If you're unlucky enough to be in a car accident, your first thought probably won't be your car insurance. You'll be more concerned with any injuries you've sustained, and any legal ramifications if the accident was your fault.
But sooner or later, the question of insurance will arise, and you'll have to deal with it. If the accident was your fault, you'll only be able to claim for damages if you have fully comprehensive insurance. Otherwise, your insurer will only pay out for damage to the other car.
Either way, you need to contact your insurer as soon as possible. If your car does qualify for repair they may be able to arrange collection and repair from a garage. This will save having to find quotes yourself, which you'd then have to get authorised by your insurer.
If your car is stolen, you need to contact the police first, before your
car insurance provider. The police will give you a crime number which your insurer will need to process the claim. However, they won't pay out right away, they'll usually wait and see if the car is recovered and see what needs repairing, if anything, before putting a claim together.
In the case of personal injury, you need to check if you're covered for medical expenses. If you've only got
cheap car insurance such as Third Party, you won't be covered and will have to pay any medical expenses you incur out of your own pocket – Third Party policies will only cover the other party's injuries.
If, after having to make a claim, you are unhappy with the service you've received from your insurer, don't be afraid to switch. Getting another
car insurance quote so soon after a claim may make your premiums higher, but it may make your insurer review their customer service skills!
