Step-by-step: How to start a vehicle damage claim

Step 1 — Collect evidence at the scene The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim. If safe to do so, collect: Photos of both vehicles and the accident location Registration number of the other driver Name, phone number and insurance company Witness details (if available) Police reference number (if they attended) Step 2 — Report the accident Report the accident as soon as possible. If you delay, insurers may try to dispute the circumstances. Step 3 — Choose who will handle your claim You have two choices: Option Description Insurance Company Often slower, sometimes affects no-claims Claims Management / Legal Representative (like SurelyClaim) Faster repairs + like-for-like replacement car Many people choose an injury/vehicle claims handler because they arrange everything for you and protect your rights more strongly. Step 4 — Vehicle inspection An engineer will assess the damage and report whether: The car is repairable, or It is a “total loss” (write-off) Step 5 — Repair or replacement If repairable → insurer pays for repair If written off → you receive vehicle value compensation Step 6 — Receive compensation Once liability is confirmed, costs are paid by the at-fault insurer. Do I need to be insured to claim? Yes — but even third-party insurance is enough to make a non-fault claim, because the other driver’s insurer is responsible for paying.