Vehicle insurance – making a claim if you’re in an accident

Summary

* not admit at the scene that it was your fault * exchange names and other details with the other drivers and get details of any independent witnesses. If someone refuses to give you their details your insurer may be able to trace them through their vehicle registration number * tell your insurer about the accident straightaway, even if you don't want to make a claim * if someone is injured, show your insurance certificate or cover note to the police. If you can't do this at the scene take the documents to the police station within seven days * take photographs that you may be able to later use as evidence if you need to make a claim. If you have a comprehensive policy you should claim from your own insurer, but you may lose your no claims bonus if the insurer can't recover the money from the other driver's insurer. You can still claim from the other driver's insurer for any injuries or losses not covered by your own policy. These are called uninsured losses and can cover alternative transport while your own vehicle is being repaired, loss of earnings, personal injuries and the excess on your policy. You should keep any losses to a minimum and keep evidence of them. If you need to.

Key information

• •not admit at the scene that it was your fault
• •exchange names and other details with the other drivers and get details of any independent witnesses. If someone refuses to give you their details your insurer may be able to trace them through their vehicle registration number
• •tell your insurer about the accident straightaway, even if you don't want to make a claim
• •if someone is injured, show your insurance certificate or cover note to the police. If you can't do this at the scene take the documents to the police station within seven days
• •take photographs that you may be able to later use as evidence if you need to make a claim.
• •For more information see Car insurance - if the accident wasn’t your fault
• •* exchange names and other details with the other drivers and get details of any independent witnesses. If someone refuses to give you their details your insurer may be able to trace them through their vehicle registration number
• •* tell your insurer about the accident straightaway, even if you don't want to make a claim
• •* if someone is injured, show your insurance certificate or cover note to the police. If you can't do this at the scene take the documents to the police station within seven days
• •* take photographs that you may be able to later use as evidence if you need to make a claim.
• •If you have a comprehensive policy you should claim from your own insurer, but you may lose your no claims bonus if the insurer can't recover the money from the other driver's insurer.
• •You can still claim from the other driver's insurer for any injuries or losses not covered by your own policy. These are called uninsured losses and can cover alternative transport while your own vehicle is being repaired, loss of earnings, personal injuries and the excess on your policy.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [Vehicle insurance – making a claim if you’re in an accident](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/insurance/types-of-insurance/vehicle-insurance/vehicle-insurance-making-a-claim-if-you-re-in-an-accident/)

Related topics