Do I have to Pay an Excess if the Car Accident Wasn’t my Fault?

In most cases, if you are involved in a car accident and are not at fault, you do not have to pay an excess. Under the rules for excess recovery in Australia, your insurer typically waives the excess and pursues the at-fault party directly.

We provide expert insurance liaison and claims assistance to help ensure your excess is waived from the start. Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, here is how the process usually works:

• Not-at-fault (Other driver admits fault): You typically do not pay an excess. Your insurer waives it immediately, or if it has already been paid, they may refund it within days or weeks.
• Not-at-fault (Disputed fault): If the fault is not yet clear, you may need to pay the excess initially if you claim through your own policy. Your insurer will then pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance; once they are successful, your excess will be refunded. This can take weeks or months.
• At-fault accident: You are responsible for paying the excess, and there is no recovery available.

With over 20 years of experience, we specialize in stress-free claims handling. We work with all car insurance companies and handle the paperwork and communications for you to make the process as simple as possible. We also provide a free not-at-fault loan car to keep you mobile while our technicians restore your vehicle to factory standards.

To ensure a smooth process, we recommend confirming with your insurer that no excess applies before repairs begin. Our team is here to assist you with every step of your not-at-fault car insurance claim.

• Excess Recovery Australia: Complete Claim Process Guide