're off the road is money you're not earning.

We get that, which is why we prioritise getting PCO-licensed drivers into replacement vehicles fast. You can't afford to wait around for weeks while insurance companies faff about making decisions.

The Actual Process 

Throughout all of this, you've got one dedicated person handling your claim. Not five different departments; you have to explain everything to them over and over again. One person who knows your case and keeps you updated.

What About Personal Injuries?

Car accidents can hurt you. Sometimes it's obvious straight away: whiplash, back pain, cuts and bruises. Sometimes it takes a few days for the pain to kick in. And sometimes the psychological impact hits you later.

If you've been injured, even if it seems minor, you should get it checked out and file a claim. Simple Claims works with specialist solicitors who handle personal injury claims on a no-win, no-fee basis

We will arrange medical assessments with qualified professionals and claim compensation for your injuries, lost earnings if you've had time off work, and any treatment costs.

And crucially, the injury claim runs separately from the vehicle claim. So you're not sitting there without a car for months while the injury side gets sorted out. The repairs and replacement of the vehicle happen regardless.

Time Limits You Should Know About

You've got three years from the accident date to claim for vehicle damage.

For personal injury claims, it's also three years - either from when the accident happened or from when you realised you were injured.

Three years sounds like an age, but the sooner you start the claim, the better. Evidence is fresher. Witnesses remember things more clearly. And you get your money back faster.

Why Bother Getting Professional Help?

You might be thinking, "Can't I just sort this myself?"

Technically, yes. But here's what usually happens when people try:

They spend hours on hold with insurance companies. They get passed between departments. They accept repair quotes without realising they're too low. They get fobbed off with unsuitable replacement vehicles. They don't claim things they're entitled to. They end up paying excess charges they shouldn't have to pay.

And after weeks or months of stress, they settle for less than they should've got.

Compare that to using a claims management company:

• Zero upfront costs
• Your no-claims bonus stays protected
• A proper replacement vehicle
• Someone who actually knows how to negotiate with insurers
• Regular updates so you know what's happening
• Much faster resolution

For most people, the difference in outcome (and stress levels) is massive.

One More Thing About Storage

This may seem small, but it matters: where does your car go after it's been recovered?

Some recovery companies dump vehicles in unsecured yards where they're exposed to weather and potential theft. Then they charge you storage fees while you're waiting for the insurer to make a decision.

Simple Claims uses CCTV-monitored storage facilities. Your car's safe. And all storage costs get claimed back from the at-fault insurer as part of your claim. You don't pay a penny.

What Makes Simple Claims Different

There are loads of claims management companies out there. Some are great. Some are absolutely dire.

What we do differently:

We actually answer the phone. We don't outsource to call centres where nobody knows your case. We assign you one dedicated handler who sees your claim from start to finish. We don't accept lowball offers from insurers on your behalf. We work with properly approved repairers, not dodgy backstreet garages. We're regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we have to operate fairly and transparently.

We treat your claim like we'd want ours treated.

Getting Started

If you've been in an accident that wasn't your fault, give us a call. Or fill in the form on our website. Or send an email. Whatever's easiest.

We'll ask you what happened, confirm the basics, and take it from there. You don't need to have all the details sorted - we can work with whatever information you've got.

The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can start sorting things out. And the sooner you can stop worrying about insurance companies and get back to everyday life.

Bottom Line

Accident claims management isn't about filling in forms and sending letters. It's about having someone competent on your side who knows how the system works and can navigate it properly.

When another driver has just smashed into you, the last thing you need is the added stress of chasing insurers, arguing about repair costs, and trying to work out what you're legally entitled to.

Let someone else handle that nonsense. You've got enough to deal with.

Simple Claims has been doing this for years. We know the tricks insurers pull. We know what you're entitled to. And we know how to get you the outcome you deserve without you having to become an expert in insurance law.

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