Chronology is your ally: photos, the joint report and a fast notification make the case indisputable. Every silent day works for the other side.
Reporting: Your Insurer and Theirs
Your own insurer: within a week (a policy duty). The other side via the central hotline 0800 250 0500 if their insurer is unknown.
✓ Verified: 18/07/2026
WHAT TO DO
› Details and tips
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Max recommends:
I found the other party insurer via the central insurers hotline using the plate number — one call when he had no papers on him. The service exists precisely for that.
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Lea recommends:
Write to the opposing insurer immediately with the police file number: phone promises weigh nothing; the written claim starts the official response clocks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What deadlines apply for reporting? ▾
To your own insurer usually within a week; the claim to his insurer can come later, but early means clean evidence. Comprehensive-cover cases must not wait at all.
The at-fault driver wants to settle without insurers — agree? ▾
Almost always no: hidden damage surfaces later and private promises collapse. His insurance exists exactly for this; his premium increase is not your concern.
I am not at fault — why tell my insurer? ▾
The notification duty applies regardless of fault, and in a fault dispute your insurer is your shield. Comprehensive claims without notice get cut.
Their insurer offers its own assessor — accept? ▾
Your right is an independent assessor of your choice at their cost (for substantial damage). The insurer assessor saves money for them, not you.