What to do in the event of an accident

If you are involved in an accident or your car is stolen, call Claimline on 0870 240 1895 (or 0044 23 92205450 if you are phoning from outside the United Kingdom). Lines are open 24 hours a day.

The following guidelines will help us to help you with your claim.

1. Stop your car if you:

• have an accident with another vehicle;
• hit a pedestrian;
• hit certain animals (for example, farm animals or dogs); or
• hit another person's property.

It is against the law to drive away.

2. Exchange all details

Make sure you get:

• the names, phone numbers and addresses of everyone involved (including any witnesses);
• the details of their insurance companies (including names and policy numbers if the people know them); and
• the registration numbers of the cars involved.

3. Show your certificate of motor insurance

• If someone is injured in the accident, you must show your certificate of motor insurance to anyone who has a good reason for asking to see it.
• You must also tell the police within 24 hours of the incident, and also show them your certificate of motor insurance

4. Do not admit the accident was your fault or offer any payment

Accidents are stressful, but it is essential that you do not:

• admit you are to blame; or
• offer to pay anything;

as it could be difficult for us to manage your claim and may also affect your rights.

Please tell us if any other person admits the accident was their fault.

5. Write down all the facts

Write down all the facts of the accident as soon as possible, no matter how trivial the fact may seem at the time – these facts may help us prove your case.

• If possible, take a photo of the scene. It is a good idea to carry a small disposable camera in your car at all times.
• If you do not have a camera, draw a diagram of the scene. Show as much detail as you can – for example, the position of all the cars involved (before and after the accident), road names, road signs and markings, the width of the road, skid marks, where the witnesses were, and anything that was blocking your and other people's views.
• Write down what the weather was like, including whether it affected visibility (for example, fog) and the condition of the road.
• If anyone is injured, write down their name and their injury.

6. Letters and documents

You must send us all letters and documents you receive to do with the accident. Do not answer them yourself. Do not try to deal with any claim unless we have agreed this with you.

7. Theft

If your car or its contents are stolen, you must report it to the police as soon as possible.

8. Note

It will help speed up your claim if you have all your documents to hand when you make your claim, such as your:

• certificate of motor insurance;
• driving licence;
• vehicle registration document (V5 or V5C); and
• MOT test certificate (if it applies).

We will then guide you through the claims process.