If you’ve had a bump or worse in your car, not only can it be shocking and upsetting; it can also add a big pile of stress and hassle to your day. Whatever car you’re driving, whether it’s a Honda, a Ford, or a Jaguar, brand new or ancient, if it wasn’t your fault, sorting it all out can feel like a real headache.
One thing that has got easier since the days before the internet and call centres is filling in claim forms. Insurance companies are much more approachable and helpful than they used to be.
Try to remember to get all the details you need from the other driver at the time of the accident – this includes their name and address, their insurance details. Note down their registration number and the make and model of their car. If possible get a name and telephone number from someone who witnessed the crash and who is willing to be contacted by your insurance company.
Phone the insurance company and get connected to the claims department. They can often take the details you give them and fill in a claim form on your behalf. Sometimes you can make the claim online – and this is useful as you’ll be able to track the progress of your claim at any time.
The process is usually very quick – one phonecall will probably get you to the point where you are given a time and date for an assessor to come and inspect the vehicle.
Sometimes, insurance companies decide to write a car off, if the repairs will be too costly. But if your car is a particularly solid make like a Honda, you may want to repair bodywork damage and keep what is essentially still a good car. You can discuss this with your insurance company and come to an arrangement if you want to keep the car.