What to check before an insurance claim car repair: a checklist

The short answer

Before you approve a claim repair, get clear on four things:

• How the claim will be paid — cashless or reimbursement
• Whether your insurer needs to inspect the damage first
• What your policy actually covers
• What the workshop will document and share with you

Then, before you accept the car, check the finished work properly.

An accident is stressful enough without having to chase paperwork or wonder whether the repair was done properly.

A few checks before the work starts can save you a lot of trouble later.

This is general information. Your policy documents and insurer are the final word on your claim.

First, understand how your claim will work

Cashless or reimbursement

With a cashless claim, the workshop is generally part of your insurer's network and the insurer settles the approved amount directly with the workshop.

With a non-network workshop, you may need to pay first and then claim reimbursement.

Ask your insurer which process applies to you before choosing the workshop.

Can you choose your own workshop?

Ask your insurer whether you're free to choose the workshop and what that means for your claim and payment process.

Don't assume. Check.

Does the car need to be inspected first?

For many claims, the insurer arranges a surveyor to inspect the damage.

Find out whether that's required for your claim and when the inspection needs to happen.

Right after the damage

If you've had an accident, start here:

1. Make sure everyone is safe. Don't worry about the paperwork until you're out of danger.
2. Take photos. Get several angles of the damage, along with the surroundings and registration plate.
3. Tell your insurer as soon as you can. Most policies have a time limit for reporting claims.
4. Check whether a police report is needed. This may apply in situations involving theft, injuries or third-party damage.
5. Don't start repairs too early. Your insurer may need to inspect the damage first. Check with them before any repair work begins.

Know what your policy covers

A few terms are worth understanding.

Excess or deductible

This is the part of the repair cost you have to pay yourself.

Depreciation on parts

Depending on your policy, the insurer may deduct depreciation from replaced parts unless you have an add-on such as zero-depreciation cover.

No-claim bonus

Making a claim can affect your NCB. For smaller damage, ask your insurer how much the claim could affect it and compare that with the repair cost.

What's not covered

Insurance generally covers damage caused by the insured event. It doesn't normally cover general wear and tear or older, unrelated damage.

What to ask the workshop before repairs start

Get the details in writing.

Ask for:

• An itemised estimate showing parts and labour separately
• A comparison between the workshop estimate and the insurer's assessment
• An explanation of what happens if more damage is found after panels are removed
• The process for approving additional work
• Details of the parts being used and why Genuine vs OEM vs Aftermarket Parts
• The documents you'll receive when the repair is complete

If something isn't clear, ask before approving the work.

What to check before you accept the car

Don't just collect the keys and leave.

Check:

• Everything listed on the estimate has been completed
• Panel gaps are even
• Paint colour matches in daylight Denting & Painting
• Lights, mirrors, windows and locks work
• Parking sensors and cameras work
• There are no new warning lights
• The car drives straight on a short test drive
• There's no new vibration, pulling or unusual noise
• You've received an itemised final invoice
• You have a list of the parts replaced
• You still have your before-and-after photos

Take a few minutes.

It's much easier to raise a problem before you leave the workshop than days later.

How GIG can help

GIG handles accident and insurance-related repairs, with clear documentation of the work carried out.

Repair work is matched to the agreed claim scope. If additional damage is found, we'll explain what's involved so you know what needs to be discussed with your insurer.

Claim approval and insurance paperwork are handled through your insurer, so you'll need to confirm your specific claim process with them.

We can also quote and repair damage that falls outside your claim.

Not sure how your repair will work with your insurance?

Talk to us before you book.

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Related reading

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FAQ

Do I have to use my insurer's listed workshop?

It depends on your policy and insurer. Cashless claims are generally tied to listed workshops. With other workshops, you may need to pay first and claim reimbursement. Check with your insurer before choosing.

Should I repair the car before the surveyor sees it?

Usually not. Insurers often need to inspect the damage first, so check with your insurer before repairs begin.

Will making a claim affect my no-claim bonus?

It can. Ask your insurer how a claim would affect your NCB, especially if the damage is relatively small, and compare that with the repair cost.

What if the workshop finds more damage after starting?

Ask the workshop how it handles additional damage and contact your insurer. Additional work often needs approval as part of the claim.

Can GIG repair damage that isn't part of my claim?

Yes. We can quote and repair damage that falls outside the insurance claim.

Before you approve the repair, know what you're approving.

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