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 if I own a classic car?
Classic cars are used for many different purposes, whether it be driving to and from work, attending trade shows or even for rallies. Classic cars often require a more tailored car insurance package which allows you to fit the policy around the cars use. This may be in the form of limited mileage or even specialist track day insurance.
What are the laws regarding Motor insurance in the United Kingdom?
Motor insurance originated in 1930, when the government introduced a law that required every person who used a vehicle on the road to have some kind of motor insurance policy. This had to be third party personal injury cover at the very least.
What types of Motor Insurance Policy are available?
Since 1930 it has been a legal requirement for all drivers of motor vehicles to be covered by insurance for a minimum of third party claims, that means you have to be insured against accidents that are caused by you and have damaged a ‘third party’s’ vehicle.
Why do some Motor insurance specialise in High Performance Motor Insurance?
When you are thinking of buying a high performance car, what you may not have thought about is how much your insurance premiums would be when you come to insure the vehicle.
Am I insured to drive someone else's car?
Many motor insurance providers will allow their comprehensive policy holders to drive any other vehicle, as long as it is already insured by another driver. This means that you can drive your friend's car BUT it is likely that you will only be insured to third party level.
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.