How CCTV evidence can help with an accident claim

Closed Circuit Television cameras are in widespread use throughout the UK. It's increasing use has caused much debate amongst those who believe our civil rights and personal privacy are slowly being eroded in this country. Whether you agree with this or not is a question of personal preference, but there is no denying that CCTV has helped catch criminals in many instances, particularly in inner city areas.


It is claimed that regular road users are caught on camera more than 100 times a day, just when going about their daily business. Like it or not, this can actually be used to your advantage if you are involved in a road accident that was caught on camera and where the liability may be in dispute.

Do I have the right to use CCTV evidence?

Yes you do. Under the Data Protection Act you entitled to view any recorded images of yourself that have been captured on camera.

With the massive increase in the capture and storage of personal data, the Data Protection Act was initially created to help private individuals to check and verify the accuracy of any data held by organisations or businesses held in electronic form. The act was amended recently to specifically include video or photographic images of individuals who may have been captured on CCTV cameras.

Getting hold of CCTV evidence for use in an accident claim

CCTV cameras are often used as a security aid for many premises, both in inner city areas and increasingly elsewhere these days. They are sometimes positioned where they might capture activity on the road outside, and so it may be worth investigating if your accident took place near a CCTV camera. The same can apply to road traffic control cameras which are used to monitor traffic flows on busy roads.

If you want to view or have a copy of these images you may have to do a little detective work yourself to track down who operates them. If it's a security camera you will have to contact the company that is using them, or if it’s a traffic camera, the police may be able to help. In either case you should do this as quickly as possible as the recordings may only be held for a few weeks before being deleted.

If you want a copy of the recording you may have to pay a fee for the privilege, but if it helps support your case then the outlay will be justified. If you have problems trying to obtain a copy then you should consult the solicitors we work with or legal advisor for further assistance.

If you have had a car accident that was not your fault, please call Car Call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist.


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