When you are shopping around for car insurance one of the most important questions that you should ask is , "Can I choose the repairer that I wish to use to repair my vehicle?" If they say No then you are putting the control of the repair process in the Insurer's hand. In order to strive for higher quality repairs , the vehicle's owner needs to be able to choose the repairer that they wish to use.

One of the questions I'm most often asked is , "Which is the best Insurance Company?" This question is asked in relation to insuring cars. In reality the quality of the car repair comes down to the Smash Repair Business that performs the work. However this can be influenced by the Insurance Company that may be directing a large volume of work to that business in exchange for a dicounted price structure. Whenever a discounted price structure exists there generally will be a reduction of quality in one form or another.Whether visible or not to the average person. So getting back to the original question, I recommend that if you a happy with a a certain Repair Shop or have been recommended to a certain Repair Shop by an individual,friend or work colleague then the smartest option you have is to ensure that it is that business that repairs your pride and joy.Give them the control to negotiate the proper way and right price to repair your vehicle. Always discuss with your Smash Shop the options that you have.They will be able to tell you what Insurance Company's would suit or benefit you the most as this can change from time to time. Currently there are 3 mayjor players in the the Car Insurance business, Allianz Suncorp-Metway IAG In Victoria some of the more recognisable names like AAMI,APIA,Just Cars,Shannons,Vero are under the Umbrella of Suncorp-Metway. NRMA,RACV, are under the Umbrella of IAG By no means is this a comprehensive and concise observation.

What should I do immediately after a motor vehicle accident? Try to stay calm - don't panic. Switch off the ignition, and activate emergency hazard lights. Check to see if anyone is injured, and if they can be assisted immediately. Keep yourself and others off the road. What if someone is injured? Dial the Emergency Service Number 000 (free call) and ask for either Ambulance, or Police, in order of urgency. Be prepared to tell the Emergency Service, its a car crash Where it's located How many people are injured. Your name. Should police be notified? Police should be notified if a person has been injured or if there is damage to property or livestock and the owner is not at the scene. What are my responsibilities to the other driver? Exchange names, addresses, registration numbers and insurance company details. Do not admit liability for the accident, or blame yourself publicly (this is for your own protection should legal considerations be raised). What are my legal obligations? You must stop if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. You must provide your name and address to other people involved. You must report the accident to the police if there are personal injuries or damage to property whose owner is not in attendance. You must not drive away from a motor vehicle accident in an unroadworthy vehicle. How do I know who is at fault? Do not admit liability for the motor vehicle accident, or blame yourself publicly (this is for your own protection should legal considerations be raised). Contact your insurer at your earliest opportunity. They will work with all parties involved in order to determine responsibility. TOWING When you have been involved in an accident and you are no longer able to drive your vehicle it is law to contact TOWING ALLOCATION on 13 11 76. Towing allocation will then allocate a towing company to tow you vehicle to a repairer of your choice. PLEASE REMEMBER ---- YOU HAVE A CHOICE OF WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE IT TAKEN. If the car is drivable and you drive it more than a couple of kilometres and then it breaks down you are able to call a towing company of your choice.