How do I claim if the accident involves a third party?

In insurance terminology, a third party is defined as anyone else involved in an accident who is not the policy holder. Under UK law you are required at all times to have a minimum of act only third party insurance, but in reality most insurers only offer full third party insurance. This insurance will ONLY protect any damage done to third parties involved in an accident, not to your own vehicle. There is also the question of personal compensation, usually this is also covered by a third party policy, if in doubt check your policy documents.
However, don’t consider other vehicle drivers to be the only ones who could potentially bring a personal injury claim against you. Other examples are pedestrians, cyclists, a passenger in another vehicle or even your own vehicle. Should you damage a house or any form of real estate, the third party is the property’s owner.

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What if I am a young driver?
In the UK, car insurance quotes are dependant upon several factors, these include age, gender and location. One of the overriding considerations is the age of the potential policy holder, the younger the driver the more expensive the policy in most circumstances.
What if I own a classic car?
Classic cars are used for many different purposes, whether it be driving to and from work, attending trade shows or even for rallies. Classic cars often require a more tailored car insurance package which allows you to fit the policy around the cars use. This may be in the form of limited mileage or even specialist track day insurance.
What are the principles Motor Insurance is built upon?
During the process of applying for motor insurance you will be asked for many details ranging from personal details to location and security based questions. As with all insurance you are well advised to answer any and all questions as honestly as possible in order to ensure any claims are fully met by your insurance company in the event of an accident.
How do I find the cheapest motor insurance premiums?
In order to get the best possible quote for your Motor insurance you should compare and contrast quotes provided by many different insurers. You'll find the difference between quotes can be enormous with a potential 50% difference between the most expensive and the cheapest quote.
Who should I contact should I wish to report a problem with an Insurance Company?
The general insurance industry is now regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
If you are involved in an accident the first thing you must do is begin to gather information and evidence relating to the accident, whose fault it was and any other considerations that need to be taken in to account. Get as much information as possible! If you have a camera with you, take pictures of the damage done to the vehicles, the accident scene and if a third party is involved take a picture of them too. Record names and addresses of all people who viewed or were directly involved in the accident.

After you have submitted your claims form, your insurers may decide that they want to investigate the accident in greater detail, they will probably ask you some additional questions so they can gain a clearer picture of the accident and the particulars of the claim. They may even send an investigator down to the scene of the accident to produce a sketch and take photos. The witnesses will have questionnaires sent to them, and may also be called by the investigator. All parties directly involved will be asked to produce a statement and any witnesses are also likely to be asked for a full statement.

Eventually, the insurance companies will decide between them who they believe is to blame for the accident. Once the guilty party has been identified, the claim will proceed. If the two insurance companies cannot agree on the guilty party, a judge may be required to hear the case in the civil courts.