For an operator, a damaged van is lost revenue. The repair itself is only part of the job, the planning around it is what limits downtime.
The first 24 hours
Get an assessment booked immediately, even if the vehicle is drivable. Early assessment means parts can be ordered before the vehicle goes off the road, which is usually the single biggest saving in downtime.
↑ Back to contentsGive drivers a simple incident pack
A one-page card in every vehicle removes guesswork at the roadside.
- Who to call, in what order.
- The photographs to take before moving the vehicle.
- Details to collect from the other driver.
- What not to say or sign at the scene.
Scheduling around your operation
Tell your repairer your busy days and delivery windows. Booking cosmetic work into quieter periods, and grouping multiple vehicles, keeps more of the fleet earning.
↑ Back to contentsLivery, racking and telematics
Signwriting, internal racking and tracker units all add time if they are discovered late. Flag them at booking so they are planned into the repair rather than bolted on at the end.
↑ Back to contentsFrequently asked questions
The insurance questions drivers ask us most
Straight answers on premiums, excess, write-offs and replacement vehicles, written by our Bristol repair team.
- Non-fault accident: what it means and what to do (UK guide)A plain-English UK guide to non-fault accidents: how liability is decided, your repair and replacement vehicle options, and the mistakes that cost drivers money.
- What to do after a car accident that wasn’t your faultThe exact steps to take at the scene, in the first 24 hours and in the first week after someone else hits your car in the UK.
- Will a non-fault accident affect my insurance? (UK)How a non-fault claim can show on your record, what happens to your premium and what to check with your insurer.
- Do I have to pay my insurance excess?When an excess applies after a non-fault accident, and the practical routes that can avoid paying one up front.
Your next steps
Based on what you have just read, these are the pages most drivers go to next.
Prefer to speak to someone now?
SAR Group is a repair-led accident support and bodyshop business, and your first point of contact after a non-fault accident. We are not an FCA-authorised claims management company: every non-fault case is handled through our authorised and regulated partner network.