Mobile phones and car accidents




Using a mobile phone whilst driving is not only dangerous, it is also illegal. Despite this many drivers continue to do so. Research from the Department for Transport suggests that drivers using mobiles whilst driving are four times more likely to be involved in a car accident than those who don't.

The only situation in where it is permissable to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving is if you need to call the emergency services, and even then only if you can't find a safe place to stop.

Due to enforcement problems the use of hands-free phones are permitted. Although safer because both hands are on the wheel, they are still considered likely to affect your concentration and judgement whilst driving. Reaction times can be up to 50% slower than normal when using any mobile phone in the car.

If you need to make a phone call or answer the phone, the simple answer is don't do so whilst you're on the road. The recommended course of action is to pull over when safe to do so and call them back if necessary. Even if your car is stationary at traffic lights or while you are stuck in a traffic queue.

The minimum penalty you are likely to receive is three penalty points and a £60 fine. However, if you cause a car accident as a result of your actions the penalties are more severe. In this situation you could expect to receive a fine of up to £1000 for private individuals, or £2500 for drivers of commercial vehicles, and a discretionary disqualification, as well as penalty points.

If you have had a car accident that was not your fault, 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