Do I have to pay my excess before my car is repaired?



Unfortunately if you make a claim on your car insurance policy you will almost certainly have to pay the excess on your policy. If you were not responsible for the accident, you may be able to recover this cost at a later date - but this could leave you out-of-pocket for weeks or months after the event.

Thousands of drivers every year avoid this situation entirely by using our independent claims service. Call 02392 484 244 and we can get your claim started straight away.


Vehicle repairs without a claim on my car insurance?

It’s up to you. If your policy provides the legal cover and the assistance you require and you are not concerned about the effect your claim may have on your future insurance costs – you may choose to claim on you own insurance policy.

However using our alternative claims assistance allows you to get your vehicle repaired, a suitable replacement and legal assistance all without potentially losing your no-claims bonus and increasing the future cost of your car insurance.

We and our partners can arrange manufacturer approved vehicle repairs and provide a comparable replacement vehicle for anyone involved in a non-fault accident. We simply recover the costs of these and any other services you require directly from the insurer of the at-fault driver.

Ours and our partners services are provided on what is known as a credit hire and repair basis.


Do I need to tell my insurer about the accident?

Yes it is advisable that you inform your insurer for 'information purposes only' as failing to do so could invalidate future 'fault' claims on your policy. Alternatively we can report your accident to them on your behalf.

Your insurer will not take any action on your claim so you will have no excess to pay and your next premium should not be affected.

We can then begin arranging the services you require to resolve your accident claim.


Comprehensive accident aftercare

Regardless of the type of cover you have on your insurance policy, our independent claims service provides you with the following benefits:

  • An alternative to a claim on your own car insurance

  • You will have no excess to pay

  • We deliver a comparable replacement for your vehicle if it is un-roadworthy and/or being repaired

  • Your replacement will be delivered typically within 3 hours (if your vehicle is un-drivable) of accepting your claim

  • We arrange guaranteed repairs for your vehicle at one of our approved accident repair centres

  • Repairs alternatively can be arranged at a garage of your own choice

  • Legal assistance will be arranged for the recovery of your expenses, lost earnings or claims for compensation

  • All costs and charges are recovered directly from the at-fault drivers insurer on your behalf

  • Help is available 24/7 for all your claim queries


To find out how we can help call us on 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

Any policyholder can use this service, and it is your legal right to choose who repairs your vehicle. All assistance offered and information given on this page is provided by Car Call and its partners , no association or affiliation to any particular insurer is intended in any way, and your statutory rights are unaffected.


No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury