If you’ve been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, getting a replacement car quickly is essential to keep your life on track. Services like Not My Fault make it simple by delivering a like-for-like replacement vehicle directly to you – often on the same day. Here’s how it works:
- Confirm Eligibility: Prove the accident wasn’t your fault using evidence like police reports, dash cam footage, and witness accounts. The at-fault driver’s insurer usually covers the hire cost.
- Request a Replacement: Contact Not My Fault via phone or online with details about the accident, your car, and the at-fault party.
- Delivery Options: Choose where to have the car delivered – home, crash site, or the repair shop. Same-day delivery is often available.
- Use the Car: Enjoy a car that matches your usual vehicle in size and features, with no out-of-pocket costs except for fuel and tolls.
- Return When Ready: Hand back the car once your own vehicle is repaired or a settlement is reached.
This hassle-free process ensures you’re never left without transport after an accident. Not My Fault handles all the paperwork and coordination, so you can focus on getting back to your routine.
Step 1: Check If You Qualify for a Replacement Car
If you’ve been involved in a not-at-fault accident, the first step is to confirm whether you’re eligible for a replacement vehicle. Most Australians in these situations qualify, but understanding the requirements is key to ensuring you receive the support you’re entitled to.
Proving You Weren’t at Fault
To qualify, you need to prove that the accident wasn’t your fault. Evidence is your best tool here. Collect as much as you can, including:
- Statements from drivers involved
- Police reports
- Dash cam footage
- Witness accounts
These details help establish your not-at-fault status, which traffic authorities assess using established traffic laws. Additionally, document everything about the incident – damage to vehicles, road conditions, the exact location, time, and even the weather. The more thorough your records, the stronger your case.
You’ll also need to provide the at-fault driver’s details, including their name, address, and vehicle registration. This information allows for direct coordination with their insurer, which is essential for moving forward. Once the at-fault party’s insurer accepts liability and you hold a valid Australian licence, arrangements for your replacement car can begin.
Know Your Rights
Understanding your legal rights makes the entire process smoother and less stressful. Under Australian common law, you shouldn’t be left out of pocket because of someone else’s mistake. The at-fault driver’s insurer is responsible for covering the reasonable hire cost of your replacement vehicle.
"Australian law generally says the at-fault party (or their insurer) must keep you mobile – often with a like-for-like replacement vehicle delivered within hours and costing you nothing."
– National Cover Insurance
The goal is to restore you to your pre-accident position. This means you’re entitled to a replacement vehicle that matches your damaged car’s class and features. However, this entitlement only applies while your car is undrivable or undergoing repairs. The coverage period should be reasonable – lasting until your car is repaired or a total-loss settlement is reached – and should reflect genuine need, such as getting to work, school, medical appointments, or other essential activities.
Courts have consistently ruled that hire charges are recoverable if they are reasonable in both amount and duration, reinforcing your right to suitable replacement transport.
Keep in mind, your car must be off the road to qualify for a replacement vehicle. This includes cases where the vehicle is undrivable due to damage or undergoing repairs. However, replacement cars are not provided for routine maintenance or non-accident-related repairs. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your options may be more limited, but comprehensive insurance can still help. Fortunately, most registered vehicles in Australia carry compulsory third-party insurance, which often covers property damage claims, including replacement car costs.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and understand your rights, you’re ready to request your replacement vehicle.
Step 2: Request Your Replacement Vehicle
Once your eligibility is confirmed, it’s time to request your replacement vehicle. To keep things moving smoothly, make sure you have all the necessary details on hand. Then, decide how you’d like to get in touch.
How to Contact Not My Fault
You can reach Not My Fault in two convenient ways:
- By Phone: Call 1800 699 034 for quick assistance and immediate processing.
- Online: Visit notmyfault.com.au and complete the online application form, available 24/7.
Information You’ll Need to Provide
To process your request efficiently, have the following details ready:
- Personal and Vehicle Information
Provide proof of ownership or finance documents, like your registration papers or finance agreement. These confirm your connection to the vehicle. - Accident Details
Share when and where the accident happened, along with a brief description of what occurred. If you have a police report number or an insurance claim reference, include these as they can speed up the process. - Details of the At-Fault Party
Include the name, contact information, and vehicle registration of the at-fault party. If you know their insurance company, provide that too. This information is crucial for billing, as Not My Fault will liaise directly with their insurer.
If you’re missing any details, don’t worry – support is available to guide you through the process.
Step 3: Get Your Replacement Vehicle Delivered
Once your claim is approved, the next step is straightforward: getting your replacement vehicle delivered. Not My Fault ensures you receive a like-for-like replacement vehicle, helping you maintain your routine with minimal hassle.
Choose Your Delivery Location
You can decide where you’d like your replacement vehicle delivered:
- Home Delivery: Have your replacement car brought directly to your doorstep.
- Crash Site Delivery: If your car isn’t roadworthy, a replacement can be delivered straight to the crash site.
- Repairer Delivery: Coordinated delivery to the repairer when dropping off your damaged car, ensuring a seamless handover.
When the vehicle arrives, you’ll simply review and sign the rental agreement on the spot.
Same-Day Delivery Options
If your car is unroadworthy, same-day delivery is available to get you back on the road quickly. The sooner you contact Not My Fault, the faster they can arrange delivery.
"If your vehicle is not roadworthy we will try and have you back in a vehicle on the same day you contact us." – Compass Cars
"The replacement car will be delivered to your location. You can use this vehicle while your own car is being repaired. This ensures minimal disruption to your daily routine." – Not My Fault Car Hire
You’ll receive a replacement vehicle that matches your car’s key features – whether it’s a compact hatchback or a spacious SUV. The entire process is tailored to your schedule and location preferences, so there’s no need to visit a rental office or worry about arranging transport.
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Step 4: Use Your Replacement Car Without Hassle
Once your replacement car is delivered, you can breathe a sigh of relief and focus on getting back to your routine. Not My Fault takes care of all the behind-the-scenes work – no paperwork, no lengthy phone calls, and no dealing with insurers. It’s all handled for you.
Complete Service Management
Not My Fault takes the stress out of the process by managing every administrative detail. After you provide your accident details and proof that you weren’t at fault, they step in to handle everything. This includes completing insurance claim forms, managing hire agreements, and staying in direct contact with both your insurer and the at-fault party’s insurer.
You won’t have to spend hours on hold or deal with endless forms. Not My Fault keeps you in the loop while coordinating with repairers, managing billing directly with the at-fault insurer, and ensuring the vehicle return process is seamless once your car is ready.
Even logistics are taken off your plate. Forget about visiting rental offices or arranging transport to pick up or return the car. They’ve got it all covered.
Like-for-Like Vehicle Match
Your replacement car isn’t just any car – it’s carefully matched to your own vehicle’s size, class, and features. For example, if you usually drive a mid-size SUV, you’ll receive a similar SUV with comparable seating, storage, and driving experience. This ensures you can go about your daily life without disruption.
This tailored approach acknowledges that your car isn’t just a mode of transport – it’s part of your lifestyle. Families won’t lose out on seating capacity, tradies will get the load space they need, and those with mobility needs will have a vehicle that fits their requirements. It’s all about keeping your life running smoothly.
The only costs you’ll need to cover are running expenses like fuel and tolls – there are no hidden charges. Plus, the replacement car is yours to use until your own vehicle is fully repaired, with no arbitrary time limits on the hire period.
With Not My Fault’s comprehensive service and like-for-like vehicle matching, you can focus on recovering from the accident’s impact rather than dealing with its administrative fallout. They ensure you stay mobile and stress-free while your claim is processed, making the entire experience as smooth as possible.
Step 5: Return the Replacement Vehicle
Returning your replacement vehicle is just as straightforward as receiving it. Once your car is repaired, Not My Fault ensures the process remains hassle-free with clear and simple instructions.
The timing for the return depends on your situation. If your vehicle has been repaired, you’ll return the replacement when your car is ready. In cases of a total loss, you’ll follow the guidance provided after your settlement. Stick to these timelines and follow the provided instructions to ensure a smooth and easy handover.
Coordinating Your Return
Not My Fault makes the return process effortless by providing detailed instructions tailored to your circumstances. Whether you’re dropping the car off at a specific location or following alternative arrangements, everything is designed to make the return as simple as possible.
No Hidden Costs or Surprises
As a not-at-fault driver abiding by the Hire and Recovery Agreement, you won’t face hire charges – just the usual running expenses like fuel, tolls, or any fines you may incur.
To avoid additional costs, return the car in the same condition as when you received it. From the outset, Not My Fault provides clear details about the return conditions, so you’ll know exactly what’s expected. This transparency helps you plan ahead and avoid any surprises when wrapping up your claim.
This final step ensures your replacement vehicle journey is smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
Conclusion: Quick, Easy, and Stress-Free Replacement Cars
Getting back on the road after a not-at-fault accident has never been easier, thanks to Not My Fault. From determining your eligibility to returning the replacement car, every step is designed to make the process as smooth as possible, turning what could be a stressful ordeal into a manageable experience.
With a focus on speed and simplicity, Not My Fault ensures you’re never left waiting. You’re entitled to a replacement car, and with same-day delivery options, you’ll be back behind the wheel in no time. Plus, there’s no need to worry about paperwork or dealing with insurers – everything is handled for you.
What truly sets this service apart is the transparency and convenience of direct billing to the at-fault party’s insurer. This means you won’t have to spend a single cent out of pocket. Instead, you can concentrate on getting life back to normal while your car is being repaired.
By taking care of every detail, Not My Fault eliminates the usual headaches that come with accident recovery. From start to finish, they ensure the process is efficient and supportive, so you’re not left dealing with unnecessary stress for something that wasn’t your fault.
With this hassle-free approach, you can return to your routine without delays or unexpected costs. Let Not My Fault handle the hard work, so you can get back on the road with ease and confidence.
FAQs
What if the at-fault driver’s insurer doesn’t accept liability for the accident?
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies responsibility, the situation might require formal resolution methods, such as mediation or legal proceedings. To strengthen your case, you’ll likely need to present evidence like photos from the scene, witness statements, or police reports.
In Australia, disputes can be taken to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) or pursued through the courts if needed. Since these processes can be intricate, it’s a good idea to seek legal advice. This ensures your rights are safeguarded and the matter is managed properly.
Can I get a replacement vehicle if my car is specialised or modified?
If your car is specialised or modified, you can still receive a replacement vehicle. However, finding an exact match might depend on how extensive the modifications are. For cars with significant customisations or non-standard parts, they must meet Australian safety and vehicle standards to qualify for a replacement.
If your vehicle has undergone major modifications, make sure all changes are legally certified and properly disclosed. This can influence the type of replacement car you’re eligible for. Not My Fault aims to provide a suitable replacement promptly, helping you get back on the road without unnecessary delays.
What happens if the at-fault driver is uninsured or cannot be located?
If the at-fault driver is either uninsured or can’t be located, getting a replacement car might feel like a bit of a maze. However, in many instances, your own comprehensive insurance policy could step in to cover the costs, including the hire of a replacement vehicle. It’s worth diving into your policy details to understand exactly what you’re covered for.
If the uninsured driver is nowhere to be found, you might need to cover the replacement car costs upfront and then look at recovering those expenses through legal channels. This could mean pursuing compensation directly from the at-fault party or exploring other legal options. If you’re unsure about the best course of action, reaching out to your insurer or seeking legal advice can provide clarity and direction.
For a hassle-free experience, Not My Fault can make the process of getting a replacement car straightforward, even in tricky situations. Their team is there to guide you, helping you get back on the road with as little stress as possible.
