Step by Step Guide to a Motor Claim

1. If you have been involved in a motor accident and/or want to make a claim please contact Tina Delaney your dedicated Claims Specialist on 053 91 74163.
2. Tina will take all details from you and report it to your Insurer accordingly.
3. A Motor Assessor may be appointed to inspect your damaged vehicle. (You should not proceed with any repairs or dispose of any damaged parts without prior approval from your Insurer.) If you wish at your own expense, you may engage the services of an independent Loss Assessor who will arrange an inspection and act on your behalf in the settlement of your claim.
4. We will issue you the appropriate accident report form containing your unique claims number and claims handler details. This claim form should be completed and returned to us as soon as possible with the relevant written estimates for repair or replacement. Failure to return these documents promptly may result in a delay in settlement of your claim.
5. If you received any correspondence in connection with this accident from any third party please forward it to us unanswered immediately
6. If your vehicle is repairable we will notify you of the agreed repair costs and your repairs can begin. When repairs are completed you will need to send in a Final Account along with a signed Satisfaction Note and then your Insurers may proceed with settlement within 10 working days.
7. If your vehicle is written-off or uneconomical to repair, and if same is covered under your policy, insurers will provide you with the following services free of charge:
       - Move your vehicle to secure free storage
       - Pay the full pre-accident value less policy excess
       - Dispose of the vehicle for you
   
8. If your vehicle is stolen and not found, you will be sent a Motor Theft Questionnaire for completion. Insurers will settle your claim based on the pre-theft value which the Motor Assessor will place on your vehicle.
   If your vehicle is written off or stolen, before your settlement cheque can be issued, Insurers will require:
       - Original Vehicle Licensing Certificate signed & dated by you
       - Claim Form completed & signed
       - If Write off, all Keys for the vehicle
       - If Theft, Motor Theft Questionnaire
   
9. A policy excess will be deducted from any claim settlement amount.
10. Your no claims bonus may be affected as a result of making a claim on your policy. Please consult with your Claims Specialist for further details.

Important - for your information

• Replacement Car Hire:
  Please note there is no cover for car hire if you opt to have your repairs carried out with a garage other than the Insurers Approved Repairer.
• Approved Repairer scheme:
  Insurers have approved repair garages which will provide you with free towage, free storage and a courtesy vehicle for up to seven days. Please consult with Tina Delaney for a list of Approved Repairers in your area.
• Commercial Vehicles:
  Please note that no car or van hire cover applies in respect of Commercial Vehicle Claims. If you are VAT registered, then VAT will also be deducted from the your claim settlement amount.
• Storage:
  If your car / van is already in a garage or storage yard other than the approved repairers it is important to ask if you are being charged to hold it there, as these costs are not covered under your policy.
• Salvage:
  If your car is written-off or beyond economical repair, your Insurers may give you the option of retaining the vehicle. The salvage value will be deducted from your settlement offer.

If you have any further queries, please contact Tina Delaney directly on 053 91 74163 or alternatively you can email claims@sheridan.ie