AA Insurance: A Guide to Car Insurance and Accident Claims

Accurate information can help insurers investigate the circumstances.

Making an AA Insurance Claim

If you need to make a claim after an accident, you should follow the reporting requirements contained in your insurance policy.

When reporting a collision, you may be asked for information about:

1. When the accident happened
2. Where the accident happened
3. How the collision occurred
4. The vehicles involved
5. Damage to your vehicle
6. Other people involved
7. Witnesses
8. Any injuries
9. Police involvement, where applicable
10. Supporting photographs or video

Providing clear and accurate information can help the insurer understand the circumstances.

It is also sensible to keep copies of claim-related correspondence and documents. If repairs are involved, retain relevant estimates, invoices and other paperwork.

What Is a Non-Fault Accident?

A non-fault accident is generally an accident where another driver is responsible for causing the collision.

For example, if another motorist fails to stop at a junction and collides with your vehicle, you may believe that the other driver was responsible.

However, determining fault is not always straightforward. Insurance companies may examine the available evidence before reaching a decision.

Evidence that could be relevant includes dashcam footage, photographs, witness statements, vehicle damage and accounts from the drivers involved.

If you believe another driver caused the accident, provide the insurer with all relevant information and avoid making unsupported assumptions about liability.

What Happens When Your Vehicle Is Damaged?

Following an accident, your vehicle may need to be assessed to determine the extent of the damage.

If the damage is relatively minor, repairs may be possible. More serious damage can sometimes result in the vehicle being considered a total loss, commonly known as a write-off.

The outcome depends on the circumstances of the accident, the vehicle and the applicable insurance policy.

If your vehicle is damaged, photographs can provide a useful record of its condition. Keep copies of any repair documents and correspondence associated with the claim.

Understanding Your Insurance Excess

An insurance excess is the amount you may have to contribute towards an eligible claim.

The amount of excess depends on the policy and can sometimes include different components. Your insurance documents should explain what excess applies to your circumstances.

For example, a policy may include a compulsory excess and an optional voluntary excess. Choosing a higher voluntary excess can sometimes affect the price of an insurance policy, but it can also increase the amount you may have to pay if you make a claim.

Always check the policy terms before making assumptions about how your excess will be handled.

What If Your Car Is Written Off?