10 Scene Checks That Help Protect Your Insurance Record

The 10 checks

1. Stop and check for danger. Do not collect evidence from live traffic.
2. Check people before vehicles. Call emergency services when needed.
3. Exchange the required details. Record names, addresses, registration and insurance information.
4. Photograph the wider scene. Include positions, lanes, signs and junction layout.
5. Take clear photos of the damage. Include each vehicle and take photos from more than one angle.
6. Find witnesses who saw what happened. Ask for contact details and let them describe what they saw.
7. Save digital evidence. Save dashcam and driving-data files before they are recorded over.
8. Record police and recovery references. Note who took the report and where the vehicle goes.
9. Tell your insurer promptly. Follow the policy’s reporting requirements.
10. Keep one timeline. Log calls, decisions, costs and documents.

What this evidence can and cannot do

Evidence helps your insurer understand what happened. It cannot guarantee a non-fault decision. The insurer may need to hear from other people, and accounts may differ. Keep the original files. Be clear about what you saw and what you are unsure of.

Your no-claims discount and claim record

A no-claims discount reduces the price of your insurance. It does not decide who caused a crash. Your record may be affected while fault or payment is still being sorted out. Ask how the claim is recorded, whether your discount is protected and when the record could change.

Avoid these common mistakes

• Putting yourself in danger for a photograph.
• Deleting the original file after sending a compressed copy.
• Posting allegations or evidence publicly.
• Guessing speed, distance or injury details.
• Assuming that what a driver says settles who was at fault.