What To Do If Your Car Is Damaged In A Roadside Accident

Photo by Fredrik Öhlander on Unsplash

Any kind of damage to you can be frustrating to deal with - especially if it's caused through no fault of our own. Furthermore, whether you’re dealing with scratches, dents or something entirely more serious, repairs can quickly get expensive and time-consuming, which will only add to your frustration or anger. 

With that in mind, here’s what to do if your car is damaged in a roadside accident! 

Contact your insurance provider.

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, your priority should be ensuring that yourself and any involved parties are safe and uninjured or contacting the relevant authorities. However, once these practicalities have been dealt with, you should also reach out to your insurance directly. After all, they will then be able to give you guidance on what to do over the coming days and weeks when making a claim, especially if your car is written-off.

You may also want to re-read your insurance policy ahead of time so that you understand what support you’ll be able to access, and which tasks may not be covered in their entirety by your insurance provider. 

Take pictures.

Taking pictures (preferably on the scene) of your vehicle and any damage sustained will help when contacting your insurance or seeking compensation through the legal system. You should also gather other evidence during this time, such as dashcam footage or witness statements. After all, this increases your chances of success when making a claim, which can help to cover the costs of repairs or even a new car. 

Ensure your car is roadworthy.

Sometimes, the damage done to a car in a roadside accident is purely aesthetic, such as any damage to the paintwork. Others can have a more severe impact on the vehicle, meaning it is no longer deemed roadworthy. As these issues may not be visible to the naked eye, taking your car to a garage is also a necessity. 

If your car has sustained serious damage, it may be more expensive to try and repair than it would be to replace the vehicle entirely. Remember, there are plenty of ways to find a great car on a budget, such as by comparing online and in-person prices or shopping second-hand. You can also use this as an opportunity to practise your negotiation skills to see if you can talk your way into a better deal.

Leave the repairs to the experts.

If you’ve decided to repair your vehicle rather than replace it, then it's important that you put your car in the hands of trusted experts. For example, if you drive a Porsche, you should take your car to a porsche approved bodyshop, whether you’re looking to fix a few scratches or a more complex issue. 

Not only will they be able to handle any issues with ease, but they’ll also be able to complete all tasks to a high-standard within a pre-agreed timeframe. This way, you can be back on the road again in no time.