Accident Abroad in a UK Vehicle
Different country, different rules, different time limits. Here is where you stand and what to do first.
You are generally claiming under the law of the country where it happened, not UK law - which changes the time limits, the process, and what is recoverable.
Report it to your own insurer immediately, and gather far more evidence at the scene than you would at home. It is much harder to obtain later.
At the scene
What you collect here decides everything, because you will not be able to go back for it.
Complete a European Accident Statement
The standard form used across Europe. Most insurers supply one. Complete it jointly and keep your copy.
Photograph everything
Both vehicles, documents, insurance details, the road layout, signage and conditions. Far more than you would take at home.
Get police involvement if you can
In many countries a police report is expected and makes the claim considerably easier.
How the claim works
Most European countries have a system letting you claim through a representative in your own country rather than dealing directly with a foreign insurer.
Time limits differ, and some are shorter than the UK. Compensation levels differ too, sometimes considerably. Do not assume anything works the way it would at home.
Check your cover before you travel. Many UK policies drop to third party only abroad, which means your own vehicle is not covered. Breakdown and repatriation cover is worth having and is not automatic.
Back in the UK and unsure what to do?
Tell us where it happened and we will tell you honestly whether we can help or who can.
Common questions
Generally where the accident happened, which changes time limits, procedure and what you can recover.
Often yes, through a UK-based representative of the foreign insurer. The process varies by country.
Usually at least third party, but many policies reduce cover outside the UK. Check before travelling rather than after.
A standard form used across Europe to record what happened, completed jointly by both drivers. Carry one with you.
It depends on the country and some are shorter than the UK. Get advice quickly rather than assuming you have three years.
Terms and conditions apply to all services described on this page. Free recovery, storage and replacement vehicles are provided on the basis that the charges are recovered from the at-fault party’s insurer. We will explain the terms in plain English before anything is arranged.
Before we act for you we are required to verify your identity and to carry out fraud and anti-money laundering checks. This may include checks with credit reference and fraud prevention agencies, which will leave a record on your file.
Where fraud is suspected, information may be shared with fraud prevention agencies, insurers and law enforcement. Providing false or misleading information in support of a claim may mean your claim is refused, and can be a criminal offence.