What is a third party insurance claim?
In a road traffic accident, the driver who caused the collision is legally liable for the losses of anyone they hit. Their motor insurance policy is there to meet that liability. A third party claim is a claim made directly against that policy.
The term "third party" describes your position in the at-fault driver's insurance contract. Their insurer is the first party, their policyholder is the second, and you as the injured party are the third.
What you can claim for
From the at-fault driver’s insurer, you can claim for:
- Repairs to your car, or its market value if it is written off
- A replacement vehicle while your car is off the road
- Recovery and storage costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses that resulted directly from the accident
Third party claim vs claiming on your own policy
The two routes produce different outcomes because the financial relationship is different. Every row on the left applies to an own-policy claim with any insurer, the structure is consistent across the industry.
How we make the claim for you
You give us the details of the accident on one call. We identify the at-fault insurer, notify them of your losses, and manage the claim from that point. You do not deal with them directly.
We arrange the replacement car, oversee the repair at a garage you are happy with, and pursue settlement. The at-fault insurer pays for the repair, the vehicle, and our costs. You pay nothing.
- How accident management works
- How credit hire works
Why the other driver’s insurer will ring you first
After an accident, the at-fault insurer is often notified quickly by their own policyholder. They may call you directly, sometimes within hours. The purpose of that call is to manage the claim on their terms, which typically means a lower settlement, their choice of repairer, and a basic replacement car rather than a like-for-like one.
You are not obliged to deal with them. If we are already handling your claim, tell them to contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim directly against the other driver’s insurer?
Yes. If the accident was not your fault and the other driver is insured, you can claim directly against their insurer for your losses. You do not need to go through your own policy. An accident management company can handle that claim on your behalf.
How long does a third party claim take?
The timeline depends on how quickly the at-fault insurer accepts liability and on the complexity of the damage. Where liability is clear and accepted early, repairs and settlement can move quickly. Where fault is disputed, the process takes longer. We chase progress and keep you informed throughout.
What if they dispute who was at fault?
If the other insurer disputes who caused the accident, we bring together the available evidence, such as photographs, dashcam footage and witness accounts, and challenge their position where justified. We handle that process. You do not have to deal with the insurer directly.
Do I still have to tell my own insurer?
Most motor insurance policies require you to notify your insurer when an accident occurs, regardless of fault or whether you intend to claim. That is a notification, not a claim. If we are handling the matter, nothing goes through your policy, but you should still inform your insurer that the accident happened.
What if I was injured?
If you are injured, we can arrange access to appropriate medical treatment and specialist legal support, with the services and any fees explained before you proceed.