Do I have to notify my insurer even if I don't plan to claim?

Most policies require you to notify the insurer of any incident involving your vehicle, even if you decide not to claim. Failing to notify can be treated as a breach of policy conditions and may give the insurer grounds to deny a future claim related to the same incident. Check your policy wording for the notification time limit — it is often as short as 24–48 hours.

The other driver offered to pay privately — should I accept?

It is generally not advisable. Injuries and hidden vehicle damage can appear days after an accident. If you settle privately and the other driver later denies involvement or their offer falls short of actual costs, you may have no legal recourse. The ABI guidance on road accidents strongly recommends always exchanging details regardless of any agreement to settle.

What happens to my no-claims bonus if I was not at fault?

If the other party's insurer accepts full liability and your insurer is reimbursed, your no-claims bonus is usually protected. However, while the claim is in progress your insurer may record it as an "open claim," which can temporarily affect your renewal quote. Ask your insurer to confirm in writing that your no-claims bonus will be reinstated once liability is settled.

Can I choose my own repairer?

Many insurers offer an "approved repairer" network and may try to direct your vehicle there. In most jurisdictions, you have the right to use a repairer of your choice, though the insurer may only guarantee work carried out by their approved network. The NAIC consumer guide has state-specific information on your rights regarding vehicle repair.

How long does a motor claim typically take to resolve?

Simple single-vehicle claims with clear liability can be resolved in a few weeks. Multi-vehicle accidents with disputed liability or personal injury claims can take months or longer. The Financial Ombudsman (UK) notes that most motor complaints stem from delays or disputes over liability rather than the claims process itself.

Guide Motor 7 min read Reviewed 2026-10-14

After a motor accident: a step-by-step guide

What to do in the moments after a road accident — from making the scene safe to notifying your insurer and navigating the claims process with confidence.

At the scene: the first five minutes

Your safety and the safety of others takes absolute priority. Legal obligations, insurance notifications, and claim decisions can all wait until you and everyone involved is safe.

Stop and make the scene safe. Switch on hazard lights, turn off the engine, and move vehicles off the road if it is safe to do so. In most countries you are legally required to stop after an accident — leaving the scene is a criminal offence.

Check for injuries. Call emergency services immediately if anyone is hurt. Do not move injured people unless there is an immediate danger (e.g. fire). Keep yourself calm and out of the flow of traffic.

Exchange details with every driver involved. You need: full name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, insurer name, and policy number. Take a photo of their driving licence and insurance certificate if they will allow it.

Record the scene. Photograph the position of all vehicles, damage, road markings, signage, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. Note the time, date, and precise location. Gather names and contact details of any independent witnesses.

Do not admit fault. Even an apology can be used as an admission of liability. Stick to factual exchanges of information. Liability is determined by your insurer and, if necessary, a court — not at the roadside.

Within 24 hours: notify your insurer

Most motor policies require notification of any accident within 24–48 hours, regardless of whether you intend to make a claim. Failure to notify within the required period can be treated as a breach of policy conditions. Call your insurer's claims line or report online using the details on your policy schedule.

Have the following ready when you call:

Your policy number and vehicle registration
Date, time, and location of the accident
A brief factual description of what happened
Details of the other vehicles and drivers involved
Names and contact details of any witnesses
A crime reference number if police attended

The ABI motor claims guidance provides a full checklist of what UK insurers expect at first notification.

What happens during the claims process

Claim registered

Your insurer opens a claim file and assigns a claims handler. You will receive a claim reference number — keep this for all future correspondence.

Vehicle assessment

An assessor or approved repairer will inspect the vehicle. They will produce a repair estimate or declare the vehicle a total loss if repair costs exceed the vehicle's market value.

Liability investigation

Both insurers exchange evidence to determine who was at fault. This may take days or weeks, especially if liability is disputed. Your insurer will update you at key milestones.

Settlement or repair authorisation

Once liability is agreed, your insurer will either authorise repairs or make a cash settlement for a total loss. If you are not at fault, your insurer will seek to recover costs from the at-fault insurer — a process called subrogation.

When liability is disputed

If the other driver's insurer disputes fault, the process becomes longer and more adversarial. You can strengthen your position by:

Providing dashcam footage if available
Submitting independent witness statements
Obtaining a police report if officers attended
Keeping a contemporaneous record of all communications

If you are unhappy with how your own insurer is handling the dispute, you can raise a formal complaint and ultimately escalate to the financial ombudsman. Our full claims guide covers the dispute and escalation process in detail. The Financial Ombudsman's motor insurance page explains what it can and cannot adjudicate on.

If your vehicle is a total loss

A vehicle is declared a total loss (write-off) when the cost to repair it exceeds a threshold — typically its market value. If this happens:

Your insurer will offer the pre-accident market value, not the original purchase price or replacement cost (unless you have agreed value or new-for-old cover).
You can negotiate the valuation if you believe it is too low — provide evidence of comparable vehicles for sale in the same condition.
You may be able to buy back the salvage at a reduced settlement, allowing you to repair or sell the vehicle privately.
Check whether you have gap insurance, which covers the difference between the insurer's settlement and any outstanding finance.

Motor claims FAQ

Frequently asked questions

: Most policies require you to notify the insurer of any incident involving your vehicle, even if you decide not to claim. Failing to notify can be treated as a breach of policy conditions and may give the insurer grounds to deny a future claim related to the same incident. Check your policy wording for the notification time limit — it is often as short as 24–48 hours.
: It is generally not advisable. Injuries and hidden vehicle damage can appear days after an accident. If you settle privately and the other driver later denies involvement or their offer falls short of actual costs, you may have no legal recourse. The ABI guidance on road accidents strongly recommends always exchanging details regardless of any agreement to settle.
: If the other party's insurer accepts full liability and your insurer is reimbursed, your no-claims bonus is usually protected. However, while the claim is in progress your insurer may record it as an "open claim," which can temporarily affect your renewal quote. Ask your insurer to confirm in writing that your no-claims bonus will be reinstated once liability is settled.
: Many insurers offer an "approved repairer" network and may try to direct your vehicle there. In most jurisdictions, you have the right to use a repairer of your choice, though the insurer may only guarantee work carried out by their approved network. The NAIC consumer guide has state-specific information on your rights regarding vehicle repair.
: Simple single-vehicle claims with clear liability can be resolved in a few weeks. Multi-vehicle accidents with disputed liability or personal injury claims can take months or longer. The Financial Ombudsman (UK) notes that most motor complaints stem from delays or disputes over liability rather than the claims process itself.