Home Car Accident Claims
Vehicle claims, coordinated by one teamCar Accident Claims Support
Sterling coordinates the practical vehicle side of car accident claims: the first report, recovery where eligible, assessment, repair authorisation, managed repairs, replacement mobility and handover.
Related guidance: claiming replacement child car seats after a collision.
More than a referral to a garage
A collision can create several separate jobs at once. The vehicle may need moving, photographs need reviewing, an engineer may need to assess the damage, somebody has to approve the repair and you may still need transport for work or family commitments.
Sterling acts as the coordinating route through those stages. We gather the vehicle evidence, brief the relevant parties, keep the assessment and authorisation moving, arrange a suitable network repairer and tell you what is happening next. You do not have to project-manage the recovery operator, engineer, repairer and vehicle supplier yourself.
We manage vehicle accident claims. We are not an insurer, law firm or personal-injury representative. Liability, policy and settlement decisions remain with the insurer, engineer or third party responsible for making them.
Five photos can start the review
Send the front, rear, damage, other vehicle where relevant and number plates. Policy documents and a claim reference are not required at the first step.
Only take photographs when you are safely away from live traffic. Photos can follow during the call-back if you cannot add them now.
Report the Accident OnlineHow Sterling supports a car accident claim
The exact route depends on whether the vehicle is driveable, how liability is handled and which services the claim qualifies for.
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1
Accident report and specialist review
You submit the basic circumstances, vehicle details and available photographs. A claims specialist reviews what has been supplied and confirms any missing information with you.
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2
Recovery and immediate vehicle needs
If the vehicle is not safe or legal to drive, Sterling can arrange free accident recovery and onward storage where the claim qualifies. We explain the cost and eligibility position before commitment.
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3
Assessment, estimate and authorisation
We coordinate the photographs, repair estimate and engineer information needed for a repairability or authorisation decision, then chase the relevant party when a response is outstanding.
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4
Managed repair and replacement mobility
A suitable network repairer carries out the authorised work. Where eligible, replacement-vehicle options are considered against reasonable need, liability, availability and the applicable hire terms.
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5
Quality checks, Return Ready and handover
We coordinate progress and handover. Qualifying completed network repairs include the Sterling Return Ready package, subject to the published terms and technical suitability.
What your claim may need
Not every claim uses every service. Sterling reviews the circumstances first and builds the practical route around the vehicle, your reasonable mobility needs and the decisions still required.
Recovery and storage
For a vehicle that cannot be driven safely or legally. Free recovery is available where the accident claim qualifies; onward storage is coordinated where required.
Assessment and managed repair
Sterling links the evidence, engineer, estimate, authorisation and suitable repairer, including repair variations where more damage is found.
Replacement mobility
Cars, vans, taxi or PCO vehicles and accessibility needs can be considered where eligibility, liability, availability and the applicable terms permit.
Eligibility matters. Recovery, storage, repair and replacement-vehicle assistance depend on the facts of the claim and applicable terms. Sterling explains the position before arrangements are made.
One team across the practical claim
- Accident report and evidence review
- Recovery and storage where eligible
- Engineer and repairer liaison
- Estimate, authorisation and variation chasing
- Replacement-vehicle arrangements where eligible
- Progress updates and vehicle handover
What Sterling does not decide
We do not decide legal liability, policy cover, insurer authorisation, engineer findings or a total-loss settlement. We coordinate the information and chase the stage, while the authorised party keeps the decision.
We also do not provide personal-injury or legal representation.
Before you start
No. Start with the basic accident details, vehicle registration and the photographs you safely have. Policy information can be added later.
Free accident recovery is available for qualifying claims. Sterling confirms whether the claim and circumstances qualify before the arrangement is made.
It may be possible where the claim is eligible. The vehicle is matched to reasonable need and remains subject to liability, availability and the applicable hire terms. Read the replacement-vehicle guidance.
There is no responsible fixed answer before assessment. Damage, authorisation, parts and workshop capacity all affect timing. Sterling keeps the stages moving and updates you when material progress is made.
Find the situation that matches your accident
Different circumstances change what has to be evidenced and who decides next. Open the closest match to what happened.
Rear-end collisions
Vehicle claim support after a rear-end collision
Parked car accidents
Your car was hit while parked — what happens next
Car park accidents
Car park accident claims and vehicle repair support
Hit-and-run accidents
What to do when the other driver leaves the scene
Uninsured driver accidents
Vehicle support when the other driver is uninsured
Disputed liability
When the drivers disagree about who caused the accident
Minor accident claims
Minor accident damage can still need a proper claim review
Fault accident claims
Vehicle support after an accident that may be your fault
Third-party claims
Third-party vehicle claim support after an accident
Insurance accident claims
Help coordinating a car insurance accident claim
The claim process
The car accident claim process from first report to handover
Claim support
Practical support when your vehicle is damaged in an accident
Choosing a claim company
A car accident claim company focused on your vehicle and mobility
Vehicle accident claims
Vehicle accident claims support for damaged cars, vans and working vehicles
Report the accident and let Sterling coordinate the next steps
Five clear photographs and the basic details are normally enough to begin the claims-specialist review.