How to Claim on Someone Else’s Car Insurance in the UK
If you’ve been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you might wonder what the process is to claim on someone else’s car insurance. In the UK, this is a common part of the wider process of car accident claims, and it’s important to know your rights and the correct steps to take to ensure everything is handled properly.
Key points
What to Do After the Accident
- Gather information from the other driver:
- Their name, address, and contact details (e.g. phone number)
- The vehicle registration
- Their insurance details and policy number (if possible)
- Photos of the scene, damage, and any injuries
- Contact details of any witnesses
- Report the Accident to Your Insurer:
Even if you’re not claiming through your own insurance, you still need to inform your insurer about the incident. This helps protect your policy and ensures your side of the story is logged. - Contact the Other Driver’s Insurer:
You can make a direct claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. This is called a third-party claim, and it can cover: vehicle repairs and replacement, hire car costs, personal injury, and other expenses. - Provide Evidence and Details:
You’ll need to give the other insurer a full account of the accident, along with supporting evidence like photos, dashcam footage, repair quotes, and medical records if claiming for injury. - Wait for the Outcome:
The other insurer will investigate the claim and decide whether to accept liability. If they accept, they’ll settle your claim. If not, you might need legal help to challenge it. It’s sometimes best to add legal cover to your policy to assist in these cases.
What If the Driver Isn’t Insured?
If the other driver is uninsured or you can’t trace them, you can make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which handles compensation in these cases.
The MIB can cover costs for personal injury and, in some situations, property damage, but you’ll need to provide strong evidence that the other driver was at fault. It’s important to report the incident to the police as soon as possible, as a police report is often required to support your claim. Be prepared for the process to take a little longer than a standard insurance claim, as additional checks are made.
Will my no-claims bonus be affected if I claim on someone else’s insurance?
No. As long as you’re not claiming through your own policy, your no-claims discount should remain untouched.
What if the other insurer denies liability?
You may need to gather more evidence or seek legal advice. In some cases, you can use your own insurance and let them pursue the claim on your behalf.
Can I claim directly, or should I use a claims management company?
You can claim directly, which avoids extra fees. Claims companies can help but may take a cut of any compensation.
Can I get a courtesy car while waiting for my vehicle to be repaired?
Yes, if the other insurer accepts liability. Some policies also include this as standard, so check your terms.
In Summary
- Claiming on someone else’s insurance is called a third-party claim
- It’s part of the broader process of handling car accident claims
- Always gather evidence and report the accident to your own insurer
- You can claim for repairs, injuries, and related costs if the other driver was at fault
Making a claim on someone else’s car insurance can feel daunting, but by acting quickly and knowing the process, you’ll improve your chances of a fair outcome.
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