After a crash that was not your fault, you have a choice. You can claim through your own insurer, or use an accident management company, which makes the claim against the at-fault driver's insurer instead. Neither is right for everyone. If fault is clear and you want one point of contact who deals with the other side, an accident management company can suit you. If fault is disputed or you were partly to blame, your own insurer is often the better place to start.
Find out more about how a non-fault claim works.
We are an accident management company ourselves, based in Wishaw, so we have tried to keep this fair. Here is how the two routes compare.
What your own insurer does
Your insurer is there to cover you under the terms of your policy. If you claim on it, they will usually arrange repairs, often through their own approved repairer, and may offer a courtesy car if your policy includes one.
Because it is a claim on your policy, you will usually pay your excess, and the claim may be recorded against you while your insurer tries to recover their costs from the other side. How that affects your no-claims discount depends on your policy and the outcome.
Your insurer is a good choice when:
- fault is disputed or not clear
- you may have been partly to blame
- the other driver was uninsured or cannot be traced
- you are happy with what your policy offers
Had an accident that wasn’t your fault?
Start your claimWhat an accident management company does
An accident management company handles a non-fault claim directly against the at-fault driver's insurer. At G4 Claims, that means we can:
- deal with the other insurer for you, including the calls and paperwork
- arrange recovery if your vehicle is not drivable
- arrange repairs, or work with a garage you choose where we can
- help recover the pre-accident value if your vehicle is written off
- help check whether a comparable replacement vehicle can be arranged, where eligible
Because the claim is not made on your own policy, your excess and no-claims bonus may be treated differently. It depends on the claim and your policy, and we'll explain it for you before anything is arranged. In a non-fault claim we aim to recover the cost of our service from the at-fault insurer rather than charging you. It depends on your claim and policy, and we'll explain before you go ahead.
You can read more on our non-fault accidents page.
Side by side
Who you deal with. With your insurer, you deal with their claims team. With us, you deal with a small team in our Wishaw office who answer the phone and keep you updated by phone, email or WhatsApp.
Replacement vehicle. A courtesy car through your policy is often a small car and only while repairs are under way, if your policy includes one at all. A replacement vehicle arranged through a non-fault claim aims to be comparable to your own and is claimed from the at-fault insurer, where eligible. Our guide on courtesy cars vs like-for-like hire explains the difference.
Repairs. Insurers often prefer their approved repairers. On a non-fault claim against the other driver you can generally choose your own repairer, as long as the repair and its cost are reasonable. See choosing your own body shop.
Excess and no-claims bonus. Usually involved when you claim on your own policy. May be treated differently on a non-fault claim, depending on the claim and your policy.
When fault is unclear. Your insurer is often better placed. We'll tell you honestly if a non-fault claim is not the right fit.
You still need to tell your insurer
Whichever route you choose, most policies say you must tell your insurer about any accident. You can tell them it is "for information only". That is not the same as making a claim on your policy.
You have choices
You don't have to use an accident management company. You can claim through your own insurer, instruct a solicitor of your choice, or use a company like G4 Claims. If the at-fault driver's insurer gets in touch with you directly and offers repairs or a hire car, you don't have to accept, and you can take time to think about it.
Questions worth asking any company
Before you sign anything with anyone, it is fair to ask:
- Who will I actually be speaking to, and where are they based?
- What exactly will you arrange, and what won't you do?
- What is in the hire agreement, and what are my responsibilities?
- What happens if fault ends up disputed?
- How will you keep me updated?
A good company will answer all of those plainly. We'd rather explain the terms up front than have you surprised later.
About G4 Claims
G4 Claims is a family-run, non-fault accident management company at Claims HQ, 9 Pickering Works, Netherton Road, Wishaw. We help people across Scotland, mainly in Lanarkshire. You are welcome to pop in for a face-to-face chat in our meeting room, and it is worth calling ahead so someone is available to see you. Find out more about us.
Talk it through with us
If you are trying to decide which route suits you, start your claim online or get in touch for a no-obligation chat. Message us on WhatsApp any time on 07788 266261, or call 01698 767 172 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm). Claims email: firstresponse@g4claims.net. For a step by step overview, see making a no-fault claim in Scotland.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to claim through my insurer or not?
It depends. If fault is clear and you want the claim kept off your own policy, a non-fault claim may suit you. If fault is disputed or shared, your own insurer is often the right place to go. We'll tell you honestly which looks better for you.
Will an accident management company cost me anything?
For accident management, we bill the at-fault insurer rather than you, where you are not at fault and your claim meets our criteria. We'll explain the terms before anything is arranged.
Can I switch to G4 Claims if I've already called my insurer?
Often you can still talk to us. Tell us where things are and we can check an existing claim.
Do I have to accept the other insurer's offer of a hire car?
No. You can take time to consider your options and ask exactly what is being offered.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different.