Claims rarely fail because of the accident. They fail because of what did or did not happen in the hours afterwards. Here is what matters.

1. Make people safe, then call us

Attend to injuries and move the vehicle out of traffic if it is safe to do so. Then notify us as soon as you reasonably can — 09644448888. Early notice is a condition of every motor policy.

2. Report it to the police where required

Any accident involving injury, death or theft needs a police report. Get the GD or FIR number; you will be asked for it.

3. Photograph everything before anything moves

Wide shots showing the position of the vehicles, close-ups of every point of damage, the number plates of all vehicles involved, and the surroundings. Photographs taken before the scene is cleared answer questions that are otherwise impossible to settle later.

4. Do not authorise repairs yet

Let our surveyor inspect the vehicle first. Repairs started before the survey may not be reimbursed — this is the single most common reason a motor claim is reduced.

5. Collect the paperwork

• Your policy number or certificate
• Registration papers and fitness certificate
• The driving licence of whoever was driving
• The police report, where one applies
• Repair estimates once the survey is done

For an overseas medical claim the principle is the same: contact the assistance number on your policy before treatment wherever the situation allows, and keep every original bill, prescription and discharge summary.