Car passenger compensation claims. Frequently Asked Questions



Anyone who chooses to carry passengers in their vehicle has what is known in law as a 'duty of care' to their passengers and also to other road users.

In essence this means that it is the drivers responsibility to ensure the safety of the people in their care, and should they fail to do so they will be liable for any costs or damages that may result from their negligence.

Put simply, if you are injured in an accident as a passenger, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries from the person responsible, whether they are the driver of your vehicle or someone else.

For free no obligation advice, call us now on 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.


Can I claim compensation from the driver?

Yes, if the accident happened as a result of their careless or negligent driving. Compensation can be sought from the insurer of the at-fault driver.

The chances are you will know or perhaps be related to the driver of the vehicle you were in. You should not feel uncomfortable about making a claim from someone you know. Everyone is obliged by law to have insurance to cover these situations and in any event the driver should accept responsibility for their mistake.

Remember - you are claiming from the drivers insurance and not the driver personally!


The accident liability was 50/50, can I still claim?

Yes. If the claim is successful your total settlement will be claimed from both parties.


I want to make a compensation claim, what do I do?

We and our partners help thousands of people every year make motor accident claims independently of their insurers. Whether you are the driver of a vehicle or a passenger, we may be able to help you pursue a claim for compensation.


The car accident happened some time ago, can I still make a claim?

The law in the UK states that you can pursue a personal injury claim up 3 years from the date of the accident occurring.


Will I have to go to court?

The vast majority of claims for compensation are settled out of court. The settlement amount will typically be agreed between yourself, your legal representatives and those of the at-fault party.

A court appearance may be required in exceptional circumstances where there is an unresolvable dispute in terms of liability or the settlement amount cannot be agreed.


How long does the claims process take?

This will depend on the circumstances of the accident, a straightforward claim may be resolved in a matter of weeks, and more complex claims may take longer.


What else can you help me with?

Car Call and our partners are independent motor claims specialists. We help drivers who have been involved in non-fault accidents get the help and assistance they need, but without having to make a claim on their own insurance policies.

If we are able to assist you, you do not have to make a claim on your own insurance. We will recover the costs of your services directly from the at-fault driver's insurance company on your behalf.

This also means that you will almost certainly not have to pay the excess on your policy.

We can also help with the following:

  • Arrange for a comparable replacement for an un-roadworthy vehicle

  • The replacement vehicle can be delivered to your home or place of work

  • Repairs to your vehicle can arranged at an approved accident repair centre or at a repair centre of your own choice

To find out if we can help you, simply call 02392 484 244 or send us your contact details using the enquiry form on this page and we will contact 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