Ask your motor insurance company what procedures you should take and what forms or documents you will need to support your claim. You will probably need to be issued with an accident report form which you should complete as fully as possible.

It is important that you keep records and receipts from any expenses you incur which you expect to be reimbursed by your car insurance company. Keep copies of all your paperwork associated with your claim so that you have sufficient evidence to support your case. Avoid unnecessary complications by being organised and having all the proof you need close to hand.

Repairs

Your insurer will give you advice on how to proceed as regards repairing your vehicle. Your motor insurance company might recommend a garage where you should take your car but otherwise take your vehicle to a competent and respected repairer. It is best to take your car to your insurer's recommended choice as it could speed things up and prevent you needing to get a separate estimate and subsequently having it approved. Also, a recommended garage is more likely to provide you with a courtesy car.

If you are not taking your car to a recommended repairer then you will need to send an estimate to them. This will need to be authorised before repairs can take place. Authorisation is also dependent upon your satisfactory completion of the claim form.

If you have an excess on your policy then you will be required to pay this first part of the costs directly to the garage, irrespective of whether you were to blame for the accident. If your car's condition is considerably improved after its trip to the garage then your insurer may ask you to make further payments towards the cost of the repairs.

Bear in mind that the cost of repairs is your responsibility until your UK car insurance company has expressly agreed to pay. It is a good idea to get solid confirmation from your insurer that they intend to pay for costs before you proceed.