Car insurance - Tips & Advice - Road safety
1. Be prepared
Make sure you know your accident protocol! Direct Line provides an Accident Action Pack as part of your car insurance policy to help you avoid unnecessary stress and activate a swift response. Keep a copy in the car.
2. Know the law
By law you must stop if there is injury or damage to any person, vehicle, property or certain animals – including dogs and horses. If a person is hurt, call an ambulance. If someone leaves the scene without leaving details, call the police.
3. Exchange details
You must exchange your name, address, telephone number, vehicle registration, insurance company and policy number with other drivers involved in an accident. If there are any witnesses, try to get their contact details too.
4. Collect evidence
Make a sketch or take a photo of an accident – keeping a disposable camera in the glove compartment or using your mobile phone camera can help at this point. Make notes of street names, vehicle locations and directions of travel, skid marks and collision points.
5. Speak to your insurer first
Never admit blame or liability for an accident or offer to pay for any damage. Tell your insurer if any other person admits blame. Even if you do not plan to make a claim, calling Direct Line immediately is a condition of your policy. Our claim line is 0845 246 8471 from 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays.
6. What if it’s your fault?
With Direct Line Third Party Only, Third Party Fire and Theft, and Comprehensive car insurance, you’re fully covered for claims made by other people for bodily injury or damage to their property following an accident. If you have an accident but are not insured by us you can also call Direct Line who can arrange a repair if one of our customers is at fault.
7. What if the damage is to my car?
With Direct Line Comprehensive car insurance, you’ll also be covered if your car is damaged by someone else. A Direct Line engineer will be able to inspect the damage, and if your car is left undrivable, they will arrange for recovery to a garage for further inspection and repairs. If you only have Third Party Fire and Theft cover, you will have to make arrangements with a third party recovery agent to recover your vehicle.
8. Talk to the experts
When you report a claim to Direct Line, a personal claims advisor will take all the details from you – so try and write everything down at the time. If in doubt, call the Direct Line Accident Helpline on 0845 246 8471.
9. Cover for repairs
With all Direct Line Car Insurance, a Network Advisor will be provided to deal with your car repairs immediately. This takes the hassle out of arranging the work yourself and having to get an estimate approved first.
10. Avoid further stress
Not only will a Direct Line car insurance policy ensure you can get home safely after an accident - for an additional £15.75 you can add Guaranteed Hire Car, which will ensure you would have a vehicle to drive while yours is being repaired.
11. Let Direct Line do the legwork
Direct Line’s first priority is to get your car repaired – or if it is a total loss and you have the right cover, arrange a settlement. Any claims against you will be dealt with swiftly through Direct Line and without the burden of any paperwork.
12. Help avoiding disputes
If you're sure the accident was not your fault, Direct Line will fight your corner as long as you provide the relevant proof. Additional Legal Protection cover will cover the costs of recovering uninsured losses, such as personal injury and car hire.
To find out more about Direct Line’s Car Insurance, Breakdown cover or any of our extras, take a look around the car insurance section of our website. Or get a free online quote for car insurance now, and see how Direct Line really is a Good Deal Better.
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