Car insurance got you confused? We rounded up 9 questions and got an expert to explain.

Thanks to our brand partner, YOUI

A few years ago, someone hit my car.

Thankfully, I was fine. My car, however, was not. 

I was at work when the accident happened. My car was parked outside, and it was hit by a truck (literally). When I finished my shift, I came outside to a busted-up, undriveable, completely-crushed-down-one-side car.

It was a total write-off. Which, for pretty obvious reasons, was devastating, especially because I was a student working bitsy part-time jobs trying to make ends meet.

But worst of all, the truck driver who hit my car insisted another truck driver was actually at fault and had caused him to swerve into my beloved 2006 Toyota Echo (silver, in case you were wondering).

What followed was a very tedious and confusing number of months trying to figure out who to call, who was at fault and how to get back on the road.

Luckily, I had car insurance, and they helped me through the whole process — which meant I didn't have to face my biggest fear: figuring out the bus timetable.

So, if you're still figuring out the A to Z of car insurance yourself, here's your no-nonsense guide to navigating it, thanks to the insurance experts at Youi.

You've been in an accident, what do you do first?

Before you even think about insurance details and crumpled bumpers, your number one priority is safety. If you can, move your car to the side of the road, away from traffic. Put your hazard lights on and check if anyone is injured. If the accident is serious, call Australia's emergency number, triple zero (000), straight away.

Once you're in a safe spot, it's time to gather the insurance details. Get the other driver's name, address, phone number and their insurer's details. You'll also need the car's registration, make and model. All of this information is crucial for your insurance claim.

If you can, get your phone out and start snapping pics. Get shots of both cars, the damage and the general accident scene. These photos will be your best friend when it comes to providing evidence about what happened and what the damage is.

How do you make an insurance claim?

If we're honest with each other, no one really wants to make an insurance claim. But it's a necessary evil and the sooner you do it, the better.

You can usually lodge a claim by calling your insurer or by heading to their website. 

Do you have to pay excess if you damage another car?

The short answer is yes, if you're deemed "at fault", either partially or completely. Even if you're not at fault, you'll still have to pay the excess if you don't have the at-fault driver's details.

CTP versus comprehensive, what are the main differences?

Insurance jargon can be a bit alienating, so let's break it down in simple terms. CTP (which stands for Compulsory Third Party) insurance is paid for and covered when you register your car. It covers personal injury to a third party in an accident.

Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, covers damage to your vehicle and any damage you cause to someone else's property.

What are the most common claims?

According to our Youi experts, the most common claims they see are rear-enders and interestingly, single-vehicle accidents in car parks. So take it easy next time you're navigating a chaotic shopping centre!

What does "not at fault" actually mean?

Remember how I said the truck driver who hit my car claimed to be "not at fault"?

Well, "not at fault" basically means that, according to the investigation — which often involves police reports, witness statements and photos of the damage — another driver was completely responsible for the accident. It turns out that determining this can be tricky.

What happens if it was your fault?

If you did cause the prang, you only need to speak to your own insurer. If the other driver's insurer contacts you, simply give them your insurer's details and your claim number and let the two insurance companies handle it — that's part of the service you pay for. 

Is there a time limit on making a claim?

While there is usually no specific time limit for comprehensive car insurance claims, it's always best to lodge your claim as soon as possible to avoid any complications or the need to involve a legal team. Best practice is to read the details in the PDS of your insurance policy and follow the guidelines.

If you're injured in an accident, time limits generally do apply to CTP claims, but differ depending on your state or territory.

What's the number one tip for making a car insurance claim?

If there's one thing to take away from all this, it's that information and evidence is key.

The more information you can provide your insurer, the better equipped they'll be to get your claim moving. So, take lots of photos, get all the details from the other parties involved and send all your evidence through to your insurer as quickly as possible.

But most importantly, take care of your wellbeing. Car accidents can be really serious and your personal safety is paramount. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your family, friends and your insurance company when making a claim, especially if it's the first time.

Head to Youi's website to find out more about car insurance.

Accidental damage and hire car following a not at fault accident available with Comprehensive policies only. Conditions and exclusions apply. Product issued by Youi Pty Ltd. Consider our Car PDS to decide if this product is right for you. PDS & TMD available at youi.com.au.

Feature Image: Getty.

At Youi, we're all about providing insurance that's a bit more you-shaped.
We like to take the time to get to know you better, so you can choose the cover that's best suited to you and your situation. And when it comes to claims, we pride ourselves on giving you the support and service you deserve. So, if you're shopping around for insurance, try Youi. You insured.