What do I do after an accident?

  • Stay calm and make sure everyone is ok
  • Take details of any witnesses to the accident
  • Do not admit liability
  • Take details of all vehicles and drivers involved
  • If possible, take photos of any damage and the accident location and draw a sketch of the scene
  • Call the police if you feel threatened, if the other driver is trying to leave the scene without exchanging details or if anyone is injured
  • Record as many details as you can
  • Call 0344 3350381 and we will help you

How do you help me after an accident?

Once we receive your details you will be allocated a claims handler who will speak to you to obtain all the information about the incident. We will complete checks on your vehicle and the third-party vehicle and request ID, including your driving license, so that we can complete checks prior to providing you with a replacement vehicle.

We will examine any evidence you have such as photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage and make contact with the third-party insurer. If we are happy that you are not negligent for the accident, then we will read a standard script which ensures you are fully aware of the services we are authorising and providing to you.

If your own vehicle was left unroadworthy as a result of the accident, then a suitable replacement vehicle will be arranged as soon as possible. We will manage your vehicle damage and instruct bodyshops and engineers as required. If your vehicle is roadworthy, then we will arrange for a vehicle to be provided for the period of repair.

What are my legal rights?

When an accident is not your fault, then you are entitled to claim for any losses incurred as a result. This could include the costs of a replacement vehicle (usually provided as credit hire), vehicle repair charges, taxi receipts and loss of earnings. Your legal rights are covered under English ‘tort law’, which is a civil wrong resulting in a claimant experiencing personal harm.

It is important that all compensation awarded is fair and is not considered as betterment. An example of this would be when a claimant’s damaged vehicle is a mid-sized saloon, they can only be provided with a similar make and model, and not a prestige car.

When choosing Magna as your agent, you can be assured that we are acting in your best interests, working with you to ensure that all costs are mitigated.

If you would like to understand more about the services we provide, then please see our FAQ sheet.