You’ve been involved in a car accident, your vehicle isn’t safe to drive, and a recovery truck is on its way. But have you ever wondered what actually happens to your car once it’s taken away?
It’s probably not the first thing on your mind after a collision. Between checking everyone is okay, exchanging details and working out how you’re getting home, there’s already plenty to think about.
But when your car disappears on the back of a recovery truck, it’s only natural to have questions.
Where is it going? Will it be kept somewhere safe? And how do you get it back on the road?
At Shield Accident Management, we know how stressful the aftermath of a collision can be, especially when the accident wasn’t your fault. That’s why we help drivers across Northern Ireland with vehicle recovery, secure storage, accident repairs and replacement vehicles.
Let’s take a look at what happens after your vehicle is recovered and how Shield can help take the hassle out of the process.
First Things First: Getting Your Car Off the Road
Not every accident leaves a vehicle completely undriveable. Sometimes the damage is obvious, with broken lights, damaged wheels or bodywork making it clear that your car isn’t going anywhere.
Other times, the damage might not look quite so serious.
Either way, if you’re unsure whether your vehicle is safe to drive, it’s best not to take any chances.
Your safety should always come first. Once everyone is safe and any necessary emergency assistance has been arranged, you can start thinking about what happens to your vehicle.
If it’s safe to do so, remember to take photographs of the accident scene, exchange details with the other driver and collect contact information from any witnesses.
You can also find useful advice in NI Direct’s guidance on breakdowns and incidents.
If your car can’t be driven, that’s where Shield comes in.
Our team can arrange for one of our approved recovery agents to collect your vehicle from the accident scene, wherever in Northern Ireland the collision has happened.
Whether you’re in Belfast, Dungannon, Newry or along one of Tyrone’s many country roads, we’re here to help get things moving.
You can find out more about our vehicle recovery service and how we support drivers following non-fault accidents.
Because standing at the roadside wondering what to do with a damaged car isn’t anybody’s idea of a good day.
Where Is Your Vehicle Taken After Recovery?
Once your vehicle has been collected, the next step is making sure it’s safely stored until it’s ready for repair.
At Shield Accident Management, we arrange for vehicles to be recovered from the accident scene and taken into secure storage.
This means you don’t have to worry about trying to find somewhere to leave a damaged car while the next steps are being organised.
And let’s face it, finding space for a car that can’t be driven isn’t exactly something most of us have planned for.
Secure vehicle storage is an important part of Shield’s recovery service, helping keep everything organised while repair arrangements are made.
It’s particularly reassuring when your vehicle has been damaged away from home, or you’re unfamiliar with the area where the accident happened.
Rather than making multiple phone calls to recovery companies and garages, you can speak to our team about the support available.
We understand that your car is a big part of your everyday routine, and we’ll help you work towards getting it back on the road.
What Happens While Your Car Is in Storage?
Once your vehicle is safely stored, you might be wondering what happens next.
Does it stay there until repairs are arranged? Who organises the garage? And how do you find out what’s happening with your claim?
These are all perfectly reasonable questions, especially if you’ve never been involved in a non-fault accident before.
At Shield, our accident management service is designed to take the pressure off drivers by helping coordinate the different parts of the recovery and repair process.
We work with a network of approved garages and repair specialists throughout Northern Ireland, helping arrange the repairs your vehicle needs.
And if there’s a particular garage you already know and trust, we can facilitate repairs through your preferred repairer too.
You can learn more about how we organise accident repairs and help get vehicles back on the road.
We also understand the importance of being kept informed.
Nobody wants to feel left in the dark about their car, particularly when they’re relying on it to get to work or manage family commitments.
That’s why we pride ourselves on maintaining a transparent process and providing updates as your case progresses.
While the exact arrangements will depend on your vehicle and the circumstances of your claim, our team is here to explain the next steps and answer any questions you might have.
What If You Need Your Car for Everyday Life?
For most drivers, being without a car isn’t just inconvenient. It can throw your entire routine upside down.
Suddenly, the morning commute becomes a problem. The school run needs rearranged. Even something as simple as getting the weekly shopping becomes a bit more complicated.
And if you rely on your vehicle for work, the disruption can be even greater.
At Shield Accident Management, we understand that life doesn’t stop just because your car is off the road.
If your vehicle is no longer roadworthy following a non-fault accident, we can help arrange a suitable replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired.
Our replacement vehicle options include everything from family cars and 4x4s to commercial vans and taxis.
So whether you’re travelling to work, taking the children to school or using your vehicle to earn a living, we’ll work to find a suitable option based on your needs and the circumstances of your claim.
You can explore our range of replacement vehicles to see how we help keep drivers moving.
It’s all part of making an already stressful situation that little bit easier.
After all, having your car in storage shouldn’t mean putting your whole life on hold.
Will You Have to Pay for Vehicle Recovery and Storage?
One of the biggest concerns after a non-fault accident is the cost.
When your vehicle needs recovered, stored and repaired, it’s understandable to worry about how much everything might add up to.
The good news is that Shield Accident Management provides accident management assistance at no cost to eligible customers involved in non-fault accidents.
We work to recover our fees from the responsible third-party insurer, rather than leaving you to organise and fund the services yourself.
Our team can also help manage communications with insurers and keep you informed as your claim progresses.
It’s still important to notify your own insurer about the accident, even if Shield is managing your non-fault claim.
Every accident is different, and the arrangements available will depend on the circumstances of your case. Our experienced team can talk you through the process and explain how we can help.
You can also visit our frequently asked questions for more information about our services and non-fault accident claims.
The aim is to make dealing with the aftermath of an accident as straightforward as possible, without adding unnecessary financial worries.
From Recovery to Repairs, Shield Is Here to Help
Nobody plans on having their car recovered after an accident, but knowing what happens next can make a stressful situation feel a little less overwhelming.
From arranging recovery at the roadside to secure storage, repairs and replacement transport, there’s a lot to organise.
Fortunately, you don’t have to manage it all yourself.
At Shield Accident Management, our Northern Ireland-based team is available 24/7 to help drivers following non-fault road traffic accidents.
We’re here to take care of the practical details, answer your questions and help get your everyday routine back on track.
Because bringing calm to collisions is what we do.
Been involved in a non-fault accident?
Call our friendly team on 0800 066 2909, visit Shield Accident Management or download the Shield app on iOS or Android.
Let Shield take care of the hassle, so you can concentrate on getting back to normal.