First time in an accident? Here’s how to make a claim

If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s all too easy for your mind to go blank and let panic set in. But knowing what to do can help you stay calm and think clearly.

With tips on what you should do and how to make a claim, here’s advice from comparison site for cheap car insurance, mustard.co.uk.

What should I do in a car accident?

If you’re in an accident, you should:

• Stop the car and turn off your engine but keep your hazard lights on.
• Check to see if anyone is hurt (including any pedestrians) and call an ambulance if necessary.
• Call the police if the accident is serious or the road is blocked.
• Swap insurance details with other drivers but never apologise or take responsibility until it’s clear exactly what happened.

Do I need to call the police after an accident by law?

If the accident is minor, no one has been hurt and everyone has exchanged insurance details, there is no need to call the police.

However, there are certain scenarios where you will need to contact the police, for example, if:

• Anyone has been injured.
• The other driver refuses to give you their details.
• You think the other driver is under the influence of drink or drugs.
• The other driver has no car insurance.
• The other driver tries to leave the scene of the accident.
• There is damage to property including signposts, lamps and bollards.
• Specific animals have been injured (horses, cattle, asses, mules, sheep, pigs, goats and dogs).

If you need to call the police and you think the situation is an emergency, you’ll need to dial 999. Otherwise, you should contact the police on the non-emergency number 101 within 24 hours of the accident taking place.

When should I call my insurer about a car accident?

Ideally, you should call your insurer as soon as possible after an incident has taken place. If you want to make a claim, it’s even better to call your insurer from the scene of the accident. Although that might seem over the top, it means you’ll be able to answer any questions straightaway.

It’s also a good idea to note down as many details as you can about the accident. This includes information such as:

• The date and time.
• Weather conditions (for example, are the roads wet, has it been raining or is it foggy?)
• Contact details of any passengers in your car, other drivers, pedestrians or any other witnesses.
• Registration details of other cars involved.
• Details of the damage caused, if you have a smartphone, taking photos can be immensely helpful.

How do I make a claim on my car insurance after an accident?

Your insurer will have its own process for claims. Usually, you’ll find the details set out in your policy or on your insurer’s website.

In most cases, it’s simply a question of calling your insurance provider. The majority have a dedicated claims helpline which should be your first port of call. When you speak to the claims helpdesk (or your insurer’s equivalent) they’ll also be able to guide you through the process.

If you want to make a claim for repairs to your car, it’s absolutely vital to speak to your insurer before you have any work done. This is because some insurers will ask you to get several quotes before they approve the repairs. Others will have a list of approved garages and workshops that they’ll expect you to use. If you don’t speak to your insurer first and agree the repairs can go ahead, you might not get any compensation.

What can I make a car insurance claim for?

If you’ve got comprehensive car insurance and the accident was your fault, you should be able to make a claim for the damage done to your car. In contrast, third party policies will only pay to repair the other driver’s car.

If an accident wasn’t your fault, the other driver’s insurance should cover the cost of your repairs.

In terms of what else you can claim for, this will depend on what’s included in your specific policy. For example, legal expenses covers the cost of going to court, while personal injury cover can compensate you for injuries you’ve sustained.

Compare great value car insurance from the comfort of home

In an ideal world, car accidents wouldn’t happen but being prepared can make all the difference, which is why it’s so important to have car cover you can rely on.

The good news is that comparison sites like mustard.co.uk, make it simple and quick to find the car insurance that suits you. You can start a quote online right now or speak to a friendly expert on 0330 022 8812.