No one wants to make an insurance claim, but accidents happen. When they do, being prepared can make all the difference in avoiding stress, delays, and unexpected costs.
From knowing what to do at the scene of an accident to choosing the right policy add-ons, here’s how you can make the claims process as smooth as possible.
Three things to remember
1. Exchange details
Always swap details with any other vehicles involved. Insurers can use registration numbers to trace the owner.
It may be that there are other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists nearby who witnessed the crash. Ask any independent witnesses for their details too.
2. Get your camera out
Take photos of each vehicle and any damage. If you have a dashcam, make sure you download and keep the recording. The other party may have one too, and you can ask for a copy of the footage.
Depending on the incident, other people nearby may also have been recording on their dashcams or phones.
3. Tell your insurer
If you’ve been in an accident, then you need to report it to your insurer as soon as possible –even if you don’t want to claim. You can simply inform them of the incident, if you’ve worked out that it would be cheaper to pay for the repairs than lose out on your No Claims Bonus.
And if you do want to claim, then you must tell your insurer so that the process can begin. Check your policy wording, as there may be a timeframe within which you must report the incident. Failing to do so can give your insurer the right to refuse to cover you in the future.
How can your policy make a claim easier?
There are also some steps you can take to ensure your policy protects you properly, helping you avoid a claims crisis in the worst-case scenario!
1. Protect your No Claims Bonus
For each year that you don’t claim, you earn a year’s No Claims Bonus. This can really build up over a number of years! No Claims Bonus protection is something that you can add to your cover so that you don’t lose the benefits of your NCB if you had to claim.
2. Consider Legal Cover
Another addition you can opt for is legal cover. It can provide invaluable if you make a non-fault claim, allowing you to pursue uninsured losses.
Legal costs following an accident can easily reach thousands of pounds. Without motor legal protection cover, you would be responsible for covering these expenses if you wanted to pursue a compensation claim against another party. This could leave you out of pocket or even stop you from making a claim altogether.
Typically, motor insurance cover includes legal expenses related to:
- Personal injury (either to you or your passengers)
- Damage to your car
- Cost of a hire car
- Loss of earnings, meaning that if you are unable to work because of an accident, you will receive compensation for it.
3. Check if you’ll get a courtesy car
If you’re involved in an accident and your car is damaged but can be repaired, you may be eligible for a courtesy car while it’s in the garage. Whether you qualify depends on who was responsible for the accident and the level of insurance coverage you have.
If you were at fault and have comprehensive cover, a courtesy car may be included. However, it’s best to check your policy’s terms and conditions, as some insurers only offer this as an optional extra for an additional fee.
On the other hand, if you have third-party or third-party, fire and theft insurance, a courtesy car is less likely to be included. Reviewing your policy details will confirm whether this is covered. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be able to claim a courtesy car through the other driver’s insurance.
How do I make an insurance claim?
One of the benefits of using a broker is that an insurance expert can deal with claims for you! From reporting claims, organising repairs, sorting a hire vehicle and much more. A broker, such as Howden, is there to help make your experience as easy and straightforward as possible.
If you’re not sure what’s included in your motor policy, pop into your local Howden branch or give the team a call and we’ll be happy to take a look!
Sources: Money Saving Expert, Which?
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- The older driver’s handbook
- Is your home in a new flood hotspot?
- Dashcams and driver scores – do they reduce your premium?
- Should pavement parking be banned?
This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.