How do insurance companies determine liability in an accident?
Jason Barker • January 2, 2024
So, you’ve been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Unfortunately, even though you might be 100% sure you didn’t cause the accident, you still have to prove this to your insurance company! We offer some tips on how you might be able to help your insurance company determine liability in the event of an accident.
- Gathering Information from All Parties Involved – If you’re involved in an accident with another driver(s), you should exchange details to pass onto your insurance companies. This should include name, contact details and name of insurance company as a minimum. Your insurer will ask you for this in the event of you needing to make a claim.
- Dash Cam Footage – Having a working dash-cam installed in your vehicle may be of extreme help when trying to determine liability. For example, if you’ve been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, but no witnesses were present, valid dash cam footage could provide your insurer with additional, possibly vital, information.
It is worth noting that each insurer will have different specifications on the type of dash cam footage they accept and use when determining liability. For example, some insurers state that the footage must have date and time stamping, or that the video must be of a minimum resolution to be used in the event of a claim. You should check this with your insurer if you are unsure.
- Photographic Evidence – Whilst not as reliable as dash cam footage, you should take photographs from the scene of an accident. This should include photographs of the damage, all vehicles involved and the surrounding area. For example, tyre markings on the road or positioning of vehicles may help the insurer to determine the liability and fault of the accident.
- Witness Accounts – If you’re involved in an accident, we recommend taking the details of any witnesses who were present at the time. You should record their name and contact details and check that they’re happy for you to pass on this information to an insurance company. Insurers can then use this information to determine liability.
In extreme cases, an insurance company might use accident reconstruction to determine liability of an accident, although this is rare.
As part of our refurbishment, we’ve taken a significant step forward by installing solar panels on the roof of our new building.
We are proud to announce that our Lincolnshire-based accident repair centre has now surpassed 350 five-star Google reviews, reflecting our commitment to high-quality vehicle repairs and outstanding customer care.
After an accident, the last thing you need is more worry. Between dealing with insurers, arranging repairs, and trying to keep life moving as normal, it can all feel overwhelming. One of the biggest concerns we hear from customers is: “Will I be left without a car if I don’t use my insurer’s approved repairer?”
After an accident, most drivers focus on getting their car repaired as quickly as possible.
Being involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault is something nobody plans for. Even when you’ve done nothing wrong, the situation can quickly become stressful - damaged vehicles, unexpected phone calls, insurance paperwork, and the worry of being without your car. At a time like this, choosing the right repair cen
Whether you're selling your car privately, part-exchanging it at a dealership, or preparing to return a lease vehicle, the way your car looks plays a huge role in how much it’s worth.
Even the most careful drivers pick up small bits of cosmetic damage over time, whether it’s a scuff in a supermarket car park, a kerbed alloy on a tight corner, or a stone chip from the motorway.
SMART repairs (Small-to-Medium Area Repair Technologies) are an incredibly popular way to fix minor cosmetic damage quickly and cost-effectively. However, not all SMART repairs are equal.
As we welcome the new year, many of us are thinking about fresh starts. For your vehicle, that can mean finally dealing with the small knocks and cosmetic damage that have built up over time.
At CARS, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our services with advanced solutions for our customers.
