This guide is for drivers involved in non‑fault accidents in Northern Ireland.
If you’ve been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, one of the first questions often is:
Who pays for my car’s repairs after an accident that wasn’t my fault?
Where another driver is responsible, they are generally required to put you back in the position you were in before the accident.
In many cases:
- Repair costs are recovered from the at‑fault driver’s insurer
- This usually happens once liability has been agreed
- The process may be handled through an accident management company or your insurer.
When you use CRASH Services, they manage the entire process, including liaising with the at-fault party’s insurer to ensure the costs are fully recovered, meaning you do not have to pay towards the repairs.
Can I choose my own repairer in Northern Ireland?
Yes.
Following an accident in Northern Ireland:
- You can choose who repairs your vehicle
- You can decide how your claim is handled
- Insurers may recommend repairers, but this is your decision to choose your own garage
Whether you prefer a trusted local garage or an accident repair centre in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry or elsewhere in Northern Ireland, the choice remains yours.
CRASH Services can help arrange accident repairs through a network of approved and independent repairers across Northern Ireland, or support you if you already have a preferred local repairer.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Repair Your Vehicle After an Accident
Step 1: Report the accident
Call CRASH Services after an accident, (they will notify your insurer on your behalf) and gather key details such as photos, driver information and witness details.
Step 2: Choose your repairer
Decide whether to:
- Use your own local garage
- Use our network of approved repairers.
Step 3: Vehicle assessment
Your vehicle will be inspected by a qualified motor engineer to assess damage and repair requirements.
Step 4: Authorisation
Once the claim is progressing and responsibility is being assessed, repairs can be authorised.
Step 4: Repairs carried out
Your vehicle is repaired in line with industry standards and returned to its pre‑accident condition where possible.
Step 5: Quality Guarantee
Your repairs will be fully guaranteed, using genuine manufacturer parts.
Can I choose my own repairer in Northern Ireland?
Yes, of course. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Northern Ireland, you are entitled to decide what happens to your vehicle and who carries out the repairs. If you wish to use your own local repairer or garage, CRASH can arrange this for you. In many cases, your preferred repairer may already be part of our trusted network of accident repair centres across Northern Ireland.
CRASH Services understand that your car is essential to your everyday life, whether you’re in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry or surrounding areas. That’s why they work quickly to ensure your vehicle is repaired to a high standard and returned to you as soon as possible.
Common misunderstandings after an accident
There can often be confusion around how repairs are handled. It’s important to be aware that:
- You are not required to accept a recommended insurer repairer
- Repair processes may vary depending on how the claim is handled
- Costs, excess and repair timelines can depend on the outcome of the claim and your policy
If you are unsure, CRASH’s team of experts can help guide you and advise you or you can check your policy terms before proceeding.
