We are not APIA
This is an independent guide written by Crash Repairs Melbourne Co, a repair and accident management business. We are not an insurer and are not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting for any insurer named on this page. To make a claim on your APIA policy, contact APIA directly:
APIA contact details checked on 15 October 2026. Always confirm on your policy documents.
APIA focuses on drivers aged 50 and over — and after an accident, not having to organise drop-offs, lifts and hire cars yourself makes a real difference.
First: was the other driver at fault?
If another driver caused the accident and they’re insured, you can usually claim your repairs and a replacement car directly from their insurer — without making a claim on your APIA policy. That typically means no excess to pay and nothing added to your claims history with APIA.
Many policies still require you to tell your insurer about an accident even when you don’t claim. Telling APIA isn’t the same as claiming — check your policy wording.
This is what we do: collect your car, arrange a comparable replacement car, manage the repair and recover the costs from the at-fault driver’s insurer. How not-at-fault claims work.
If you need to claim with APIA
If you were at fault, it was a single-vehicle accident, or the other driver is unknown or uninsured, you’ll usually claim on your own policy. Contact APIA directly using the official details on this page.
Many comprehensive policies let you choose your own repairer. Check your APIA Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the conditions that apply to your policy. If your policy allows it, you can ask for your repair to be done through us — we’ll collect the car and work with APIA’s assessment process. Insurance repairs.
Claiming on your APIA policy?
Ask APIA: “Can I nominate Crash Repairs Melbourne Co as my repairer?”
Many comprehensive policies let you choose who repairs your car — it’s often called “choice of repairer”. If yours does, you can name us when you lodge your claim (or afterwards). APIA still assesses and approves the repair as part of your claim; we look after everything else.
What to say when you call or lodge online
“I’d like to nominate Crash Repairs Melbourne Co as my repairer. Their number is 0470 530 742.”
- We collect your car — or you drop it off
- We work with the assessor and handle the paperwork
- Courtesy car to keep you on the road
- Text updates until your car is back
Not every policy includes choice of repairer, and conditions vary — check your APIA Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or ask APIA when you call. Then send us your claim number and we’ll take it from there.
Before you call anyone
- Get the other driver’s name, address, phone and registration
- Take photos of both cars, the number plates and the scene
- Save dashcam footage and note any witnesses
- If anyone is hurt or details weren’t exchanged, contact police
Full checklist: what to do after a car accident.