Should you lodge a car insurance claim?
To claim or not to claim? It’s totally up to you! But considering a few common scenarios might help you make your decision.
1. What if only the windscreen or window glass is damaged?
Are the glass sections of your car – which includes your sunroof – the only damaged parts of it? Good news! We’ll replace them without you having to pay an excess if you have Windscreen and Window Glass optional cover added to your Comprehensive Car Insurance.
For info, read the PDS.
2. Your vehicle seems like it would be a total loss
In some situations, your car might be declared a total loss or ‘write off’. For example, if:
- it’s unsafe to repair, or
- the estimated cost of repairs exceeds the value of the car.
Our Comprehensive Car Insurance may provide a payout in total loss claims. If you’re eligible for new for old replacement, and you bought it new, we’ll replace your car with a similar make and model.
Check out the PDS for more info.
3. There is no damage to your car, but you’ve hit someone’s car or property
Your excess will cover the cost of repairing the other person’s vehicle and property, as well as towing, assessment fees, the hire car, and other incurred costs.
All levels of our car insurance – including Third Party Property Damage – cover you for damage to other people’s car and property on the road.
4. You’re in an accident but not at fault
Your excess may be waived in car accident claims like these. You’ll also retain your AAMI Safe Driver status. Just remember to get the at-fault party’s full name, address and vehicle rego.
Always read your PDS for the full list of T and Cs.
5. You’ve received demands from a third party
What happens if you get into a collision with someone who demands that you pay their repair costs? In situations like these, always speak to AAMI first – even if you’re unsure whether you’re at fault. It’s often tricky to tell who’s at fault right after an accident, especially if you’re too close to the scene. For example, the other party may have broken a road rule right before the collision.
So, to be on the safe side, don’t enter into any agreements without all the info at hand.
What about the legal costs?
If you decide to lodge a motor claim, the necessary legal costs will likely be covered if they are incurred after making the claim. You’d have to pay out of pocket for this however if you don’t claim through AAMI.
What if you’re concerned about being able to afford the excess?
With AAMI, if you are concerned about being able to afford your excess we are there to talk to you about your options
I’m not at fault, but I’ve already paid the excess
If you pay an excess upfront and later learn that you weren’t at fault, we’ll refund you accordingly, if you can provide the name, address and rego details of the at-fault driver.
What if repair costs are lower than expected?
Sometimes the cost to repair or replace may be less than your excess. You can decide whether you wish to proceed via your insurance policy and bear the excess. Alternatively you can seek quotes and take care of the repair or replacement privately.
Claim 24/7 through a simple, guided process
Where can I make a claim?
You can lodge, track and update your claim through your AAMI My Account or the AAMI App.
How do I make a claim?
1. Sign into your AAMI My Account and choose the policy you’d like to make a claim for. Select ‘make a claim.’
2. Follow the guided prompts. Supply photos, docs and details where required.
3. Once you’ve submitted the form, you’ll be prompted to pay an excess (if applicable), book repairs and a hire car (if eligible).
It’s as simple as that!
Read more:
Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as AAMI. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. Go to aami.com.au for a copy. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.