Why are motor claims taking longer to process?

Delays in the supply chain

Supply chain problems and delays can be a common issue in the car repair industry, particularly following an accident. These issues can arise for a variety of reasons, including shortages of certain parts, shipping delays, and logistical challenges.

One of the main causes of supply chain problems and delays in car repairs is the global nature of the automotive industry. Many car parts are manufactured in different countries and must be shipped to the repair facility, which can lead to delays if there are problems with transportation or customs.

Another factor that can contribute to supply chain problems and delays is the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. Many newer vehicles have a large number of electronic components and systems, and repairing these can require specialised parts that may not be readily available.

Supply chain problems and delays can be frustrating for both car owners and garages, as they can extend the repair process and cause delays in getting vehicles back on the road.

How Caunce O’Hara can help

Here at Caunce O’Hara we have a dedicated claims team to help you through the process of your motor claim following an accident.  We don’t use automated telephone systems, you will always speak to a person, no long waiting times, and very quick call back times if no one is available.  We have set out below the usual process –

1) Notify us: Once you have assessed the damage and taken care of any injuries, you should notify us as soon as possible. We will need details about the accident, such as the date and time it occurred, the location, and the names and insurance information of any other drivers involved. We have a very simple form to collect this information.

2) Document the accident: It is important to document the accident as thoroughly as possible. This includes taking photos of the damage to your vehicle and the accident scene, as well as getting the names and contact information of any witnesses. This documentation will be helpful in deciding who is at fault. Road markings are an important aspect of road safety, as they help to guide and regulate the movement of vehicles on the road. It is therefore important to accurately document the road markings at the scene of an accident.

Our simple accident report form has a space for a diagram of the scene of the accident, which should include the location and type of any road markings that were present. For example, if there were solid white lines on the road, these should be indicated on the diagram. Clearly show what lane you were in and your intended path.

A diagram showing road markings can be especially useful in cases where the cause of the accident is not immediately clear.

3) Repairs to your vehicle: If your claim is approved, your insurance company will pay for the repairs to your vehicle. You may choose your own repair shop, or the insurance company will appoint an approved repairer. Once repairs are complete the garage will send the invoice direct to the insurance company.

4) Pay any excess: If you have an excess on your policy, you will need to pay this amount before the garage will release your vehicle along with the VAT if applicable.

5) Uninsured Loss Recovery:  Most commercial policies include uninsured loss recovery and your insurer will appoint their approved partner to recover the policy excess from the third party, if the accident is not your fault, along with the cost of any hire car charges.

If you would like to know anything further about the motor claims process, please contact a member of our claims team.