Home Insurance Accident Claims
Using your own insurer after a car accidentMaking a Car Accident Claim Through Your Insurer
When the vehicle claim runs through your own insurer, Sterling can coordinate the practical evidence, recovery, assessment, repair estimate and authorisation follow-up while the insurer retains its decisions on cover, excess, liability and settlement.
You can begin before you find the paperwork
Five safe photographs, your registration and the basic accident circumstances are normally enough for the initial review. Your policy documents and insurer claim reference can be added when available.
Reporting to Sterling does not remove any duty in your insurance policy to notify your insurer. Check the policy terms and make any required notification.
What your insurer decides and what Sterling coordinates
A car insurance accident claim involves information moving between the driver, insurer, engineer and repairer. Sterling coordinates the vehicle workflow without presenting itself as the insurer.
Sterling
Coordinates the accident report, vehicle evidence, eligible recovery, assessment, repair estimate, authorisation follow-up, suitable repairer, mobility and handover.
The insurer or third party
Decides policy cover, liability, excess position, repair authorisation and settlement matters that fall within its authority.
The engineer and repairer
Assess the vehicle, document the repair method and estimate, carry out authorised work and record the quality checks required for return.
What to collect, and what can wait
Start with facts that identify the accident and vehicle. Do not delay a report while trying to find every document. Sterling can ask for additional material when the claim route is clearer.
- your name, contact details and vehicle registration;
- the date, approximate time and location;
- a factual description in your own words;
- five clear photographs taken only when safe;
- other driver, vehicle and witness details where available;
- insurer and policy information when you have it;
- a police reference if the police attended.
Free Accident Recovery
Where the car insurance accident claim qualifies, Sterling can recover the vehicle at no cost and arrange suitable onward storage for assessment.
Eligibility, terms and any possible cost are explained before recovery is arranged.
Tell Us the Vehicle Cannot Be DrivenEvidence in, decision out, repair kept moving
- 1
Accident details reviewed
A claims specialist confirms the vehicle, circumstances, immediate safety needs and information already available.
- 2
Recovery and storage considered
If the vehicle is not safe or legal to drive, the qualifying recovery route is agreed before collection.
- 3
Assessment and estimate assembled
Sterling coordinates the images, engineer information, repair method and estimate needed by the decision-maker.
- 4
Authorisation followed up
We cannot guarantee approval, but we can identify what is missing, provide the requested information and chase the outstanding response.
- 5
Repair and mobility coordinated
A suitable network repairer completes the authorised work. Replacement mobility is considered where eligibility, liability, availability and applicable terms permit.
- 6
Handover documented
Progress, repair quality documentation and vehicle return are coordinated. Qualifying repairs receive the Return Ready package.
What to check when the claim runs through your own policy
Costs depend on the claim route and the applicable agreement. Sterling explains the practical arrangement; your insurer remains responsible for its policy interpretation.
- Do I pay an excess?
- The answer depends on your policy and the claim route. Sterling cannot rewrite policy terms, but can help identify which party should explain the position.
- Is recovery free?
- Free accident recovery is available for qualifying claims. The circumstances and terms are checked before it is arranged.
- Is a replacement car included?
- Not automatically. Eligibility, liability, reasonable need, availability and hire terms all apply.
- Who authorises the repair?
- The authorised insurer, engineer or third party makes the decision. Sterling coordinates the supporting information and follows up the response.
- What if the car is written off?
- The engineer or insurer decides repairability and any settlement. Sterling does not set or guarantee a total-loss figure.
Common points of uncertainty
Your policy may require notification even when another party appears responsible. Check the policy and make the required notification. Sterling is not your insurer and cannot alter that duty.
Yes. Submit the basic accident and vehicle details first. Insurer and policy information can be supplied when available.
No. Sterling coordinates the evidence, estimate and follow-up, but the authorised insurer, engineer or third party retains the decision.
Choice can depend on policy terms, authorisation and the claim route. Sterling can explain the managed repair option through a suitable network repairer and what information the decision-maker needs.
Report the accident without waiting for every document
Add what you know now; a claims specialist will explain the missing information and next stage.