Accident

[k3ab]

Hi

May be slightly off topic.

What is the best way to recover a car if it has been involved in an accident?

Is it a case of going through insurance company? Private tow company?

Tried to google but can't seem to find the answer anywhere.

Thanks,
K3ab.

 

[Bing]

I'd have thought that if you have roadside assistance from the RAC or similar then they'd recover it to your destination of choice ? Otherwise I'd let the insurance company handle it so that any further damage that might be caused by the recovery company is covered.

 

[z4_top_down]

I'd have thought that if you have roadside assistance from the RAC or similar then they'd recover it to your destination of choice ? Otherwise I'd let the insurance company handle it so that any further damage that might be caused by the recovery company is covered.

Agreed

 

[edd_jedi]

I'd have thought that if you have roadside assistance from the RAC or similar then they'd recover it to your destination of choice ? Otherwise I'd let the insurance company handle it so that any further damage that might be caused by the recovery company is covered.

Agreed

Roadside assistance won't recover a car that's been in an accident, I learned that the hard way when I had my first proper accident! You have to go through your insurance who will use their recovery, or do it yourself if you're trying to avoid going through the insurance.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Certainly not covereed by the RAC - from my policy:

“Breakdown”
is where the Vehicle is inoperative and/or has
ceased to function as a whole as a result of a
mechanical or electric failure (but not as a result of a
road traffic accident, fire, theft or act of vandalism).
A component failure (e.g. air-conditioning failure)
in itself does not constitute a Breakdown unless it
causes the Vehicle to cease to function as a whole.


If You call Us for assistance following an accident,
fire, theft or act of vandalism or other incident
covered by a policy of motor insurance, You will be
liable to pay Us for the costs of removal. However,
You may be entitled to recover these costs from
Your motor insurer and, where they have been
incurred following an accident, We may be able
to assist You in this as part of Our Accident Care
service.

 

[Bing]

Interesting, must remember that. My only experience was in a company car and I was collected by the roadside assistance company they use. Must have been part of their contract, so I stand corrected

 

[buzyg]

I think our policy with Britania Rescue covers Accidents. Never put it to the test though.

 

[AndyBeech]

Roadside assistance would pick you up, or of its serious enough for the BIB to be involved they will have a company they use to recover vehicles. If it's a non fault claim, you'll get your costs back although you'll have to pay for the recovery in the first instance. If it was your fault, then expect to foot the bill.

So basically use whoever you want, doesn't really matter but I don't think anyone will cover you for 'free'.

 

[Ewazix]

Yep, just checked my RAC as I thought I had 'accident care' which turns out to be a service which is charged for and they try to recover money from insurers.
Note to self, must read the small print

"RAC will rescue and recover your vehicle if you're involved in a road traffic accident in the UK.
Wherever possible, we'll recover the cost from the insurer, so you're not out of pocket"

 

[cj10jeeper]

Yep, just checked my RAC as I thought I had 'accident care' which turns out to be a service which is charged for and they try to recover money from insurers.
Note to self, must read the small print

"RAC will rescue and recover your vehicle if you're involved in a road traffic accident in the UK.
Wherever possible, we'll recover the cost from the insurer, so you're not out of pocket"

I have the same. It's sort of a service to help you rcover costs.

Bottom line is if you're involved in an accident and cannot get the vehicle home yourself you may as well cal your usual breakdown company and stump upthe fee. Anyone other local recovery service is just going to take you for a ride (pun intended)

 

[The hairy angler]

I'd have thought that if you have roadside assistance from the RAC or similar then they'd recover it to your destination of choice ? Otherwise I'd let the insurance company handle it so that any further damage that might be caused by the recovery company is covered.

Agreed

Roadside assistance won't recover a car that's been in an accident, I learned that the hard way when I had my first proper accident! You have to go through your insurance who will use their recovery, or do it yourself if you're trying to avoid going through the insurance.

Hmmm, when I totalled my AMG Mercedes at 20 mph Britannia Rescue were happy to recover my vehicle and take it to a secure compound. they said they would claim the cost from my Insurance company. If the insurance co. did not pay up there would be no claim on me!
I have always found Britannia Rescue to be very customer centred...which is a refreshing change these days.

 

[edd_jedi]

Kind of defeats the point though - surely you would only NOT call your insurer to recover you immediately if you were trying to avoid an insurance claim!?

 

[srhutch]

When my wife totaled her car we just rang the insurance company, they instructed a recovery vehicle to attend and recover.