Not-at-fault car accident claims Melbourne

A recent study by Right2Drive found that 74% of Australian drivers are unaware of their rights after a not-at-fault car accident, including entitlements to claim the cost of repairs and access a replacement vehicle.

If you’re involved in a car accident where the other driver is at fault, start by ensuring everyone is safe and, if possible, move the vehicles out of traffic. Exchange details, take clear photos of the damage and the scene, and avoid admitting fault — the insurers will determine liability based on the evidence.

Once you’ve gathered the details, contact Sheen. We’ll assess the damage, help you begin your not-at-fault insurance claim, and arrange a replacement vehicle while your car is off the road. If you’re unsure what details to collect or how to build your case, check out our guide on how to prove you were not at fault in a car accident.

If you are the at-fault driver, we’ll still help you. Contact our team, and we’ll liaise with your insurer on your behalf while we repair your smashed vehicleIf you weren’t at fault and the other driver is identified, you generally won’t need to pay an excess, especially if your insurer can recover the costs from the at-fault party. However, some insurers may require the excess upfront and refund it later.

At Sheen, we’ll help you understand whether your excess applies and liaise with your insurer to fast-track the repairs. You can also read more about what to expect in our article on paying an excess for a not-at-fault accident..

Yes — most comprehensive car insurance policies allow you to nominate your preferred repairer. This means you can choose Sheen rather than going with an insurer-appointed repairer, which often helps you avoid generic service or extended wait times.

By choosing Sheen, you’ll get fast, expert panel beating repairs and a replacement vehicle while your car is restored. If you’re unsure how to compare your options, our blog on the top 5 questions to ask your panel beater can help you know what to look for in a quality repairer.

If the at-fault driver refuses to cooperate or delays their claim, it can slow things down, but you’re not without options. If you’re insured, your insurer can begin repairs and pursue recovery directly. If you’re uninsured, Sheen can work with the at-fault party’s insurer if the other driver is identified and holds valid insurance.

We’ll assess your vehicle, prepare a repair quote, and help move your claim forward — even if the process is stalled on the other side.

Even minor accidents can lead to hidden damage. While it might seem more straightforward to handle it privately, a professional assessment can help you decide whether lodging a claim is the better choice.

Sheen offers no-obligation quotes and will explain your options clearly. If you're unsure how to handle low-impact crashes, this article on what to do after a minor car accident is a great place to start.