RAC Insurance Claim In WA: How The Smash Repair Process Works

A collision on the freeway, a runaway trolley in the car park, a stranger reversing into your parked car. However it happens, the hours afterwards are stressful. You’re shaken, the car’s a mess, and you’re wondering what comes next. A bit hectic, right? If you’re insured with RAC in Western Australia, the process is more straightforward than most people expect. This guide walks you through each stage of a RAC smash repair claim, from the moment of impact to the day you collect your car.

Before You Lodge a RAC Insurance Claim: What to Do at the Scene

What you do in the first few minutes makes the damaged car insurance claim smoother. Here’s what to do (for the full checklist, read our guide on what to do after a car accident in Perth):

• Check that everyone is safe, and then move to a safe spot if your car is drivable.
• Call 000 if the accident involves injuries or the road is blocked.
• Take photos of all vehicles, the damage, number plates, the surrounding area, and any road signs.
• Swap names, phone numbers, addresses, and registration details with the other driver.
• Note the time, location, and weather, and grab witness details if anyone stopped.
• Don’t admit fault at the scene and never say sorry out of courtesy. Share the facts and leave liability decisions to your insurer.

Here’s your answer to a RAC insurance claim in WA: how the smash repair process works.

Step 1: Lodge Your Claim With RAC

You can start your car insurance claim online or by phone. Having your policy number, photos, and the other driver’s details ready can speed things up. When you lodge online, you’ll find out upfront whether an excess will apply to your claim.

The claims team will ask what happened, where, and who was involved in the car accident. Answer every question honestly and completely. Missing details can create problems with your RAC insurance claim.

Step 2: Understand Your Excess

An excess is the portion of the claim you pay yourself. It’s set when you take out the policy, and you generally pay it before smash repairs begin.

A few things affect what you pay:

• Basic excess: The standard amount on your policy.
• Age or inexperienced driver excess: May apply if the driver was under 25 or newly licensed.
• Unlisted driver excess: Your insurer may charge an additional excess if the driver is not named on your policy.

If the other driver was clearly at fault and is identified, you may be able to recover your excess later. It’s worth asking your claims team about this, and reading how not-at-fault claims work. If you caused the collision, our at-fault car accident insurance claim cost guide explains what to expect.

Step 3: Towing and Temporary Repairs

Sometimes damage means your car cannot be driven safely. RAC covers the reasonable cost of towing to the nearest approved repairer or a safe location agreed with your insurer. In Western Australia, towing is regulated by the government, so be cautious of tow truck operators who arrive at the scene without being called. It’s better to call your insurer first.

When the damage means the car is not safe to drive home, essential temporary repairs may be covered too.

Step 4: The Smash Repairer and the Assessment

This is where the actual smash repair process starts. Your car goes to a professional smash repairer of your choice or an insurer-approved repairer network for inspection, and an assessment is prepared.

The assessor looks at:

• Visible panel and paint damage
• Structural and mechanical damage
• Safety systems such as airbags and sensors
• Parts needed and the labour hours involved

The repairer then submits the quote to RAC for approval. Once approved, the claim is authorised, and the accident repair work is scheduled.

Choice of Smash Repairer

Depending on your policy, you can choose your own professional smash repairer across Perth, Western Australia. Third-party fire and theft and third-party property damage car insurance don’t cover repairs to your own car after an accident, so the choice of repairer doesn’t apply.

Comprehensive car insurance policies may include “choice of repairer.” Check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you choose, because an unauthorised repair can complicate the claim. If your RAC car insurance doesn’t include choice, you can choose a repairer from their approved network. Learn more in our guide: Can I choose my own smash repairer in WA?

Step 5: Smash Repairs Get Underway

A quality smash repair is more than quick panel beating and a full car respray in Perth.

A reputable smash repairer will handle:

• Panel beating and plastic bumper repair to bring the body back to factory shape.
• Paint matching using the manufacturer’s colour code, so the new paint blends seamlessly with the old.
• Structural and chassis alignment on a computerised measuring system, where needed.
• Parts replacement, using genuine OEM or aftermarket parts that meet the insurer’s authorisation.
• Recalibration of driver assistance systems such as cameras and radar, which can be affected by even a minor front or rear impact.
• Dent removal, windscreen replacement, hail damage repair and scratch repairs.
• Final car detailing and quality check before handover.

What If There’s Hidden Damage?

Sometimes repairers see the full damage only once panels come off. When that happens, the repairer lodges a supplementary claim for the extra work. It’s a normal part of the smash repair process, but it takes more time. The repairer completes the job properly rather than patching it over.

Step 6: Your Hire Car in Perth

A smash repair can take days or weeks depending on the damage and parts availability. RAC comprehensive cover includes a hire car in certain circumstances, for example after theft or a not-at-fault incident. Eligibility can vary depending on your policy conditions.

Check your PDS to confirm what applies to you. If you’re covered, RAC may arrange a hire car of a similar size, which generally runs until the repairs are finished or the claim is settled. If you weren’t at fault, see how our not-at-fault car hire in Perth keeps you on the road.

Step 7: Collecting Your Car

When the repairs are done, the smash repairer will let you know.

Before you sign off:

• Walk around your repaired car in good daylight.
• Check for panel gaps, paint finish, and colour match.
• Test lights, sensors, cameras, and the infotainment screen.
• Ask about the repair report and any warranty paperwork.

Repairs completed by RAC-authorised repairers come with a lifetime guarantee on workmanship and materials, so you’re covered for as long as you own the car. If something doesn’t look right, speak up straight away.

What Happens If Your Car Is Written Off?

Sometimes the cost of collision repair outweighs the value of the car. In this case, your car may be declared a write-off, and RAC settles the claim based on your policy’s cover, which can be an agreed value or market value. Your PDS explains which conditions apply. Some policies also include new car replacement if your vehicle is written off within a specified period, so check your cover for details. Read more in Is my car a write-off? WA assessment and WOVR rules.

Does Making a Claim Affect Your No-Claim Bonus?

It can. A no-claim bonus rewards a claim-free year with a discount on your premium. An at-fault claim may reduce it, while a not-at-fault claim where the other party is identified often doesn’t. Some policies let you protect your maximum bonus for an extra fee. For small damage close to your excess, compare the likely repair cost first using our Perth smash repair cost guide, and ask our team for a quote before you lodge.

RAC Member Benefits: Extras That Make Claims Easier

Lodging a claim shouldn’t add to the stress. RAC includes a few extras that keep things moving:

• Easy lodging: Call 13 17 03 or start your claim online, whichever way suits you.
• Glass repairs: $0 excess if your damaged windscreen or window glass only needs repair. See does car insurance cover windscreen replacement in Perth?
• Tools of trade: Up to $1,000 if your work tools are stolen or damaged in a covered incident.
• Temporary cover for a new car: If you replace your car, the new one is covered for 14 days from purchase.
• Hire car after a not-at-fault accident: A similar small-sized car while your vehicle is being repaired.

Tips for a Smoother RAC Insurance Claim in Perth, WA

• Lodge your claim early, including for malicious damage.
• Keep every photo of the damage, receipt, and email in one folder.
• Don’t authorise repairs before RAC approves the quote.
• Ask your repairer to explain any supplementary costs in plain English.
• Read your PDS so there are no surprises on excess, hire car, or choice of repairer.

Quick Checklist: RAC Insurance Claim

• Policy number and licence details.
• Photos of the damage, number plates, and scene.
• Other driver’s name, contact details, and insurer.
• Police event number, if police attended.
• Excess amount and hire car eligibility confirmed.
• Repairer choice checked against your PDS.
• Repairs approved by RAC before work begins.
• Final inspection done and guarantee paperwork collected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a RAC smash repair take?

• Assessment and insurer approval: 2 to 5 business days
• Minor cosmetic damage (scrapes, small dents): 1 to 4 days
• Single panel replacement: 2 to 4 days for paint and refinish alone
• Moderate damage (multiple panels): about 1 to 2 weeks
• Major or structural damage: 3 weeks or more
• Hidden damage found mid-repair: add a few days while the insurer approves the extra work

For a detailed breakdown, read how long do car repairs take.

What are insurance reference bureaus, and do they affect my claim?

Insurance reference bureaus are databases where insurers share claim information. When you lodge a claim, RAC may check details such as prior claims and vehicle history to verify what you have told them. It’s routine, so just make sure everything you share is complete and accurate.

Does my insurance history affect my premium after a smash repair claim?

It can. Your insurance history, including at-fault claims, affects how your policy is priced and whether your no-claim bonus changes. A not-at-fault claim may reduce the impact. Ask RAC before lodging if you’re unsure.

What if the other driver has an uninsured vehicle?

Don’t panic. Collect their name, address, licence, and rego details at the scene and take clear photos of the damage and number plate. Then tell RAC straight away when you lodge the claim. Your comprehensive policy can still respond to your own property damage, and RAC can advise on recovering costs from the at-fault party where possible.

How can RAC member service help with my claim?

RAC member service can answer questions about your policy, excess, and what your cover includes. Call them if you’re unsure about hire car eligibility, repairer choice, or where your claim is up to. Keep your policy number handy so they can help faster.

Need a Qualified Smash Repairer in Perth?

A good claim is half the story of car accident damage. The other half is the smash repairer you choose. Choose a workshop with proven panel beating, accurate paint matching, and honest communication, and you’ll get your car back on time. At Alpha Smash Repair, we work with all major insurers and handle RAC insurance claims on your behalf. Our certified technicians spot major and minor issues and repair your car using genuine OEM parts and the latest technology. We provide clear, honest updates so you can focus on getting back on the road faster.

Send us three photos of the damage, or bring your car in for a thorough assessment. Visit our car insurance claim page, contact us online, or call us on 08 6287 9078.