How to Make a Car Insurance Claim Step-by-Step
If you have been involved in an accident, knowing how to make a car insurance claim can make the process much less stressful. Acting quickly and gathering the right information will help your insurer process your claim faster.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Check for injuries and move to a safe place if possible. Call emergency services if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked.
Step 2: Gather Information
Collect the following details:
- Other driver’s name and contact details
- Registration number
- Insurance details
- Photos of the damage and scene
- Witness contact details
Step 3: Notify Your Insurer
Contact your insurer as soon as possible, even if you do not intend to claim. Delays could affect your policy.
Step 4: Submit Evidence
To support your claim, your insurer will usually ask you to provide as much evidence as possible. This may include photographs of the damage to all vehicles involved, contact details for any witnesses, dash cam footage, and a written account of exactly what happened. In some cases, they may also request police reference numbers, repair estimates, or copies of any correspondence with the other driver. Providing clear and detailed evidence can help speed up the claims process and improve the chances of a smooth resolution.
Step 5: Vehicle Assessment
Once your claim has been submitted, your insurer will arrange for your car to be assessed. This could involve sending an engineer to inspect the vehicle in person or asking you to take it to an approved repair garage. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the extent of the damage and estimate the cost of repairs. If the repair costs are higher than the vehicle’s market value, the insurer may decide that the car is a total loss, also known as a write-off.
Step 6: Car Insurance Claim Decision
After reviewing the evidence and the vehicle assessment report, the insurer will make a decision on your claim. They will determine who was at fault for the incident and confirm what your policy covers. This decision will affect whether your insurer pays for repairs, provides a settlement, or recovers costs from the other driver’s insurer if they were responsible. If there is a dispute over liability, the process may take longer while additional evidence is reviewed.
Step 7: Repairs or Settlement
Once your claim is approved, your insurer will either authorise repairs to your vehicle or offer you a cash settlement. For repairable cars, the insurer will usually send the vehicle to one of their approved garages, where the work often comes with a guarantee. When the insurer declares a vehicle a write-off, they will pay its current market value, minus any applicable excess. Depending on your policy, your insurer may also provide a courtesy car while the garage repairs your vehicle.
Make Claims Easier with Rooster
Rooster includes free Accident Assist, which helps with non-fault claims, provides a same-day replacement vehicle, and offers £50 cashback when your claim is successful.
Download the Rooster app today to keep all your motoring tools in one place.
