From First Call to Final Repair
We Handle Your Car Insurance Claim
- Free excess – you pay nothing out of pocket
- Loan car arranged within 30 minutes (not-at-fault claims)
- All insurers accepted: RACV, AAMI, Allianz and more
- 35+ years experience | Lifetime guarantee on all repairs
Autobody Prestige Melbourne
What is a Car Insurance Claim for Repairs?
A car insurance accident claim for repairs is when you use your insurance policy to cover the cost of fixing your vehicle after an accident. Depending on who caused the accident and what type of policy you hold, you may pay only your excess or nothing at all.
Once you contact us, Autobody Prestige prepares the repair quote, communicates directly with your insurer, and manages the approval process. All you need to do is wait for the call that your car is ready.
Which Scenario Applies to You?
NOT AT FAULT
Another driver caused the accident. Their insurer covers your repair costs. You generally pay no excess in not-at-fault car accidents.
AT FAULT
You caused the accident. Your comprehensive policy covers the repairs. You pay your nominated excess. Read more about at-fault insurance accident claims.
FAULT UNCLEAR
Fault is disputed or shared. Lodge with your own insurer, and they'll pursue recovery from the other party. You may need to pay your excess upfront while liability is confirmed.
Should You Claim on Insurance or Pay Out of Pocket?
It’s not always a straightforward call. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
Claiming through insurance for car repairs makes sense when:
- The repair cost exceeds your excess
- Another vehicle or property is involved
- The damage includes structural or safety-related repairs
- You’re not at fault, and someone else’s insurer is paying
Paying privately may be worth considering when:
- The damage is minor (a small dent or scratch)
- The repair cost is close to or less than your excess
- No other vehicle is involved, and you’d prefer not to lodge a claim
Not sure which way to go? Autobody Prestige can provide a no-obligation quote upfront so you can compare the repair cost against your excess before making a decision. Making a claim doesn’t automatically affect your premium, as that depends on your insurer and whether you were at fault.
How Autobody Prestige Handles Your Insurance Car Repairs
Call or enquire online: Phone 1800 002 276 or submit photos of your vehicle damage online. Our team assesses the damage and confirms next steps, usually within the hour.
We prepare your quote and contact your insurer: Autobody Prestige handles all documentation and communicates directly with your insurer to get repair authorisation. You don't need to chase anyone or translate between the workshop and the insurance company.
Loan car arranged & repairs begin: For not-at-fault claims, we arrange your courtesy car within 30 minutes. For at-fault claims, your loan vehicle is ready when you drop yours off. Either way, you're not left without transport while we get to work.
We deliver your repaired vehicle: Before your car is returned to you, it undergoes a full pre-delivery inspection to confirm it's been restored to its pre-accident condition. We can deliver to your door if needed, or you're welcome to collect from our Maribyrnong workshop.
Insurers We Work With
Autobody Prestige works with all major Australian insurers on car insurance accident claims. We manage the paperwork and repair authorisation directly, no matter who you’re insured with.
Don’t see your insurer listed? Call us. We can still help.
Benefits of Choosing Autobody Prestige Melbourne
Expert Guidance:
With over 30 years of experience, we understand the complexities of car accident claims and ensure everything is handled efficiently.
Transparent Process:
Our team communicates clearly throughout the claim process, so you know exactly what to expect.
Liaison with Insurers:
We work directly with major insurers to expedite approvals and reduce delays.
High-Quality Repairs:
Using advanced tools and techniques, we restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
Support for Not-at-Fault Claims:
We manage not at fault collision claims from start to finish, protecting your rights and making sure you don’t bear the financial burden of someone else’s mistake.
Peace of Mind:
By working with our professionals, you avoid common pitfalls that can delay or complicate your claim.
Victoria’s Accredited & Award-Winning Smash Repair Experts
Why Choose Autobody Prestige for Insurance Car Repairs?
Here’s why drivers across the western suburbs keep coming back and recommending us to family and friends for insurance claim assistance and car repairs.
35+ years handling insurance-authorised repairs
We’ve been helping people claim insurance for car repairs and restoring vehicles across Melbourne for over three decades. We’ve built relationships with insurers, know how the process works, and how to get things moving.
Cromax professional paint system
Every respray uses the Cromax paint system, the industry standard for colour matching. Your car comes back looking as good as new.
OEM parts only
We use genuine manufacturer parts on every repair. No aftermarket substitutes that could affect your vehicle’s safety, performance, or resale value.
Lifetime guarantee on all repair work
Every insurance car repair we carry out is backed by our lifetime workmanship guarantee. If something isn’t right, we fix it.
Equal care for prestige and everyday vehicles
Whether you drive a BMW or a Corolla, your car gets the same level of attention. Our name reflects the standard we hold ourselves to, not just the cars we work on.
Conveniently based in Maribyrnong
Our workshop is easy to reach for drivers from Footscray, Sunshine, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Williamstown, Altona, and Werribee. And if getting to us is the problem, we’ll come to you.
We also offer panel beating and smash repair services, covering all types of accident damage, from minor cosmetic repairs to full structural work.
Get Assistance on Insurance Claims & Car Repairs Today
Whether it’s a straightforward insurance car repair or a more complex claim, Autobody Prestige has the experience to handle it efficiently.
Call us on 1800 002 276 or get a quote. We work with all major insurers and handle the entire process, so the stress lies on our shoulders, not yours.
Car Insurance Accident Claim FAQs
Do I have to use my insurer's recommended repairer?
No. In Victoria, you have the right to choose your own repairer for insurance car repairs. You don’t have to accept whoever your insurer suggests. Simply nominate Autobody Prestige as your preferred repairer, and we’ll take it from there.
Will making a claim increase my insurance premium?
Not necessarily. Whether your premium is affected depends on your insurer and whether you were found to be at fault. A not-at-fault car insurance accident claim typically has no impact on your premium, but it’s worth confirming with your insurer directly.
What is an excess, and do I have to pay it?
Your excess is the amount you contribute towards a claim under your own policy. If you’re not at fault and the other driver is insured, you generally won’t need to pay an excess at all because the claim runs through their insurer. If you’re at fault or claiming through your own policy, your nominated excess applies. Some insurers collect the excess upfront and refund it once liability is resolved.
How long will my insurance car repair take?
It depends on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs can be completed in a few days, while more involved structural work takes longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe after the initial assessment and keep you updated throughout, so you won’t be left wondering.
What if the fault is disputed or shared?
Lodge the claim with your own insurer and let them handle the liability question. Autobody Prestige works with our legal partners to support disputed not-at-fault claims where needed. You won’t have to navigate this alone.
Can I get insurance repairs if I don't have comprehensive cover?
If you only hold third-party insurance, you can’t claim repairs through your own policy. However, if another driver caused the accident and they’re insured, you can still pursue a not-at-fault car insurance accident claim through their insurer, regardless of what cover you hold. Give us a call, and we’ll advise on your options.
Not at fault?
