Car Insurance or Accident Assist after crash?

pinkdon

Hi all,

I have very recently (2 hours ago) been involved in my first car accident and am still shook up.

I’m hoping to get advice on who I should submit my claim with?  My insurance is with Aviva Zero and I also have breakdown cover with the AA who offer Accident Assist with my policy.

I’m aware I need to report it to my insurance asap but they are now closed and I can only declare it online where I’m asked if I want to claim.  I’ve read a little online about the differences but my head is spinning so any advice would be hugely appreciated.

It was no fault on my part and I believe the other two drivers have both been charged with a road traffic offence (3 cars involved).  The police attended and confirmed there’s cctv of the crash.

My main priority is having a car to drive and I believe this maybe quicker through the AA claim management?  My insurance does state a replacement vehicle for the duration of the repairs.  Unfortunately my car is not safe to drive.

Has anyone got any advice for me?

Many thanks

Devongardener

Go directly to your insurer especially as it’s a no fault claim with multiple vehicles involved.  All the AA will do is communicate with the insurers anyway and if your insurance policy offers a replacement car it should be straightforward.   

Try not to panic, I know it’s a horrible shock but your insurance company should talk you through it.

pinkdon

Thank you, I’m reading conflicting information online and realise I’m not thinking clearly.  I think I would be happier if I could speak to them but I’ll need to wait until they open at 9am tomorrow.  

I’d also like this recorded as soon as but panicked as when I selected the online option to report as it also asks if I want to make a claim.  I’m not sure if I can report and claim later or if it should be done together.

Never realised how much I prefer being able to call a company outside of working hours with a problem until today!

sheramber

You can claim from your own insurance or claim direct from the other party.

Either way you need to advise your own insurance, that is why they ask if you want fo n claim. 

In your circumstances I would go through my own insurance. 

Do not panic about not being able to speak to them tonight.

Your head will be clearer tomorrow morning.

You might want to note down what happened and any relevant information about others involved etc.
You will have that to refer to when you call your insurance. 

pinkdon

Thank you.  I did not realise I could claim directly from the other drivers insurance but I have not long had a phone call from them offering to deal with this through their “3rd party claims department”. 

As I understand it - dealing through their insurance does not affect my NCD, I don’t pay my excess and it shouldn’t affect my policy as a non fault claim going forward.  The last statement I’m skeptical about as I thought everything reported affected your policy regardless of a claim although I’m happy to be wrong.

They have declared my car a write off (without any photos from me) and given me two options 
- market value of the car and a hire car for 7 days
- retain my car, have it appraised and they will deduct up to 28% dependant on the report

I have asked for a call back tomorrow as my head is spinning and I’d like to discuss this with my insurance company in the morning.  We are both insured with Aviva so hopefully that simplifies things.

Thank you both for taking the time to reply.

DullGreyGuy

pinkdon said:

Thank you.  I did not realise I could claim directly from the other drivers insurance but I have not long had a phone call from them offering to deal with this through their “3rd party claims department”. 

As I understand it - dealing through their insurance does not affect my NCD, I don’t pay my excess and it shouldn’t affect my policy as a non fault claim going forward.  The last statement I’m skeptical about as I thought everything reported affected your policy regardless of a claim although I’m happy to be wrong.

They have declared my car a write off (without any photos from me) and given me two options 
- market value of the car and a hire car for 7 days
- retain my car, have it appraised and they will deduct up to 28% dependant on the report

I have asked for a call back tomorrow as my head is spinning and I’d like to discuss this with my insurance company in the morning.  We are both insured with Aviva so hopefully that simplifies things.

Thank you both for taking the time to reply.

It is likely to have the same impact on your policy as a non-fault claim would have but without having to pay your excess and no issues if the claim isnt fully resolved by the time of your renewal. There is a disadvantage however that if things go wrong you have no access to the Financial Ombudsman as you are a third party and not their customer.

pinkdon

Thank you, that was my limited understanding but nice to have confirmation, renewal due July. I think in my situation I’ll let them take the claim and keep my fingers crossed. I’ll update for any future claims, or anyone in a similar situation 🫣