How to use roundabouts




Accidents often happen on roundabouts even though the rules for using them are pretty straightforward. Some people can still cause accidents on roundabouts by not following the highway code correctly.

Accidents can also occur because someone is not sure which way to go and so they end up in the wrong lane. Instead of going back round the roundabout and changing lane safely, they may decide to cut across lanes near other drivers in order to rectify their mistake and either have a near miss, or a collision.

The most important aspect of using any roundabout is to ensure you are in the correct lane for the exit you require. The entry points to roundabouts can have many different lanes, these will usually have road markings indicating whether they are for the left, straight-ahead or right exits. Roundabouts with multiple exits may also be marked with the identity of the exit road. If the entrance to the roundabout has 2 lanes and is not clearly marked, the convention to follow is shown below:-


For a left exit
  • Signal left and approach in the left-hand lane

  • Keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave

For an exit straight ahead
  • Approach in the left hand lane

  • Once on the roundabout,stay in the left lane and indicate left as you pass the last exit before the one you want

For a right exit
  • Approach in the right hand lane

  • Once on the roundabout, stay in the right lane and indicate left as you pass the last exit before the one you want

  • Glance over your left shoulder before moving into the left hand lane and taking your exit, just in case there is a vehicle there

You must be aware of the traffic around you at all times, and always indicate as early as possible so that other vehicles know what you are about to do.

If the traffic is queueing to get on the roundabout, never assume that the vehicle in front of you is going to move on to the roundabout just because it is clear. Many people go into the back of other vehicles because they make this assumption.

If you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, we can help you get a replacement vehicle, car repairs, legal assistance and injury compensation. Please give us a call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist you.


No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury