How to make a claim if your car has been in an accident

If you have an accident:
• never admit that it was your fault at the scene of the accident, as
this could make your policy invalid
• exchange names, addresses, and insurance details with the drivers
of the other vehicles involved, and get the details of any
independent witnesses. If someone refuses to give you details
about themselves or their insurance, your insurer may be able to
trace them through the registration number of their car
• tell your insurer about the accident straight away, even if you do not
intend to make a claim. If you do not make a claim for the accident,
you will not risk losing your no claims bonus
• if someone has been injured you must produce your insurance
certificate (or cover note) to a police officer or anyone else with
reasonable grounds for wishing to see it. If you cannot do this at the
scene, you must produce it at a police station within seven days. If
you don't do this, the police can seize your vehicle and sell it
(although you can claim back the proceeds of the sale).

Third party, and third party fire and theft policies
Third party and third party fire and theft policies do not cover accidental
damage to your car, but they may cover damage or personal injury to the
other party, depending on who is to blame for the accident. Always make a
claim against the other party first, and allow the insurer to decide who is
responsible for the accident. If they decide that you are responsible, you will
have to pay for the repairs yourself.

To make a claim from the other driver, write to them saying that you intend
to make a claim from them. Say that you hold them responsible for the
accident and ask them to tell their insurer. Tell your own insurer that you are
claiming from the third party. The other driver must report the accident to their
own insurer before the claim can be dealt with. The insurer can only act on the
instructions of their own policy-holder. You can find out if there is an insurance
policy covering the other driver's vehicle, by looking up the Motor Insurance
Database. You can access this by contacting the Motor Insurer's
Information Centre (tel: 0845 165 2800, website: www.miic.org.uk).

If the driver was uninsured, or cannot be identified, the Motor Insurers
Bureau (MIB) may be able to settle your claim. In certain circumstances, an
insurer may be able to deal with your claim, even where the driver is
technically uninsured. To find out more about these circumstances, contact
the MIB on 01908 830001.

Comprehensive insurance policies
If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you should claim from your
own insurer. Be aware that you may lose your no claims bonus if your insurer
is unable to recover the money from the other driver's insurer. You will still
need to claim from the other driver's insurer for any injuries you have suffered
or any losses which are not covered by your insurance policy.

To make a claim, get a claim form from your insurer, or write to the other
driver or their insurer, giving full details of the accident and the driver's policy
number. Tell the insurer about any independent witnesses, and send them
any witness statements as soon as possible (you will need to provide
estimates if you are claiming on the other driver's insurance). If you used a
broker or an agent to buy your insurance policy, they may help you to prepare
your claim. Be sure to keep copies of all documents, including letters, claim
forms and statements.

Don't arrange to have your car repaired without the insurer's permission, as
you will be responsible for the cost. The insurer may ask an engineer or a
motor claims assessor to inspect your car, and use an approved repair firm to
carry out the work. Alternatively, you may be asked to get estimates yourself,
and send them to your insurer for approval before you can go ahead with the
repairs. You may have to pay part of the repair costs yourself if your vehicle
ends up in a better condition after it has been repaired than it was before.