Car Insurance After an Accident

Vehicle Insurance: What You Need to Know

Vehicle insurance is required before you drive on UK roads. It provides coverage for accidents or injuries that might occur involving other people or vehicles. When you process repairs after an accident, you typically don’t need to pay out of pocket, as your insurance will cover the costs. The level of coverage varies by policy, so it’s important to review your insurance agreement before making a claim.

Types of Vehicle Insurance:

1. Comprehensive Insurance:
   If you have comprehensive insurance, you can file a claim through your insurance provider for both your damages and third-party damages. However, if your insurer can’t recover the costs or compensation from the other party’s insurance, you may lose your claim bonus.
   
   
2. Third-Party Cover:
   This covers damage to other vehicles and property if the accident is your fault. If the other driver is at fault, you can claim for repairs and losses from their insurance. If you’re found at fault, you’ll need to pay for the other party’s repairs and any associated costs.
   
   
3. Third-Party, Fire & Theft Insurance:
   This policy covers damage to your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged by fire, as well as third-party injuries or damages. However, it doesn’t cover accident-related repairs unless the driver at fault is uninsured.

Making a Claim:

If you’re involved in an accident, follow these steps:

1. Don’t Admit Responsibility:
   Do not admit fault at the scene of the accident or sign any documents without consulting your insurance.
   
   
2. Gather Evidence:
   Collect evidence from the scene, including photos of the vehicles, witness details, a police report, and any other supporting documents.
   
   
3. Report to Your Insurance:
   Contact your insurance provider immediately, providing them with all necessary details about the accident, including the other driver’s insurance information.
   
   
4. Medical Records:
   Visit a doctor or hospital to document any injuries you sustained from the accident.
   
   
5. Witness Details:
   Collect contact information from any witnesses who can support your claim.
   
   
6. Legal Assistance:
   A solicitor can help you investigate the claim, manage the process, and ensure all the accident details are included in the claim.

What Happens If Your Vehicle is Written Off?

If your insurer determines your vehicle is beyond repair, they’ll offer you the market value of your vehicle at the time of the accident. If the other driver is uninsured or fled the scene, the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) may help settle your claim.

• Non-Fault Claim:
  In a non-fault claim, the driver at fault admits responsibility, and their insurance will cover the cost of repairs and compensation.
  
  
• At-Fault Claim:
  If you are found at fault, your insurance will cover repairs for the other party, but you may have to pay for your damages.

Insurance Excess:

When making a claim, you may need to pay an excess – a certain amount toward the cost of repairs. This could be a compulsory or voluntary excess. For example, if your damage totals £900 and your excess is £400, you will need to pay £400, and your insurer will cover the remaining £500.

• Non-Fault Accidents:
  If the accident wasn’t your fault, your insurance company may waive the excess, as they will recover the costs from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
  
  
• Young or New Drivers:
  Young or inexperienced drivers may have higher excess amounts.

Claims Bonus:

If you want to preserve your no-claims bonus, you can recover the cost from the other driver’s insurance rather than filing a claim with your own. This way, your no-claims discount remains unaffected.

What If You’re Involved in an Accident Abroad?

If you have an accident while abroad:

1. Contact the police, but do not accept responsibility or sign any documents.
   
2. Notify your insurance provider and manage the claim as soon as you return to the UK.
   
3. You should report the accident within two weeks of the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What happens if I don’t inform my insurance about previous car accidents?
Your insurance provider may check databases to cross-reference any undisclosed accidents. Failing to inform them can affect your coverage and premium.

Do non-fault claims need to be declared?
Yes, non-fault claims should be reported to your insurer, as they will be recorded in their databases for reference.

Why does a road accident claim affect insurance premiums?
Your insurance premium is influenced by your claims history. If you’ve had an accident, even if you weren’t at fault, insurers may raise your premium based on your claims record.

How does a non-fault claim affect my no-claims discount?
In some cases, your no-claims discount may be reduced if you make a non-fault claim unless your policy protects it.

Where can I buy car insurance?
Car insurance can be purchased from insurance agents, brokers, or directly from insurance companies. If you need help, we can guide you through your options.

When should I buy my car insurance?
You should purchase car insurance before you drive your vehicle. It’s illegal to drive without insurance, and it can result in fines or penalties.