How to File a Car Repair Insurance Claim

Filing a car repair insurance claim in the UK isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about understanding your policy, documenting the damage properly, and navigating the often-confusing world of insurers. This article breaks down the entire process in plain English, from the moment of the accident to the garage inspection and final repair. You’ll learn the differences between comprehensive and third-party insurance, how to handle a write-off, and what to do if the other driver is uninsured. Plus, we’ll share tips on what insurers look for during the claim process, how to prepare your claims documentation, and how to ensure your insurance payout reflects your vehicle’s true market value. All this, while linking you to trusted vehicle repair services and real-world examples.

What You Should Do Right After an Accident

A sudden jolt, a screech of brakes, and next thing you know — your vehicle’s crumpled and adrenaline is sky-high. Before thinking about insurance paperwork, make sure to follow these first steps:

• Stay calm and ensure everyone’s safety.

• Document the scene: Capture photographic evidence of the damage, location, road conditions, and vehicles involved.

• Exchange details: Collect names, registration numbers, insurance information, and witness statements.

• Report the incident to the police if someone is injured or the other party refuses to share details.

• Notify your insurer as soon as possible — even if you're unsure about filing a claim.

If you’re based in the Midlands and need trusted help fast, our insurance-approved vehicle repair services are ready to assess and manage your case with care.

“Most claims are won or lost in the first 24 hours — what you do immediately after an accident can determine whether you receive a fair settlement.”

Comprehensive vs Third-Party Insurance: What’s Covered?

Understanding the policy details is where many drivers go wrong. The type of car insurance you hold determines not just how much you can claim — but whether you can claim at all.

Comprehensive Cover

• Covers vehicle repair to your car even if the accident was your fault.

• Includes other parties’ cars, property, and passengers.

• Can include collision coverage, theft, and fire protection.

• May cover a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired.

• May impact your no-claims bonus if you're deemed at fault.

Third-Party Only

• Only covers damage to others’ vehicles and property.

• Your own repair costs are not covered unless you prove the other driver was at fault.

You’d be surprised how often customers come into our repair shop thinking they’re covered, only to find they’re liable for the full repair costs. Always read the policy exclusions and ask for clarification from your insurer or broker.

Filing the Claim: Documents, Deadlines & Damage Reports

Once you've notified your insurer, they’ll initiate the claim process. Here’s what typically comes next:

1. Review Your Policy

Before filling out your claim form, check your policy for:

• Excess payment thresholds

• Depreciation policies

• Cover for uninsured losses

• Procedures for a write-off or salvage value dispute

2. Submit Supporting Documents

Most insurers will require:

• A completed claim form

• Photographic evidence of the accident

• A police incident number (if applicable)

• Any witness statements

• Repair estimates from a trusted approved repairer

At Spray Shack, our team provides full claims documentation and can help fast-track approval for both insurance and private repair jobs. Visit our portfolio to see real outcomes from past insurance claims.

What Happens During the Garage Inspection?

After receiving your documents, your insurer may:

• Arrange a vehicle inspection by an insurance adjuster.

• Request you visit a garage they trust — or allow you to choose your own with prior garage approval.

• Evaluate the vehicle’s pre-accident condition and decide on repair or write-off.

It’s important to have someone on your side during this process. If you're unsure whether the insurer’s garage is offering a fair quote, always ask for a second opinion. Many customers prefer using local specialists like Spray Shack for this very reason — especially when trying to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

How Insurers Evaluate the Damage and Your Claim

After the vehicle inspection, the insurance provider will assess the scale of the damage, the repair costs, and whether fixing the vehicle makes financial sense. This process can be frustratingly opaque for policyholders, but here’s what typically happens behind the scenes:

Repair or Write-Off?

• If repairs are estimated to cost more than a certain percentage (often 60-70%) of the vehicle’s market value, the insurer may declare the car a write-off.

• You'll be offered a claim settlement based on what your car was worth before the accident — not what it would cost to replace.

In these cases, depreciation is a key factor. Your insurer may refer to trade pricing guides, but it’s worth sourcing comparable listings or even requesting an independent engineer valuation if you believe their number is low.

"Many claimants accept the first payout offer without question — but insurers can and do negotiate."

If your insurer deems the car uneconomical to repair, you might still want to retain the salvage and repair it yourself. This is sometimes possible, depending on your policy and the category of the insurance write-off.

If you’re uncertain how to proceed with a write-off, our specialists at Spray Shack can advise on next steps and even restore vehicles declared as Category N or S — often for less than the insurer’s approved repairer quoted.

How Insurance Payouts and Excess Payments Work

Insurance Payout Basics

• Your insurer will deduct the excess payment from the agreed claim settlement.

• If you’ve selected a higher excess to reduce premiums, remember this will reduce the final payout.

• If repairs cost less than your excess, it often makes more sense to pay out of pocket and avoid affecting your no-claims bonus.

Direct to Garage or to You?

Depending on your insurer, the payout may go:

• Directly to an approved repairer after repair authorisation is granted.

• To you, if you’ve paid the repairer or chosen an independent garage.

Choosing an experienced, insurer-compliant repairer like Spray Shack can ease this process. We’re used to dealing with insurer requirements, and our knowledge helps ensure your claim progresses without delay.

Claim Rejections and Common Pitfalls

Not all claims are accepted — and many that are approved end up reduced due to policy exclusions. Here are common reasons why claims get rejected or partially paid:

Top Reasons for Rejection

• Wear and tear or mechanical breakdown mistaken for accident damage.

• Repairs carried out before the garage inspection or before receiving repair authorization.

• Using the car for purposes not covered (e.g. commercial use under personal insurance).

• Pre-existing damage being claimed as accident-related.

• The policyholder failing to report the accident in time.

What to Do If You’re Rejected

• Ask for a written explanation and quote specific sections of your policy details if you believe they’ve misinterpreted the terms.

• Provide claims documentation including timestamped photographic evidence, repair quotes, or witness statements.

• Escalate the issue via the insurer’s complaints process. If unresolved, take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers: What Are Your Rights?

One of the most frustrating scenarios is being hit by an uninsured driver or someone who refuses to provide details. In the UK, you are still protected:

• If you have comprehensive cover, your insurer will usually pay for repairs.

• If you only have third-party insurance, you may be able to claim via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) — a body set up to compensate victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.

You’ll need to supply detailed claims documentation to the MIB, including police reports and evidence of the accident. If you're unsure how to prepare this, feel free to reach out to our team. We’ve helped customers with MIB claims following hit-and-runs and uninsured collisions.

To see real stories from people who’ve dealt with similar situations, check out our customer testimonials.

Deadlines and Timeframes: Don’t Miss Your Window

Filing late is one of the most avoidable ways to derail a valid insurance claim. Each insurer has their own policies, but here are some general rules of thumb to follow in the UK:

When to Report the Accident

• Ideally within 24 hours of the incident — or immediately if there are injuries.

• Notify your insurer even if you’re not intending to claim; some policies require it for legal or documentation purposes.

When to Submit the Claim Form

• Most policies allow 30 days, but acting sooner can prevent claim rejection or delays due to missing evidence.

• The faster you submit claims documentation, the quicker the insurer can begin reviewing your case.

If you're unsure about timing, or need urgent repair estimate support, Spray Shack can help facilitate same-day documentation through our insurance repair service, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Should You Use the Insurer’s Approved Repairer or Choose Your Own?

Once your claim is underway, your insurer will usually direct you to an approved repairer. While this seems like the obvious route, you do have the right to choose your own garage in most cases — and there are pros and cons to both.

Insurer’s Approved Repairer

• Direct billing, which means less paperwork for you.

• Faster processing in some cases due to existing relationships.

• But: you may not get a choice on repair quality, paint matching, or parts used.

Independent Repairer

• More control over quality, repair approach, and sometimes better turnaround.

• Allows for specialist services — particularly helpful if your vehicle has custom paintwork or body kits.

• You’ll usually need to get garage approval and submit your own repair estimate.

Our customers often choose Spray Shack for this reason — our portfolio demonstrates the difference a specialist touch can make, especially when dealing with subtle accident damage or restoring a vehicle after a write-off.

“You don’t have to settle for just ‘acceptable’ when it comes to your car repair. Quality matters — especially when your vehicle is part of your everyday life.”

Tips for a Smoother, Faster Claim Process

To increase your chances of a successful, speedy outcome, here’s what you can do at each stage:

• Document everything: From the moment the accident happens, keep photos, notes, and receipts — especially for costs you may claim as uninsured losses.

• Stay organised: Keep a folder with all communication, including claim numbers, emails, and phone calls.

• Understand your excess payment: Know whether the repairs are likely to exceed your excess. If not, consider repairing privately.

• Communicate clearly: When providing a written account of the incident, keep it factual, chronological, and emotion-free. Avoid speculation about fault unless you have evidence.

• Negotiate if necessary: If your insurance payout seems unfair — challenge it. Bring forward market value comparables, or request an independent engineer valuation.

When Your Vehicle Isn’t Roadworthy

If your car isn’t drivable after the accident:

• Ask if your policy includes a replacement vehicle.

• If not, you may still be able to recover costs for alternative transport as part of your uninsured losses.

• Some insurers offer collision coverage or uninsured motorist coverage add-ons that include this — check your policy details.

In the meantime, our team at Spray Shack can assist with recovery, secure storage, and priority assessment so you’re not left stranded or out of options.

Final Thoughts: Knowledge is Your Best Insurance

Filing an insurance claim for vehicle repair after an accident is more than just bureaucracy — it’s about safeguarding your investment, staying within legal guidelines, and getting your life back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.

From understanding policy exclusions to making the right choices about who handles your repair, the more informed you are, the smoother the journey.

For personalised support, or if you're unsure how to begin, our experts are here to help. Whether you’re looking for a second opinion on a repair, trying to contest a claim settlement, or just want a trustworthy team that knows the industry inside and out — we invite you to contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions: Car Repair Insurance Claims

1. Do I need to notify my insurance company if I don’t plan to make a claim?

Yes. Even if you don't intend to claim, most insurers require you to report the incident. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy or cause problems if the other driver makes a claim against you.

2. Will making a claim affect my no-claims bonus?

It can, especially if you're found to be at fault. Some policies offer no-claims bonus protection, but this must be added before the incident occurs. Check your policy details for specifics.

3. Can I cancel a claim after it's started?

Yes, in most cases. However, once your insurer has incurred costs (e.g. inspections or arranging repairs), you may still be liable for some charges, and the incident may still be logged on your claims history.

4. What happens if the other driver disputes fault?

Your insurer will investigate the case using police reports, witness statements, photographic evidence, and statements from both parties. If it’s unclear, it may be settled on a 50/50 basis, which could still affect your record.

5. Can I claim for personal items damaged in the car?

Possibly. Some comprehensive policies include cover for personal belongings damaged in an accident. Be sure to check policy exclusions and provide receipts or proof of ownership where possible.

6. Is there a time limit for completing repairs after a claim is approved?

Most insurers require repairs to begin within a reasonable time after approval (usually within 6–12 months), but it’s best not to delay. Waiting too long may complicate your claim settlement or invalidate approval.

7. Can I choose a cash-in-lieu of repair instead of fixing the car?

Yes. Some insurers allow you to take the payout instead of repairing the car. However, the amount may be lower than the full repair value, and you’ll assume liability for future issues with the vehicle.

8. What should I do if the insurer’s repairer does a poor-quality job?

You can complain to your insurer directly and request a reinspection or correction. If unresolved, escalate the issue through their complaints procedure or involve the Financial Ombudsman Service.

9. Can I still claim if I’ve already paid for repairs?

It’s possible but more complicated. You’ll need to provide repair invoices, proof of payment, and justification for not waiting for insurer authorisation. There’s no guarantee they’ll reimburse you.

10. What happens if I was driving someone else’s car during the accident?

This depends on whether the vehicle owner’s policy includes a "driving other cars" clause. Your own insurance might also provide limited cover. Check both policies and notify both insurers immediately.