Even a minor collision can lead to later injury or liability questions. IA guidance says to report to police and the insurer rather than hide an accident to protect a no-claim discount.
What to have ready
Before you start
Third-party, comprehensive and additional covers differ; compulsory third-party insurance should not be assumed to pay for your own vehicle. Excesses may vary with driver age, experience and circumstances, while depreciation and market value can affect settlement. Check the actual policy and insurer's instructions for repairs, approved repairers, notification dates and evidence. A premium receipt alone does not explain the full cover or claims procedure.
What to do, step by step
- Prioritise personal safety and obtain police or emergency assistance as appropriate. Where safe, record time, location, registration marks, parties and witnesses, preserving original dashcam files and photographs.
- Notify the insurer promptly and request its claim instructions. Describe the driver and events accurately, submit requested police, medical and damage records, and retain both police and insurance references.
- Check policy and insurer requirements before repairs, towing arrangements or private settlement, obtaining estimates and required approval. Do not discard damaged parts, erase footage or sign a final settlement before checking their effect on the claim.
- Compare the decision with cover wording, excess, valuation and deduction reasons. If disputed, complain to the insurer in writing and request a clear response before selecting an appropriate external dispute route.
Costs, timing, and things to check
IA handles regulatory and conduct complaints but cannot adjudicate policy claim disputes or order an insurer to pay. Check Insurance Complaints Bureau procedures for monetary disputes within its personal-policy remit. A regulatory complaint is not an award of compensation.
Confirm named-driver requirements and accident disclosure when buying or renewing. Notifying an accident and ultimately making a claim are different steps; ask the insurer how the wording affects the no-claim discount and any reinstatement arrangement.
A practical example
After a reversing collision, an owner wants to pay the other repair bill to preserve a discount. Reporting, preserving evidence and checking settlement requirements first makes later injury or additional-damage allegations easier to address than an undocumented payment.
Keep notification, evidence, repair approval and the written claim decision together.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.