Uninsured and not at fault car accident repairs in Melbourne

No car insurance, not your fault — what happens next?

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Sheen Panel Service
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4.8

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FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY

FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY

REPLACEMENT VEHICLES

REPLACEMENT VEHICLES

LIFETIME GUARANTEES

LIFETIME GUARANTEES

CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

Who pays for repairs if you’re not at fault and uninsured?

In Victoria, the at-fault driver is responsible for paying the costs to the people they crash into. That includes repairs to your vehicle, even if you don’t have your own car insurance.

If the at-fault driver holds valid insurance, you may be able to have their insurer pay for your vehicle repairs directly. In many cases, this doesn’t require you to lodge a formal insurance claim — it simply involves presenting the right evidence and a valid quote from your preferred repairer.

However, the insurer is not legally obliged to pay you automatically. You must prove that:

  • The other driver was at fault, and
  • The repair costs are fair and reasonable

This process often requires you to send a letter of demand to the at-fault driver or their insurer. This letter includes:

  • A detailed repair quote (we can provide this)
  • Photos of the accident damage
  • A written summary of the accident
  • Any police report or witness statements
  • Your bank details for reimbursement

The insurer will assess this information and decide whether to cover your repair costs. They may pay you directly or approve your nominated repairer if they agree with the evidence.

If the at-fault driver or their insurer refuses to pay or disputes the claim, it may be necessary to seek legal advice. Sheen can’t offer legal representation, but we can support you with evidence, documentation, and advice on next steps. In some cases, it may be worth speaking to a solicitor or community legal service to help recover your repair costs.

We’ll also provide a replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired — even if you’re uninsured — so you’re not stuck off the road while the claim is being negotiated.

Smash repairs without a comprehensive car insurance policy

Typically, your insurer would liaise with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf. Since you don’t have an insurer, Sheen can handle that process. If the at-fault driver is insured, our claims team will work with their insurer to approve your panel beating repairs and minimise delays.

If the at-fault driver is also uninsured, you may need to coordinate payment with them directly or seek advice from your legal counsel, especially if the damage is significant or they dispute liability.

Regardless of the other driver’s insurance status, you can rely on Sheen to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. And to keep you moving, we’ll also provide a complimentary accident replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired — no rental paperwork or added costs.

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The claims process

Here's how we make the repairs process easier. Remember to give us a call first to get started.

Two Sheen workers trying to fix the front of a wrecked vehicle.

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Contact us

Get in touch with Sheen via phone or upload your smash to get started on repairs and your insurance claim.

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Drop off or pickup

To get a quote, bring your vehicle to your nearest workshop, or have it towed by Sheen.

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Repairs begin

Drive away in an accident replacement vehicle while our team starts to repair your vehicle.

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Pick up

Your vehicle is back to pre-accident condition. You can pick it up or we can deliver it to you.

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Contact us

Get in touch with Sheen, and we’ll arrange a quote for your insurance provider to authorise.

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Pick up

We’ll come to pick up your vehicle and deliver it to a Sheen workshop near you.

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Replacement vehicle

We can offer you a replacement vehicle if your insurance company doesn’t provide one.

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Drop off

We can deliver your repaired vehicle to you, and pick up our replacement vehicle.

frequently asked 
questions about 
insurance

Can I still get my car repaired if I don’t have insurance?
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Yes — as long as the at-fault driver is insured and clearly responsible, their insurance provider may pay for your vehicle repairs, even if you don't have a policy of your own. Sheen can help by preparing a comprehensive quote, supplying photographic evidence, and communicating with the at-fault driver’s insurer to get the claim moving.

This process is more common than you might think, especially as more Australians reduce or cancel their insurance due to rising costs. If you’re unsure how it works, our guide on what happens when you’re uninsured and not at fault breaks it down in practical terms.

What if the at-fault driver refuses to cooperate?
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If the at-fault driver refuses to lodge a claim or denies responsibility, the process can slow down, especially if you’re uninsured and dealing with them directly. You may need to send a letter of demand supported by quotes, evidence, and a summary of the accident. If they ignore it, legal advice may be your next step.

Sheen can’t represent you legally, but we can help prepare the documents and ensure your quote and evidence are professionally presented. If you're unsure how to gather the right details, this article on what to do if the at-fault driver isn’t cooperating offers insight into how fault and driver details impact the claims process.

Do I still get a replacement vehicle if I’m uninsured?
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Yes — if you have your car repaired at Sheen, we’ll provide a complimentary accident replacement vehicle while yours is off the road. You don’t need to be insured or file a claim with your provider (since you don’t have one). We’ll ensure you're not left without transport while waiting for approval from the at-fault party’s insurer.

How do I prove the accident wasn’t my fault?
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Gather as much evidence as possible. This can include:

  • Dashcam footage
  • Photos of the crash scene and vehicle damage
  • Witness statements
  • A police report, if applicable
  • A written timeline of events

These details will help demonstrate liability and support your case with the other driver’s insurer. For more, check out our guide on how to prove you're not at fault in a car accident.

Will I have to pay anything up front?
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Not if the at-fault driver’s insurer accepts the claim. Sheen can manage the quote and approval process, and we don’t require upfront payment if your repairs are approved under the at-fault driver’s policy. If the claim is delayed or disputed, we’ll let you know your options — but in many cases, you can have your car repaired without being out of pocket.

Just been in an accident? Let’s get started.

If you’ve just been in a not-at-fault accident and do not have insurance, you can start the process by uploading photos of your smashed vehicle for us to review. We can then get started on providing a detailed quote.

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