The car accident claim process
- What to do directly after a car accident
- Enquire with Auto Claims Assist
- Getting recovered from the roadside
- We’ll take down the details of the accident
- Assessing Liability
- Auto Claims Assist driver checks & claim acceptance
The vehicle is unroadworthy
Unroadworthy repairable- Replacement comparable vehicle is provided
- The claim is passed to our monitoring team
- We fight for liability throughout
- Repairer instructed from our specialist repair network
- The repairer will collect your vehicle from where it is
- Repair estimate created and declared to the insurer
- Repair is authorised by the third-party insurer
- Parts and paints are ordered in - The repair begins
- Back on the road and your hire car is collected
- All costs are claimed back from third party insurer
Unroadworthy total loss- Replacement comparable vehicle is provided
- The claim is passed to our monitoring team
- We continue to fight for liability, even after payment
- Engineer instructed to value the pre-accident valuation
- Engineers report is agreed by you
- Valuation & payment request sent to third-party insurer
- Use of hire car for 7 days while you source a new vehicle
- Additional support to get you back on the road
The vehicle is roadworthy
Roadworthy repairable- We begin by fighting for liability
- Repairer instructed and repairs authorisation are granted
- We book in a date for your vehicle's repair
- Comparable replacement hire car is arranged
- Repairs are completed and your car is back on the road
- Replacement hire car is collected within 24 hours
- Payment is requested from the third-party insurer
Roadworthy total loss
- What to do directly after a car accident
- Enquire with Auto Claims Assist
- Getting recovered from the roadside
- We’ll take down the details of the accident
- Assessing Liability
- Auto Claims Assist driver checks & claim acceptance
- The vehicle is unroadworthy
- Unroadworthy repairable
- Replacement comparable vehicle is provided
- The claim is passed to our monitoring team
- We fight for liability throughout
- Repairer instructed from our specialist repair network
- The repairer will collect your vehicle from where it is
- Repair estimate created and declared to the insurer
- Repair is authorised by the third-party insurer
- Parts and paints are ordered in - The repair begins
- Back on the road and your hire car is collected
- All costs are claimed back from third party insurer
- Unroadworthy total loss
- Replacement comparable vehicle is provided
- The claim is passed to our monitoring team
- We continue to fight for liability, even after payment
- Engineer instructed to value the pre-accident valuation
- Engineers report is agreed by you
- Valuation & payment request sent to third-party insurer
- Use of hire car for 7 days while you source a new vehicle
- Additional support to get you back on the road
- The vehicle is roadworthy
- Roadworthy repairable
- We begin by fighting for liability
- Repairer instructed and repairs authorisation are granted
- We book in a date for your vehicle's repair
- Comparable replacement hire car is arranged
- Repairs are completed and your car is back on the road
- Replacement hire car is collected within 24 hours
- Payment is requested from the third-party insurer
- Roadworthy total loss
Getting recovered from the roadside (If required)
After exchanging information and collecting evidence at the accident scene, the next step is getting yourself and your vehicle to safety.
If the damage is extensive, it's usually clear that you can't drive away in your vehicle. However, sometimes the decision is less obvious.
When in Doubt, Don’t Risk It
Even if your car seems functional, there could be underlying issues affecting safety. Be cautious – if you have any doubt, it's best to assume that your vehicle isn’t safe and avoid driving it.
If your car isn't drivable, that's where roadside recovery comes in. Auto Claims Assist is here to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
You can do this by calling us on 0330 128 1407 | Start your claim now >
Auto Claims Assist’s Roadside Recovery
If you're in a non-fault accident, we'll provide accident recovery as part of our comprehensive claims management service. As an accident management company, you’ll be in the hands of non-fault specialists from start-to-finish.
Quick, efficient response
Time is of the essence after an accident. Our recovery team works swiftly to get you and your car to a safe location.
Nationwide recovery service
No matter where your accident occurs in the UK, our network can recover you and your vehicle promptly.
No cost to non-fault driver’s
When the accident isn't your fault, you shouldn't have to pay for recovery. We'll cover the costs and later reclaim them from the at-fault driver's insurance.
Get roadside
recovery now.
For immediate roadside recovery, call us on 0330 128 1407. Our team will quickly connect you to our recovery team to organise everything.
Understanding if you need to be recovered
It's not always obvious if your car is safe to drive after an accident. To avoid further risks or insurance complications, consider recovery if:
- Your car doesn't meet UK roadworthy standards: Violating roadworthy regulations can leave you uninsured and liable for penalties.
- You feel unsafe driving the vehicle: Potential damage could lead to malfunctions, putting you and others at risk.
What classes a vehicle as unroadworthy?
Use this checklist to quickly assess if your car is roadworthy:
-
Lights
Test all headlights (high and low beams), brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Are any damaged, dim, or not working?
-
Wheels and Tyres
Examine all tyres for punctures, deep cuts, or significant bulges. Check tread depth (minimum 1.6mm legally).
-
Bodywork
Look for significant damage to bumpers, wings, or panels that might rub against the wheels or obstruct your view.
-
Windows and Mirrors
Are your windscreen, side windows, and mirrors intact, allowing clear visibility in all directions?
-
Fluid Leaks
Check under the car for leaking fluids – oil, fuel, radiator fluid. These indicate potential damage and safety hazards.
Additional considerations
-
Steering
Does your car steer smoothly? Any unusual vibrations, pulling to one side, or looseness indicate potential issues.
-
Brakes
Do your brakes feel right? Test gently in a safe area. Any grinding, squeaking, or reduced braking power signal a problem.
-
Warning Lights
Are there any new warning lights illuminated on your dashboard after the accident?
-
Noises
Listen for any strange or unfamiliar sounds coming from the engine, wheels, or elsewhere on the vehicle.