Find the Best Car Insurance for Claims in the UK

Most people buy car insurance hoping they will never need to use it. But when a car accident happens, the real test of a policy is how well the insurance company handles the claim.

Price matters, but claims handling often matters more. This guide explains what makes a good car insurance claims experience, what happens during the claims process, and what UK drivers should look for when choosing cover.

Check if your car insurance still suits how you use your vehicle.

Why claims handling matters more than price

Car insurance policies can look similar at first glance. The biggest differences usually appear after an accident, when you need help quickly and clearly.

A good claims experience usually means:

• Clear communication from your insurance provider
• Fair assessment of vehicle damage or personal injury
• Reasonable repair estimates
• Faster resolution with fewer disputes

A poor claims experience can involve delays, unclear decisions, and stress at a difficult time.

How often do UK drivers make car insurance claims?

Only a small proportion of drivers make an auto insurance claim each year. Estimates suggest around 10% of policyholders claim annually.

Because claims are relatively rare, many people choose cover without fully considering how their insurer performs when something goes wrong. That makes claims handling an important factor when comparing policies.

Compare Car Insurance

Save up to £523* on your car insurance

Compare Quotes Retrieve Quote

What are the most common car insurance claims in the UK?

Most claims fall into a small number of categories.

Accidental damage and windscreen claims are the most common, while personal injury claims are less frequent but more complex.

Compare car insurance options to see how cover and claims support vary.

What makes a good car insurance claims experience?

Speed and clarity

Drivers value insurers that explain how the claims process works and respond quickly after an accident.

Fair assessment

Claims are usually reviewed by a claims adjuster or insurance adjuster, who assesses fault, vehicle damage, and repair estimates based on the specifics of your case.

Communication

Clear updates by phone, email, or mobile app help reduce confusion and frustration.

Repair handling

Access to approved repair shops and realistic repair estimates can make a big difference to how smoothly a claim is resolved.

Powerful reminder: experiences like accidents often prompt drivers to compare car insurance quotes and review whether their current insurer still meets their needs.

What steps should I follow to make a car insurance claim after an accident?

After a car accident, these are the usual steps:

1. Make sure everyone is safe and move to a safe location if possible
2. Exchange contact details, phone number, and insurance policy number with the other driver
3. Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
4. Report the incident to your own insurer as soon as possible
5. Follow your insurer’s instructions on repairs or assessments

Police reports may be required in more serious accidents, especially where injuries or uninsured drivers are involved.

What information do I need to provide when filing a car insurance claim?

Your insurance company will usually ask for:

• Your insurance policy number
• Contact information and contact details
• Details of the car accident or auto accident
• Information about the other driver
• Photos of vehicle damage or property damage
• Repair estimates or preferred repair shop details
• Medical records or medical bills if personal injuries are involved

Providing accurate information early can help avoid delays.

What happens if someone else claims against my car insurance?

If another driver makes a claim against your own insurance, your insurer will:

• Review statements from both drivers
• Assess damage and accident details
• Decide whether the claim is covered under your policy

Even if you believe you were not at fault, your own insurance company will still manage the response to the claim on your behalf.

Review your car insurance to see whether your current policy still fits your needs.

How do car insurers assess who is at fault in a claim?

Fault is assessed using:

• Statements from drivers
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Police reports where available
• Damage patterns on vehicles
• Independent evidence

Fault decisions are based on UK road rules and insurance principles, not personal opinion.

Does the type of claim affect your experience?

Yes. Different types of auto insurance coverage can lead to different claim experiences.

• Collision coverage usually applies to vehicle damage
• Personal injury protection relates to injury-related costs
• Third-party claims involve another driver’s insurer

Claims involving injuries or uninsured drivers often take longer to resolve.

Will making a claim affect my future car insurance premiums?

Possibly. Making a claim can affect:

• Your no claims discount
• Your renewal price
• How insurers assess future risk

Non-fault claims may still influence premiums, although usually less than fault claims.

This is why some drivers review their options at renewal and compare energy prices and insurance costs across the wider market.

Compare Car Insurance

Save up to £523* on your car insurance

Compare Quotes Retrieve Quote

How do I dispute a decision made by my car insurer on a claim?

If you disagree with a claims decision:

1. Raise a complaint with your insurance provider first
2. Ask for a written explanation of the decision
3. Escalate the issue if unresolved

If needed, disputes can be taken to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Insurers must also act in line with the FCA’s Consumer Duty when handling claims.

Why some insurers receive poorer claims feedback

Lower claims satisfaction is often linked to:

• Slow communication
• Unclear settlement explanations
• Rejected or delayed repair estimates
• Poor coordination between adjusters and repair shops

These issues can affect both simple and complex claims.

Compare car insurance quotes to understand how price and cover differ.

Balancing price and claims quality

Cheapest cover is not always best if claims handling is weak. Many drivers prefer policies that balance cost with strong claims support and clear communication.

A car accident or claim is often a good moment to review your cover and compare car insurance quotes based on both price and service quality.

Correct as of 09 February 2026

FAQs About the Best Car Insurance for Claims