Nobody wants to think hard in the hours after a loss – that's exactly what this list is for: it walks you through everything from the scene to the payout, even in emergency mode. Save it, print it, keep it in the glovebox: on the worst day, all you should have to do is tick boxes.
In brief:
- The list has five blocks: scene → documentation → reporting → inspection → closing.
- The primary reporting route is always the insurer's claims line, online portal or app.
- For theft and vandalism there's an extra block: the police report – a separate checklist covers that.
Block 1 – At the Scene (First 30 Minutes)
- ☐ Safety: warning triangle, hi-vis vest, passengers to a safe spot – call 112 if needed.
- ☐ Loss mitigation: prevent the damage from getting worse (e.g. temporarily covering broken glass).
- ☐ Photos: overview shots (vehicle positions), close-ups of the damage, number plates, road layout, sign markings.
- ☐ Other party's details: name, number plate, MTPL insurer, policy number – fill in the accident statement if another party is involved.
- ☐ Witnesses' names and contact details.
- ☐ Police, if: personal injury, disputed liability, suspected vandalism, wildlife collision, an uncooperative party.
Blocks 2–3 – Documentation and Reporting (Same Day)
- ☐ Policy number and the insurer's claims-line contact details found (on the policy / insurer's website).
- ☐ Description of the loss event: time, place, sequence – factual, a few sentences.
- ☐ Reported via the insurer's online claim form / claims line / app – with photos uploaded.
- ☐ Claim number noted down: the key to every further step.
- ☐ If another party is at fault: decide between the MTPL route and the casco route – if in doubt, call and we'll talk it through.
Blocks 4–5 – Inspection and Closing
- ☐ Inspection appointment arranged (or photo-based assessment accepted) – repairs do NOT start before the inspection.
- ☐ At the inspection: every point of damage shown, a strip-down inspection requested if hidden damage is suspected.
- ☐ Calculation requested and reviewed: line items, deductible, depreciation lines.
- ☐ Decision: invoice-based or cash-settlement route – for guidance, see the decision article.
- ☐ Follow-up documents submitted on time, every document kept in copy.
- ☐ Payout checked; if a point is disputed: how the broker helps.
The full background explanation: reporting a claim step by step.
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This article is for information purposes only, contains general information and does not constitute an offer or insurance advice. The exact content of insurance contracts is defined by the insurers' terms and conditions in force.
