How to Make a Claim for a Car Accident

You can make a claim on your motor insurance if your vehicle is in an accident. This article from attorney Joe Stephens will tell you everything you need to know before making a claim, and what to do if the other driver does not want to give you their details or does not have insurance. 

Here is what to do if you are in an accident:

Do not admit fault at the scene of the accident 
Get the details of other drivers and independent witnesses, and exchange names with the other drivers. Your insurer may use the vehicle registration number to trace the person who refused to give you their details
Even though you may not want to make a claim, inform your insurer about the accident immediately
Show your insurance certificate or cover note to the police if there is someone injured. Take these documents to the police station within seven days if you cannot do this at the scene of the accident
If you are making a claim, take pictures that you will use later as evidence 

If you have comprehensive insurance

You can claim from your own insurance company if you have a comprehensive policy. However, if the insurance company cannot recover the money from the insurer of the other driver, you may lose your no claims bonus.

You can still claim from the insurance company of the other driver for any losses or injuries that your own policy does not cover. These are known as uninsured losses, and they can cover the excess on your policy, personal injuries, loss of earnings, and alternative transport as your car is being repaired. 

You should keep evidence of any losses and keep them to a minimum. Hire a car that is similar to your own car if you need to hire another car. 

Get a form from your insurance company or write to the other driver or their insurance company and give them details of the accident and the policy number of the other driver if you want to make a claim. Tell your insurance company about the independent witnesses. If you can, send witness statements to them. A broker or an agent can help you if you used them to buy your policy. Ensure you keep copies of all letters and documents. 

If you have third party insurance

Allow the insurance company to decide the party responsible for the accident after making a claim against the other driver. You will have to pay for repairs for your car if they say you are responsible for the accident. 

Tell the other driver you want to claim from them if you want to claim from the other driver. Let the company know what has happened if the other driver was driving a company vehicle. Tell your insurance company that you have done this. The other driver needs to report the accident to their insurance company. Contact the Motor Insurance Database to find out if the other driver has insurance. 

Forward the letter or claim form to your insurance company if you have been in an accident and the other driver sends you a letter or claim form.