I've been in an accident!
What should i do?

Don't panic!

Don't panic.

Easier said than done in most cases but good advice non the less.

01

Make sure you get the third party details.

At MINIMUM, you need their name and vehicle reg. Without both you are unlikely to make a full recovery on your claim and it may go against your policy.

02

Gather evidence.

In no particular order: independent witness statements, dash-cam or cctv footage, a picture of where the incident took place with both vehicles in place and a clear a concise diagram with combined statement.

03

Document all contact with the other party.

Any contact with the third party should be done via electronic means. This way screan shoots can be made for text/what's-app or messengers apps and emails forwarded to insurance companies.

04

Keep your insurance company up to date.

Any new contact with the third party should be passed to your own insurer and followed up on by yourself.

What if I can't get the above information?

1. Third party refuses to give over details.

Contact the police via the non emergency 101 and report the incident. It is an offence not to hand over those details, Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and your insurance company will be able to collect those details once the police have them. This needs to be done within 24 hours of the incident.

2. I have no evidence.

Reach out to local road traffic groups on social media for potential witnesses or local businesses may have CCTV. Without clear evidence to prove liability, unless the third party is completely honest about liability, the claim may settle as spilt with both parties insurance premiums affected.

3. The third party accepted liability at the scene and has now changed their mind.

In the end it comes down to what you can prove. If you cant prove that the this party has accepted liability it becomes the age old "he said, she said" situation.

UK Motor Insurance Claims

I've been in an accident!What should i do?