Understanding Your Car Insurance: Will it Cover my Repairs

What type of insurance do you have?

Comprehensive Cover:

- Highest level of protection

- Yes, it usually covers repairs to your own vehicle - even if the accident was your fault.

- It also covers: accidental damage, vandalism, fire, theft, damage from uninsured driver (depending on the insurer).

Third Party, Fire & Theft:

- Covers damage you cause to others, plus theft or fire damage to your own car.

- Does NOT cover repairs to your own car if you caused the accident.

Third Party Only:

- The minimum legal cover

- Only pays out for damage you cause to other people’s vehicles.

- It will NOT cover costs of your own car repairs, even if it wasn’t your fault.

What happens if you're NOT at fault?

- You can usually claim repairs through their insurance.

- You may still need to go through your insurer first — they’ll recover the cost later.

- Some repairers (like us) can help you arrange a non-fault claim with no excess to pay and a like-for-like courtesy car.

Top tip: Get the other drivers: name, address, vehicle reg, insurance company details, photos of damage (yours and theirs).

What if you ARE at fault?

If you are responsible for the accident your repairs will only be covered if you have comprehensive insurance.

You will usually need to:

- Pay your policy excess up front.

- Accept a loss of No Claims Bonus (unless protected).

What if the other driver is uninsured?

If you have comprehensive cover...

You can claim through your insurer, who may attempt to recover costs from the uninsured driver. Many policies now include uninsured driver protection, but check your T&Cs.

If you only have third party...

Unfortunately, you’ll be liable for your own vehicle repairs.

Choosing a repair centre: do you have to use your insurer's Bodyshop?

No. You have the legal right to choose your own repair centre in the UK - even if your insurer tries to steer you towards an "approved" garage.

Why choose an independent repairer, like Autocraft?

- Personal service

- High-quality workmanship

- No corners cut

- We work with you — not just your insurer

Always read your policy...

We recommend checking your insurance documents before you need to claim. Key things to look for:

- Level of cover

- Your excess

- Courtesy car provision

- Repair process details

- No claims bonus terms

Need help with a claim? Let us handle it. 

At Autocraft Accident Repair Centre we:

- Work directly with your insurer

- Provide detailed repair quotes

- Assist with claim forms and advice

- Help you understand what is covered, and what isn't