How do I recover costs after a not-at-fault car accident in Victoria?
If another driver was at fault for a car accident in Victoria, you can usually recover your out-of-pocket costs — car repairs or replacement, a hire car while yours is off the road, towing, and your insurance excess — from the at-fault driver or their insurer. This is separate from any injury claim. Here's how it works.
What you can recover
Reasonable costs caused by the accident: repairs (or the market value if written off), towing and storage, a hire car for the time you're without yours, and your excess. Rideshare and taxi drivers can also claim loss of income.
How the claim works
You identify the at-fault driver, gather evidence (photos, details, a quote), and make a claim on them or their insurer. If they don't have insurance or won't pay, a lawyer can send a demand and, if needed, pursue it in court.
Injuries are separate
If you were also hurt, injury claims in Victoria usually go through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) scheme and have time limits — so get advice early on that side too.
Get help the easy way
Post your matter once on ORLA Connect and get matched with Victorian firms who handle not-at-fault recovery and explain their fees — privately, before you commit. Free and no obligation.
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Post your matter — freeCan I recover a hire car and my excess?
What if the other driver has no insurance?
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, post your matter and a matched Victorian law firm can help.