How do I claim on motor Insurance?

You'll need motor insurance for the full period in which you drive a car. You'll also change the company who provides your motor insurance on many occasions, looking for the cheapest price for the best cover. But don't just watch the numbers, also make sure you take the time to familiarise yourself with the many differing claims procedures you might come across. Every company has a different claims procedure, and you should understand it before you part with your premiums.

Most insurers will have 24 hour claim lines. They set these up so that you are able to report an insurable event as soon as it happens. If your insurer doesn't have a 24 hour claim line, there's unlikely to be a good reason, so don't go with them. Once you call this claim line, you will be sent an accident report form. During the call, you would be well advised to find out from the insurer exactly what requirements they have of you, including what evidence they will expect. You should be carrying a disposable camera in the motor, as one of the best pieces of evidence you can provide is a picture of the scene of the accident.

Photocopy any documents and correspondence related to your claim. You should also keep any receipts. You'll find that your ability to promptly and accurately provide information required by your insurer will be heavily related to the speed with which your claim is processed.

Look carefully at your car as soon as you can to find where you need repairs. Your insurance provider will likely recommend a garage to you, and that is where you should take your car, which again will speed up your claim. If you use a repairer who isn't recommended, then you will need to send the estimate to the insurer for approval first. You also get the added advantage of your repairs being paid for directly by the insurer, rather than you having to pay for it and wait to be reimbursed.

Until your insurer has agreed to pay the repair costs for the car, those costs are your responsibility. Do not just proceed blindly with your claim, you should understand the state of it before moving on.

Remember that whatever your claim is, you will be expected to pay the agreed excess. Your insurer will pay the cost of your repairs, but will not include the excess amount, and you will need to pay the garage the excess amount first.

Should you only have third party insurance, this all gets a good deal more complicated. This is because you will need to claim from the other driver should you be involved in an accident that isn't your fault.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Motor Insurance

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