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.

Not a Drop, Not a Drag: Why Drink and Drug Driving Is Never Safe

The Dangers and Legal Penalties of Drinking and Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a scientific hazard that severely impairs your reaction time, vision, and judgment, significantly increasing your risk of a crash. Penalties are severe: convictions for driving under the influence or refusing a specimen can result in unlimited fines, multi-year driving bans, and up to 14 years in prison. Always check medications for side effects and remember that the only safe choice is to never drink or use drugs and drive.

It is a scientific fact that alcohol and drugs impair driving and increase your risk of crashing.
The legal alcohol limit for drivers in Northern Ireland is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood or 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.

Drinks
At under 1/3 of the legal limit your attention is impaired. You start to focus more on steering and miss out on other dangers like the child about to cross the road. Your alertness is impaired and the danger of sleepiness increases.
Lots of drugs can affect your ability to drive safely including some over-the-counter medicines (like cough and hay fever medicines) and many prescribed drugs. Always read the information leaflets that come with medicines carefully or ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice.

At under 1/2 of the legal limit, you are less vigilant and your perception is starting to show
Drugs slow down your reaction time, meaning you can’t respond to emergency situations as quickly.

By 3/4 of the legal limit your perception, vision and tracking abilities are impaired, including your ability to steer within your own lane.
You are unable to judge distances and speeds properly.

By 4/5 of the legal limit, your ability to think, react and make choices are impaired.
You believe you are in control and almost invincible, so you begin to take more risks.

The combined effect is that your judgement is impaired – making you take more risks.
Your eyesight becomes more blurred and you start to lose concentration.

Drugs
Lots of drugs can affect your ability to drive safely including some over-the-counter medicines (like cough and hay fever medicines) and many prescribed drugs. Always read the information leaflets that come with medicines carefully or ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice.

Drugs slow down your reaction time, meaning you can’t respond to emergency situations as quickly.

You are unable to judge distances and speeds properly. You believe you are in control and almost invincible, so you begin to take more risks.

Your eyesight becomes more blurred and you start to lose concentration.

Offences and Penalties
Causing death or grievous bodily injury by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs.
You could get:
• 14 years’ imprisonment an unlimited fine
• A ban from driving for at least two years
• An extended driving test before your licence is returned

Driving or attempting to drive when above the legal limit or unfit through drink or drugs.
You could get:
• six months’ imprisonment
• a fine of up to £5,000
• a ban from driving for at least 12 months or three years if convicted twice in 10 years
• a driving test before your licence is returned

Refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis.
You may get:
• six months’ imprisonment
• up to £5,000 fine
• a ban from driving for at least 12 months
• a driving test before your licence is returned

Being in charge of a vehicle when over the legal limit or unfit through drink/drugs.
You could get:
• three months imprisonment
• a fine of up to £2,500
• a possible ban from driving for a period decided by the District Judge

Source: New Driver NI

How CRASH Services Can Help You After A Car Crash or Accident

At CRASH Services, we specialise in helping drivers in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry and across Northern Ireland get back on the road quickly.

After an accident, our expert team will take care of:

And we do it all, at no cost to the not-at-fault driver.

Our service is free as we recover the costs from the third-party insurers.

Why Choose CRASH Services?

Established in 1996
Trusted by Hundreds of Thousands Local Northern Ireland Motorists
No Cost to You, Costs Recovered from Insurers
Complete Accident Management from Recovery to Repairs
99% Customer Recommendation Rate

Our Mission is Simple:

“To act with care for those involved in road traffic accidents.”

Need Help After an Accident in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry or anywhere across Northern Ireland?

Call us today on 028 9066 0244 or Request a Callback Today

CRASH Services, take care of everything, at no cost to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive after drinking alcohol?

No. Alcohol affects judgement, concentration, reaction times, coordination, and vision. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely and increase the risk of a collision.

Can I still be affected if I’m below the legal alcohol limit?

Yes. Impairment can begin before a driver reaches the legal limit. Alcohol can affect alertness, decision-making, and hazard perception even at relatively low levels.

How does alcohol affect driving ability?

Alcohol can:

Slow reaction times
Reduce concentration
Impair judgement
Affect vision and coordination
Increase risk-taking behaviour
Reduce awareness of hazards

Can drugs affect my ability to drive?

Yes. Illegal drugs, certain prescription medications, and some over-the-counter medicines can impair driving by affecting concentration, reaction times, coordination, and judgement.

Which medicines can affect driving?

Some common medications that may cause drowsiness or impair driving include:

Certain antihistamines
Some cough and cold remedies
Strong painkillers
Sleeping tablets
Certain antidepressants

Always read medication information carefully and seek advice if unsure.

What should I do before driving if I’m taking medication?

Check the patient information leaflet, follow medical advice, and never drive if you’ve been told the medication may impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.