Crash that wasn't your fault? Your questions, answered straight.

Are you my insurer?

No. Not My Fault is an independent accident management company. We are not linked to any insurer. If another driver hit you, we deal with that driver's insurer for you.

Is this an injury claim?

No. We look after your car and your out-of-pocket costs. If anyone was hurt, the injury side is for a solicitor of your own choosing. We do not handle injury claims. How the injury side works in Ireland.

What does it cost me?

There is no upfront cost. Everything, including our fee, is set out in writing before you sign anything.

Do I still have to tell my own insurer?

Yes. Tell them about the accident when you get a chance. For most insurers it is a condition of the policy. Telling them is not claiming from them.

Source: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, "Making a car insurance claim": "Notify your insurer as soon as possible, even if you do not plan to claim."

Will my no-claims bonus be affected?

We claim from the other driver's insurer, not from your policy, so your no-claims bonus is not used by us. What your own insurer does at renewal is a matter for them. More on your no-claims bonus.

Who fixes my car?

An independent assessor, who is not the repairer, puts a written figure on the damage. The repair is then done at one of the garages we work with. You deal with us, not with the other driver's insurer.

Can I get a car while mine is off the road?

Where you need one, yes. We arrange a replacement car while yours is off the road, and its cost is pursued as part of your claim against the other driver's insurer.

How long does it take?

The repair takes as long as the repair takes. Getting the money from the other driver's insurer can take longer, and we do the chasing. What the other driver's insurer has to do, and when.

What if the other driver says it wasn't their fault?

We gather the evidence, such as your photos, any dashcam footage, witnesses and a Garda report if there is one, and put the claim to their insurer. If fault is disputed, we tell you straight and explain your options.

What if the other driver had no insurance, or drove off?

That is a different route. If the crash was caused by an uninsured or unidentified driver, you may be able to claim from the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland. Ring us anyway and we will tell you honestly whether we can help. More on uninsured and untraced drivers.

Source: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, "Making a car insurance claim".

Is this a scam?

A fair question. Not My Fault Limited is an Irish company, number 826323, based in Dublin. If you are not sure the person on the phone is us, hang up and ring 0818 294 336.

Can I ring for someone else?

Yes. A husband, wife, parent, friend, employer or garage can ring for the driver. Tell us who you are, who you are ringing for and the best number for them. We then speak to them ourselves, because the person whose claim it is signs the paperwork.

What should I do right now?

If you are still at the scene, follow the checklist. New to Ireland? How it works here. Then ring 0818 294 336, any hour.