You and Your Van - How to Make a Claim Following an Accident

Day-to-day life as a van driver can be full of aggravation and irritation. Traffic jams, inconsiderate drivers and breakdowns to name but a few. But perhaps the most stressful, distressing, time-consuming and inconvenient of all is being involved in an accident. If the worst does happen while you’re out on the road then it’s important that you know what to do and what not to do.

Making a Claim

No one wants it to happen to them but sometimes it just does...

If you're caught up in a road traffic accident while out in your van then by following the steps below your van insurance provider can help minimise the stress and hassle for you and get you back on the road.

• If the accident has resulted in injury or damage to you or another person, vehicle or property you are legally required to stop
• Do not admit fault or accept blame for the accident (even if you think it was down to you). If another driver admits fault, tell your van insurance company
• By law you must exchange insurance details with the other driver(s)
• Contact the police if there is extensive damage to your vehicle, if other vehicles or people are involved or if someone leaves the scene without leaving their details
• Contact your van insurance company immediately. The following will come in handy:
  
  

  - Full details of the incident

  - Details of all drivers and vehicles involved

  - Names and contact details of witnesses

  - Crime reference number (if relevant)

  - Sketch and/or photos of the accident scene indicating road layout, vehicles and weather conditions

If you’re an iPhone user and insured with Direct Line then you can start your claim using our free On the Road App. Alternatively, you can call our claims team on 0845 246 2367.

What happens next?

Once you've informed your van insurance provider of your claim then what happens next depends on the type of insurance you've taken out and your insurer. To take a look at the type of insurance available read our Types of Van Insurance article.

If you've taken out comprehensive cover with Direct Line then you can expect:

• Your van to be collected and repaired by an approved repairer.
• Your van to be valued by one of our engineers if it's a total loss (that is, cost of repairs exceeds market value) to assess how much you'll receive in settlement.

Unfortunately accidents do happen, particularly if you spend a lot of time on the road. Taking out adequate van insurance and knowing what to do if you're caught up in an incident should go some way to reducing the disruption to you and your business.

The information contained within this article is for general information purposes only, it does not constitute advice. Direct Line endeavours to keep the information up to date and correct but does not make any representation or warranties of any kind about its completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability. Any reliance you place on the information is strictly at your own risk. Direct Line will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.

The information contained within this article is for general information purposes only, it does not constitute advice. Direct Line endeavours to keep the information up to date and correct but does not make any representation or warranties of any kind about its completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability. Any reliance you place on the information is strictly at your own risk. Direct Line will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.