Should I tell my insurance company about a minor accident UK?

Asked by: Merlin Cole MD  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (47 votes)

Insurance Disclosure
But if the accident does not result in major damage or injuries, you might wonder, “Should I call my insurance company after a minor accident?” The short answer is yes — it is always a good idea to let your insurance company know when you have been involved in a collision.

Do I need to tell insurance about minor accident?

Always notify your insurers if you are involved in an accident, however minor it may be and regardless of whether there is any damage. If you are involved in an accident and do not wish to make a claim on your policy you can simply advise your insurers about the accident 'For notification purposes only'.

What happens if you don't tell insurance about an accident?

If you don't tell your insurer about the accident, or if you tell them too late, then they may cancel your policy and refuse to insure you in the future.

Do you have to notify your insurance company of an accident UK?

You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours if you do not give your details at the time of the accident. You must also report the accident to your insurance company, even if you're not planning to make a claim.

How long do I have to report a car accident to my insurance company UK?

There is no legal time limit for reporting an accident to your insurance company. In general, insurers state that the reporting of a car accident time limit in the UK is 24 hours from the time the accident took place.

Car Insurance Explained, & What to Do After a Car Accident!

19 related questions found

Do I need to tell my insurance company if someone hits me?

Yes, you need to declare all accidents that you're involved in, regardless of who, or what, was at fault. Pretty much all insurance providers will have a clause in their policy requiring you to declare any incidences you're involved in while driving in the past 5 years.

What should I tell my insurance company after an accident?

Give Only Limited Personal Information. You need only tell the insurance adjuster your full name, address, and telephone number. You can also tell them what type of work you do and where you are employed. But at this point you need not explain or discuss anything else about your work, your schedule, or your income.

Do I need to declare accident in company car?

Understanding that Employees need to declare an accident in a company car to their personal motor insurer. ... However, it is essential they do so as their own insurer needs to calculate an individual's risk as a driver.

How much will my insurance go up after an accident UK 2020?

In the UK, for an at-fault accident involving bodily injury, your rates could increase by as much as 20% to 40%.

How long after a car accident can you claim for damage UK?

Yes, under UK law you will usually have a three-year time limit in which to make your personal injury compensation claim. A court may grant exceptions to this limitation period for personal injury under certain circumstances.

How long does a car accident affect your car insurance?

Although you can expect an accident to affect your insurance, it will not remain on your record forever. Generally, accidents fall off your record within three to five years. Insurance companies use your accident history to help determine the cost of your premium.

Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?

Naturally, most injured victims that contact our firm want to know about the financial consequences of the collision. A common question that potential clients ask us when they call is whether their car insurance rates will increase as a result of the collision – even if they weren't at fault. The answer: no.

Will my insurance go up if someone hits me UK?

Yes. Regardless of whose fault it was, making a claim will almost always lead to an increase in your car insurance premium.

Does an accident in a company car affect personal insurance?

Yes, an accident in a company car can affect your personal insurance if it shows up on your official driving record. ... Causing an accident while driving a company car for personal use will affect your insurance because you'll be responsible for filing a claim for the damages, and your rate will probably go up.

How much do insurance premiums go up after a claim?

Filing a claim often results in a rate hike that could be in the 20% to 40% range. The increased rates stay in effect for years, although the size and longevity of the hike can vary widely between insurers.

What should I not tell an insurance company?

Avoid using phrases like “it was my fault,” “I'm sorry,” or “I apologize.” Don't apologize to your insurer, the other driver, or law enforcement. Even if you are simply being polite and not intentionally admitting fault, these types of words and phrases will be used against you.

What should you not say when making an insurance claim?

Never say that you are sorry or admit any kind of fault. Remember that a claims adjuster is looking for reasons to reduce the liability of an insurance company, and any admission of negligence can seriously compromise a claim.

What do you do after a minor car accident?

What to do when you get in a car accident?
  1. Stop the car or find a safe refuge area nearby. ...
  2. Check for injuries and call an ambulance if required. ...
  3. Assess the situation and call the emergency services if required. ...
  4. Exchange details with individuals involved. ...
  5. Gather information on the incident. ...
  6. Contact your insurance company.

Should I call my insurance if it wasn't my fault?

Yes, you should call your insurance company if you were in a car accident that was not your fault. ... First, your insurance company may require you to contact them as outlined in your policy. Second, you may discover available coverage to help you with your damages, even if the accident is not your fault.

Will my premium go up if I am not at fault?

Generally, a no-fault accident won't cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because the at-fault party's insurance provider will be responsible for your medical expenses and vehicle repairs. If your insurer doesn't need to fork out money, your premiums won't go up.

Who recovers my car after an accident?

If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to claim for free vehicle recovery, at the expense of the party responsible for the accident. ... This means the insurance company will record the accident, but will not take any action such as charging an excess or increasing your premium.

Does a non fault accident affect your no claims?

Non-fault accidents

If you decide to claim for any damage, it will affect your no-claims bonus until your insurer can recover the costs from the other driver's insurer. But a no-claims bonus is only relevant at the annual renewal of the policy.

How does insurance work when someone hits your car?

If someone hits your car and you do have collision coverage, then your insurance company can help pay for repairs. Collision coverage will also cover damage to your car if you caused the accident, or if there were no other drivers involved, like if you drove into a telephone pole.

How do insurance companies determine fault in an auto accident?

If the police do not decide who is at fault, or the insurance company disagrees, your insurance adjuster will investigate the accident and use the details to determine fault. The insurance company will use photos, maps, witness statements, medical records, and special algorithms to calculate fault.

What if someone hits my parked car UK?

What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car
  1. Assess the damage. Whether it's a tiny dent or something more substantial, you'll have to do something about it before long. ...
  2. Contact the other motorist. They should have left a contact number. ...
  3. Contact your insurers. ...
  4. Head to a garage.