How to claim
How to Make a Car Insurance Claim
You can make a claim following an accident if the other driver was fully or partially responsible. You maybe able to claim for the following:
1. Repairs to your vehicle
2. Your insurance policy excess
3. Loss of earnings
4. Damage to your property
5. Transport costs, such as taxi fares
6. Personal injury
Although
you can claim yourself, in most circumstances you should get specialist
help. Specialist companies will usually be appointed by your insurance
company or broker who will assist in managing each element of your
losses.
In cases
involving an injury, there’s a 'protocol' which must be followed by
your solicitor and your opponent to ensure the case is dealt with as
quickly as possible.
Your
solicitor will first write to your opponent holding them responsible
for your injuries, stating why they hold them responsible. They will
also summarise your injuries and expenses.
Your opponent or their insurance company must acknowledge receipt of the letter within 21 days.
If
your opponent is insured, then the insurance company will normally take
over the claim. Within three months they must confirm whether or not
they will settle the claim. Straightforward cases are normally settled
quicker.
Your solicitor will usually look to appoint a medical expert to examine you and prepare a report detailing your injuries, the treatment that you have received and your prognosis.
Upon receipt of that report, it is often possible for your solicitor to advise you of the possible value of your claim, and proceed to negotiate settlement with your opponent's insurers.
If it isn’t possible to reach an agreement as to who was responsible for the accident, or to the value of your claim, then the issues could be decided at a court hearing.
In the event of a non fault accident, once your claim has been reported your broker or insurance company will be able to guide you through each stage of the claim. For more information please contact your insurance company or broker who will be happy to assist you.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 26 July 2009 14:20 )
