Understanding Your Insurance Claim After an Accident in Wales | Complete Guide

At the Scene: 1. Ensure everyone's safety - call 999 if needed 2. Exchange details with other parties (name, address, registration, insurance) 3. Take photos of all vehicles, damage, and scene 4. Get witness contact details if possible 5. Note the time, location, weather, and road conditions 6. DO NOT admit fault or liability

Within 24 Hours: 1. Report to your insurance company 2. Report to police if required (injuries, hit-and-run, or no insurance exchange) 3. Contact an accident management specialist like CJVS 4. Get medical attention if needed - even for minor injuries

If You're Not At Fault: • You're entitled to a like-for-like replacement vehicle while yours is repaired • You can choose your own repairer (not limited to insurer's network) • You should not be out of pocket for repairs or vehicle hire • You're entitled to claim for diminished value, personal injury, and other losses

If You're Partially At Fault: • Wales uses 'contributory negligence' - you may still recover some costs • Your insurer will negotiate the split of liability • You may need to pay your policy excess

Key Legal Point: The Road Traffic Act requires all drivers to have insurance. If the other party is uninsured, the Motor Insurers' Bureau can help.

Step 1: Initial Claim (Day 1-3) Your insurer assigns a claims handler and reference number. They'll ask for your statement, photos, and other party's details.

Step 2: Liability Decision (Week 1-4) Insurers investigate and determine fault. This affects who pays for repairs and whether you lose your no-claims bonus.

Step 3: Vehicle Assessment (Week 1-2) An engineer inspects damage and provides a repair estimate. If repair costs exceed vehicle value, it may be written off.

Step 4: Repairs (Week 2-6) Approved repairs begin. Timeline depends on parts availability and damage extent.

Step 5: Settlement (Week 4-12) Final costs are settled between insurers. You may need to pay excess if at fault.

What We Do: • Handle all insurer communications on your behalf • Arrange like-for-like courtesy vehicles (not basic hatchbacks) • Ensure repairs are to manufacturer standards • Maximise your claim (including diminished value) • No upfront costs - we recover from the at-fault insurer • Protect your no-claims bonus

Why It Matters: Insurance companies prioritise their bottom line. Accident management specialists like CJVS prioritise YOUR interests. We know every trick insurers use to minimise payouts, and we ensure you get everything you're entitled to.

For non-fault accidents in Cardiff and Wales, our service typically costs you nothing - all fees are recovered from the at-fault party's insurer.

Don't Say These Things: • 'It was my fault' - Let insurers determine liability • 'I'm fine' at the scene - Injuries can appear later • 'Just fix it quickly' - Rushing leads to poor repairs

Don't Do These Things: • Accept the first offer without review • Use the at-fault party's insurer's repairer without research • Settle before all damage is assessed • Forget to claim for all losses (vehicle hire, personal items, time off work)

Do These Things: • Keep all documentation and receipts • Follow up regularly on claim progress • Get independent repair estimates • Consider accident management support • Know your policy excess and coverage limits