If another driver damages your vehicle, you can generally consider lodging the claim under your own Comprehensive Motor Insurance rather than trying to manage the entire recovery yourself.

Do I still make a claim under my own policy? #

You can.

Your insurer can generally:

• Assess the damage.
• Arrange repairs.
• Manage the claim.
• Pursue recovery from the responsible party where appropriate.

This can provide a clearer claims process than dealing directly with the other driver’s insurer.

Will I have to pay an excess? #

This depends on the policy and circumstances.

Some insurers can waive or refund the excess where:

• The insured driver was not at fault.
• The responsible party is identified.
• Required details are provided.

The exact requirements vary between insurers.

What details should I obtain? #

Where practical, collect:

• Other driver’s name.
• Address.
• Contact number.
• Registration number.
• Vehicle details.
• Insurer details if available.
• Photographs.
• Witness information.

Do not place yourself at risk obtaining information at an accident scene.

What if the other driver is uninsured? #

Your insurer may still deal with your insured vehicle under your Comprehensive policy.

Recovery against the responsible driver is then a matter for the insurer.

What about a hire car? #

Hire car benefits vary between policies.

Some policies provide hire car cover after:

• Theft.
• A not-at-fault accident.
• Other insured accidents where optional cover has been selected.

Check the individual policy rather than assuming a replacement vehicle is automatically included.

Should I admit fault at the accident scene? #

Do not make admissions about liability or agree to settle the damage.

Exchange the necessary details and allow the insurers to assess responsibility.