Who are CRASH Services?

CRASH Services is an accident management company who have assisted over 150,000 local motorists following an accident since 1996. If you are ever involved in a road traffic accident, we can take care of everything. We can assist any motorist, no matter what you drive or whoever you are insured with. We are Northern Ireland’s largest accident management company and are here to help after an accident.

What is an accident management company?

An accident management company offers an end-to-end service handling the claims of those who have been involved in an accident. When you are not at fault for an accident, it is best to use an accident management company like CRASH Services, as handling your claim through your own insurer could affect your no claims bonus. At CRASH Services, we specialise in managing the after-effects of road traffic accidents and will work tirelessly on your behalf to mitigate that risk by taking on the case for you, from the moment you report the accident right through to recovery, repair and replacement costs from the at-fault party. Unfortunately, if you are at fault for an accident, you will have to handle the process directly with your own insurance.

We understand that a car accident can be stressful, so we speak to the insurance company on your behalf. After we have an initial call with you we liaise with your insurer, so you won’t have to spend a second longer worrying about your accident. We work to establish the liability of the collision to decide on how to progress your claim, either via the other person’s insurance company if you are not at fault or if you need to claim from your own policy. CRASH takes care of everything including: Recovering your vehicle from the roadside Providing a replacement vehicle Arranging guaranteed repairs Liaising with insurance companies Getting you your full entitlement

How much does it cost?

There is no charge to you for our accident management service, as we recover all costs from the insurers involved.

There’s no catch at all. We recover all costs from the insurers so you don’t need to worry about a thing! Whilst you can be reassured that we will keep you informed of all your entitlements.

Will this affect my no-claims bonus?

We protect your no-claims bonus. If you have been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, your no-claims bonus shouldn’t suffer, so let the specialist CRASH Claims Team help you claim against the other person’s insurance company. By protecting your no claims bonus, this helps to keep next year’s insurance premium down as well as avoiding having to pay any excess.

Will my insurance be affected?

No, if you are not at fault for the accident your insurance will not be affected.

Do I need to notify my own insurer even if I’m not at fault?

Yes, we recommend you let your insurance company know that we are taking on the case for you as this needs to be reported for information purposes.

What do I do if Third Party Insurers contact me?

If a member of a third party insurance contacts you simply refer them to us if we are dealing with your case. We take the stress away from dealing with insurance companies.

Can you tell me more about the services offered at CRASH?

We can arrange vehicle recovery, collision investigation, organise repairs, provide a replacement vehicle, liaise with insurance companies and offer legal and medical assistance. All at no cost to you.

Do you offer vehicle recovery?

With CRASH Services, you get exclusive access to our vast partner network. This includes quick and easy recovery anywhere in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. After giving us a call, we will arrange to collect your vehicle at the scene. We aim to have a recovery vehicle with you within one hour to collect your vehicle; rain, hail or snow.

What happens if my car needs to be repaired?

CRASH Services can organise guaranteed hassle-free accident repairs to your vehicle. We work with an extensive network of trusted repairers; they’re all ready to help get you back on the road. And if you don’t have a repairer in mind we can even find a repairer close to your home to guide you through the process.

Can I choose my own repairer?

Of course! We always want to ensure that you have the freedom to choose who repairs your car. If you wish to use your own repairer, we can arrange this too. It’s very likely that they are already working with us and recommending our services. We know that your car is essential to your everyday life, so we don’t wait about; we promise that we will work to ensure that your vehicle is repaired to the highest standard and returned to you as quickly as possible.

I’ve been left without a car! Can you arrange a replacement vehicle?

We will arrange a replacement vehicle for you. No matter what you drive, we have a replacement vehicle to suit you. Being involved in an accident doesn’t mean you should go without transport. That’s why we supply all kinds of vehicles including prestige models, commercial vehicles, motorbikes, PSV taxis and dual controls.

Will I get a similar car to my own?

No matter what you drive we will try our best to ensure you receive a vehicle suited to your daily needs. We offer a like for like vehicle whilst your car is off the road. We have an in-house hire department with a fleet of 300 vehicles. We can provide any type of vehicle from prestige models, 4x4s, commercial vehicles, including vans, PSV taxis, dual controls, motorbikes as well as standard vehicles of all sizes.

How do I get my replacement vehicle?

We deliver vehicles from our Belfast base to anywhere across Northern Ireland, so you don’t need to worry about collecting your replacement car.

Does my insurance cover the hire?

We recover all the costs from the insurers involved. For non-fault accidents, this cost will be recovered from the third party insurer involved.

Will I receive compensation relating to the depreciation of my vehicle if I’m involved in a non-fault accident?

Each case is unique. Receiving compensation for the depreciation of a vehicle depends on certain variables such as year and condition of the vehicle, and the damage the vehicle has sustained. However, if the independent engineer feels that depreciation applies to your vehicle after an investigation, we will try to recover this from the third-party insurance. Please note that depreciation is not guaranteed with any case and is opinion-based.

Do you offer legal assistance?

Our expert panel of solicitors will work tirelessly on your behalf with our indemnity insurance policy covering you for legal costs if you are involved in a vehicle collision. Our recommended solicitors can provide an indemnity policy to cover legal expenses for your passengers on a complimentary basis. They’ll also help you pursue compensation if you are injured as well as for any reduction in the value of your vehicle as a result of an accident.

I’ve been injured, do you offer medical assistance?

If you sustain an injury as a result of a road traffic accident, our sympathetic team of specialists can guide you through the rehabilitation process. We will liaise with the medical practitioners to help you along in the rehabilitation process. If you are not at fault, we can ensure that you receive all the medical help available to you.

We have offices across Northern Ireland in Newry, Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. So it’s easy to walk in and speak to one of our expert claims handlers.

I depend on my van for work, do you offer light commercial vehicle replacement?

Yes, we look after light commercial van accidents and replacement vehicles. No matter what you drive we will try our best to ensure you receive a vehicle suited to your daily needs. We have an in-house hire department with a fleet of 300 vehicles.

Do you offer taxi replacement vehicles after an accident?

Yes! A car accident is the last thing you need especially if your job involves driving. If you are a taxi driver and have a collision, we aim to have a taxi replacement vehicle fully fitted with equipment for you within one hour.

I don’t know what do to after an accident, can you help?

CRASH Services have created a new free Accident Advice Guide which explains your legal rights after an accident regardless of fault. You can download our Accident Advice Guide here or request a free physical copy.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Northern Ireland

Guide to Car Accident Procedures in Northern Ireland

Quick Summary: The First 60 Minutes

1. Check for injuries and move to safety.
2. Call 999 or 101: 999 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked. PSNI 101 for minor collisions.
3. Exchange Details: Get names, addresses, registrations, and insurance info.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle positions and road markings.
5. Arrange Recovery: Call CRASH Services (028 9066 0244) for recovery and independent assistance. You can legally choose your own provider.

If you’ve just been involved in a car accident ot road traffic collision (RTC) in Northern Ireland, the steps you take in the next two hours are critical. Under the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, you have specific legal duties at the scene.

This guide outlines exactly how to protect your safety, your legal rights, and your vehicle.

Step 1: Immediate Safety & Health Check

Before exiting your vehicle, ensure you are in a safe position.
Turn off the engine and switch on your hazard lights.
Check for injuries, including delayed symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or confusion. : Even if you feel “fine,” monitor yourself closely, symptoms can appear hours later
Exit safely: If on a busy road like the M1, A1, or M2, exit via the passenger door if possible and move behind the crash barrier.

Step 2: When to Call 999 vs. 101 in Northern Ireland

Situation	Action
Injuries or immediate danger	Call 999 immediately.
Road is blocked/dangerous	Call 999 for traffic management.
Minor crash (No injuries)	Call 101 or report via the PSNI Online Portal.
Hit and Run	Call 101 immediately while at the scene.

Pro Tip: Even for minor accidents, reporting via 101 gives you a Police Reference Number, which is vital for your insurance claim and for CRASH Services to expedite your case.

You can also report a road traffic accident on the PSNI Portal!

Step 3: Information You MUST Exchange

By law in NI, you must exchange details with the other party. Do not leave the scene until you have:

Full Name and Address of the driver.
Vehicle Registration Number (essential for checking insurance databases).
Insurance Company Name (and policy number if available).
Vehicle Owner Details (if the driver doesn’t own the car).

Step 4: Gathering Evidence for Your Claim

Providing high-quality evidence helps your claim succeed faster.

Photos: Capture the damage to all vehicles, the final resting positions, and any debris on the road.

Dashcam: If you have dashcam footage, secure the memory card immediately.

Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the incident before they leave.

Step 5: Should I Move My Car?

The PSNI advises that if there are no injuries and the vehicles are causing a hazard, you should move them to a safe location after taking quick photos of their original positions.

If there are serious injuries, do not move the vehicles until the police arrive.

Step 6: 24/7 Accident Recovery “Near Me”

You are not required to use your insurer’s nominated recovery service .

Drivers in Northern Ireland have the legal right to choose an independent accident recovery provider.

If you need a recovery truck in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, Newtownabbey, Newry, or anywhere in NI, CRASH Services offers 24/7 accident recovery.

Non-Fault Benefit: If the accident wasn’t your fault, CRASH can recover your vehicle and provide a like-for-like replacement at no cost to you (we recover costs from the at-fault insurer).

Specialised Towing: Our partner network across Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) are equipped for complex accident recovery that standard breakdown trucks cannot handle.

Step 7: Get Independent Advice Before Settling

The “claims process” can be overwhelming. Many insurers may direct you toward their own “approved” garages or fast settlements.

CRASH Services acts as your advocate. We ensure:

Your car is repaired at a garage of your choice.
You receive a like-for-like replacement vehicle immediately.
You have access to professional legal and medical support if needed.

Common Questions After a Car Accident in Northern Ireland

Do I have to report a minor car accident to the police in NI?

Yes, if you were unable to exchange details at the scene or if anyone was injured, you must report it to the PSNI within 24 hours.

Can I choose my own repair garage?

Absolutely. You have the legal right to choose who repairs your vehicle. Independent accident management companies like CRASH Services help protect this right.

What if the other driver has no insurance?

In Northern Ireland, you can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). CRASH Services can guide you through this specialised process.

For immediate assistance after a car accident in Northern Ireland, call CRASH Services on 028 9066 0244 or visit our offices in Newry, Belfast, Newtownabbey (Mallusk office) & Derry~Londonderry,

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Northern Ireland? (Step by Step Guide)

Quick Summary: The First 60 Minutes

Step 1: Immediate Safety & Health Check

Step 2: When to Call 999 vs. 101 in Northern Ireland

Step 3: Information You MUST Exchange

Step 4: Gathering Evidence for Your Claim

Step 5: Should I Move My Car?

Step 6: 24/7 Accident Recovery “Near Me”

Step 7: Get Independent Advice Before Settling

Common Questions After a Car Accident in Northern Ireland

Do I have to report a minor car accident to the police in NI?

Can I choose my own repair garage?

What if the other driver has no insurance?

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