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.

Hot Topics

What is Third party only Insurance?: If you want yourself to be personally covered against accident or your vehicle to be covered you should consider a more comprehensive form of car insurance.
Why do some Motor insurers specialise in just lady drivers?: Every Motor Insurance company is different, each have specific market niches that they try and specialise in, some choose mature drivers, some lady drivers and some young drivers.
Can I use my car for business use?: Class SDP. This class of motor vehicle use is for the policyholder and Named Drivers only using the vehicle for social, domestic and pleasure
As a result of the accident, my car has been damaged - can I go ahead and get it repaired?: If you have taken out comprehensive car insurance cover and wish to claim under the policy, a specific claims procedure will be given to you when you contact the Claims Line to notify them of the accident. You should not repair your vehicle without the approval of your insurer.
Excess: What is an excess? An excess is the amount you have to pay if you make a claim on a car insurance policy.

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.