| Everyone has a right to expect a smooth process | | | | after it has happened and before it all disappears |
| when they claim on an insurance policy, whether it be | | | | from memory - and remember to tell your insurance |
| for car, home or travel insurance - but, inevitably, this | | | | company as soon as possible about the accident. |
| is not always the case. In fact, investigations into | | | | Home insurance |
| complaints about insurance products stretch to | | | | Home insurance is a little different, and thankfully |
| thousands a year, suggesting that everything is not | | | | often a little more straightforward than some car |
| always done as competently and smoothly as you | | | | insurance claims. If something does happen, like a |
| would wish. However, ensuring you - as a policyholder | | | | flood due to faulty plumbing, you could try calling |
| - are organised, you can minimise the chances of | | | | your home insurance company before calling a |
| something going wrong, and in the worst | | | | plumber. They may have a list of emergency |
| circumstances can help back up your case against the | | | | companies that can help you out more quickly. Also, |
| company. | | | | you could check your policy to see if emergency |
| Car insurance | | | | call-outs come as standard and will not be for an |
| With millions of cars on Britain's roads, it's perhaps no | | | | extra fee. |
| surprise that carinsurance is often one of the areas in | | | | You should always follow your insurer's instructions |
| which customers experience a significant number of | | | | clearly, to ensure your claim is processed successfully. |
| problems. As accidents can involve legal implications, | | | | Also, you might want to record any damage done by |
| it's important that you do the right thing if you do | | | | an accident or faulty plumbing by taking photographs. |
| have a bump, whether it was your fault or not. | | | | It is also possibly a good idea to keep any receipts |
| For a start, remember to call the emergency services | | | | for particularly expensive items, as your insurer may |
| on 999 if anyone has been hurt or if the incident | | | | ask for proof. |
| itself is causing a danger to other drivers. It may also | | | | Travel insurance |
| be advisable not to admit any liability for what has | | | | Many people manage to go on holiday without having |
| happened or to offer compensation, such as saying | | | | to claim on their travel insurance, but if you do have |
| "I'll pay for it" if you cause damage. At the same | | | | to, there are things you can do to make sure it'll go |
| time, if the other party does, inform your car | | | | smoothly. For a start it's important to check that |
| insurance company. | | | | you're covered for any problems which may arise |
| It could also be helpful to get the details of any | | | | from a pre-existing medical condition or for something |
| witnesses and those involved, and remember that | | | | you are taking medicines for. Check carefully with |
| the other driver has to give you their car insurance | | | | your insurance provider before you leave. |
| policy details by law. Most people now carry a mobile | | | | If you do have to seek medical advice while away, |
| phone with them which has a camera, so you could | | | | try keeping records of what you are charged for, |
| take a picture of any of the vehicles, potentially | | | | where you went for it, and all the other costs. It can |
| useful evidence if the other driver tries to blame you. | | | | also pay to keep in touch with your insurer |
| You may even want to draw the incident on a piece | | | | throughout your treatment while abroad. |
| of paper, recording the positions of vehicles, just | | | | |