Getting into your first car accident is stressful enough without worrying about how insurance claims actually work. If you’re a young driver facing your first claim, this guide breaks everything down into simple steps so you know exactly what to do.
What Happens When You Have an Accident?
The moments after an accident can feel overwhelming. Before you even think about insurance, make sure everyone is safe. If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately.
Once you’ve checked everyone is okay, there are some important things to do at the scene:
- Don’t say sorry or admit it was your fault (even if you think it was)
- Swap names, addresses, and phone numbers with the other driver
- Write down their car registration number and insurance details
- Take photos of all the damage to both cars
- Get contact details from any witnesses
- Note down the exact location, time, and weather conditions
You must tell your insurer about the accident as soon as possible, even if you don’t want to make a claim. This is a condition of your policy.
Understanding How Car Insurance Claims Work
When you make a claim, your insurance company will look at what happened and work out who was at fault. Here’s what typically happens:
Step 1: You report the accident to your insurer (usually by phone or through their app)
Step 2: They assign someone to handle your claim and may send an assessor to look at the damage
Step 3: Your insurer contacts the other driver’s insurance company
Step 4: Both insurers investigate and decide who was responsible
Step 5: Repairs are arranged, either through your insurer’s approved garage or one you choose
Step 6: The claim is settled and any costs are sorted between the insurers
Fault vs Non-Fault Claims Explained
This is where things get confusing for many young drivers. Here’s the simple breakdown:
| Claim Type | What It Means | Impact on Your Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Fault claim | You caused the accident (or it can’t be proven otherwise) | Your no-claims bonus is usually affected and premiums may increase |
| Non-fault claim | The other driver caused the accident | Your no-claims bonus shouldn’t be affected once the claim is settled |
| Split liability | Both drivers share some blame | Costs are divided, and it may still affect your premiums |
Keep in mind that even a non-fault claim will show on your record when you get future quotes. Insurers want to know about all accidents you’ve been involved in, regardless of who was to blame.
What About Your Excess?
Your excess is the amount you pay towards any claim. As a young driver, you’ll probably have a higher excess than older drivers—sometimes £500 or more.
There are two types:
- Compulsory excess: Set by your insurer and you can’t change it
- Voluntary excess: An amount you agreed to pay on top of the compulsory excess (a higher voluntary excess usually means lower premiums)
If the accident wasn’t your fault and the other driver’s insurer accepts responsibility, you should get your excess back once the claim is fully settled.
How to Protect Your No-Claims Bonus
Your no-claims bonus (NCB) is precious—it can reduce your premiums by up to 75% over several years. Here’s how to protect it:
Consider protected NCB: For an extra cost, you can protect your no-claims bonus so it isn’t affected by one or two claims.
Think before claiming: If the damage is minor and the repair cost is close to your excess, it might be cheaper to pay for it yourself rather than lose your NCB.
Report but don’t claim: You can tell your insurer about an accident without making a claim. This keeps you on the right side of your policy terms while protecting your bonus.
Getting Professional Help With Your Claim
Dealing with insurers can be complicated, especially when you’re trying to sort out repairs and get back on the road. This is where professional accident claim management services can make a real difference. A specialist bodyshop can handle all the paperwork and communication with insurance companies, letting you focus on other things.
Many insurance-approved repair centres offer this kind of support as standard. They’ll liaise directly with your insurer, arrange repairs, and even sort out a courtesy car while yours is being fixed. If you’re unsure about the claims process, professional accident claim management takes the stress out of the whole experience.
What If the Other Driver Isn’t Insured?
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, don’t panic. If you have comprehensive cover, you can claim through your own insurance. You can also make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers.
The Citizens Advice website has detailed guidance on making insurance claims and what to do in tricky situations like dealing with uninsured drivers.
Common Mistakes Young Drivers Make
Avoid these errors when making your first claim:
- Admitting fault at the scene: Let the insurers work out who’s responsible
- Not collecting enough evidence: Photos and witness details are crucial
- Waiting too long to report it: Tell your insurer straight away
- Accepting the first repair quote: You can negotiate or suggest alternative garages
- Forgetting about uninsured losses: Things like taxi fares while your car is being repaired can often be claimed back
Key Takeaways
Making your first car insurance claim doesn’t have to be scary. Remember these essentials:
- Stay calm at the scene and gather as much evidence as possible
- Never admit fault—let the insurers decide
- Report the accident to your insurer immediately
- Consider whether making a claim is worth it if the damage is minor
- Seek professional help if you’re unsure about any part of the process
The claims process might feel daunting the first time, but knowing what to expect makes everything much more manageable. And remember, approved bodyshops and claim management specialists are there to help you through it.
