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Van Insurance Claims FAQ's

What is Comprehensive Cover?

This covers you for accidental damage to your van (light commercial vehicle) along with malicious/vandalism damage, flood damage, theft and fire damage. It also covers you for any liability you have for third party property damage and personal injury to another person arising out of the accident.

It is important you refer to your schedule and policy document for full details of all cover including limits, conditions, and exceptions to this cover.

What is Third Party, Fire and Theft Cover?

Third Party Fire and Theft covers you for damage as a result of fire, theft or attempted theft. It also covers you for any liability you have for third party property damage and personal injury to another person arising out of an accident.

It is important you refer to your schedule and policy document for full details of all cover including limits, conditions, and exceptions to this cover.

What other things am I covered for?

Depending on the type of policy you opted to purchase, you may have cover for the following:

  • Personal Accident Benefits
  • Medical Expenses
  • Breakdown Assistance
  • Motor Legal Assist Cover
  • Fuel Decontamination

It is important you refer to your schedule and policy document for full details on what is covered and applicable limits.

How will a claim affect my No Claims Discount (NCD)?

Your No Claims Discount may be affected as a result of a claim under your policy. This will depend on the cover you opted for when purchasing your policy and whether Full No Claims Discount or Step Back No Claims Discount applies.

Please check your Schedule to confirm what cover applies.

Full No Claim Discount Protection allows you to make one claim within a consecutive three-year period without it affecting your No Claim Discount.

No Claims Discount   No Claims Discount Reduction
Stage 5 on the Discount Scale  Remains at Stage 5 
Stage 4 on the Discount Scale Remains at Stage 4
Stage 3 or less on the Discount Scale Remains at Stage 3

However, if you make a second claim under this Policy during a consecutive 3-year period, Step Back applies, and we will reduce any previously earned No Claims Discount at the next renewal by 3 stages.

Step Back No Claim Discount Protection
If you have a Step back No Claims Bonus protection, and you make a claim within the period of insurance, the No Claims Discount will be reduced by 3 stages at the next renewal as shown below:

No Claims Discount No Claims Discount Reduction
Stage 5 (Maximum) on the Discount Scale Reduced to Stage 2
Stage 4 on the Discount Scale Reduced to Stage 1
Stage 3 or less on the Discount Scale Reduced to Stage 0

How will the claim affect my premium?

Your premium may not be affected however if there was to be an increase in your premium it would only be applied at renewal stage. 

What number should I call to report the claim?

  • In the Republic of Ireland: 091 762 727
  • Outside the Republic of Ireland: +353 (01) 91 762 727

Who will help me process my claim?

During normal office hours, you will be assisted by a member of our dedicated RSA claims team. Outside normal office hours, a member of our afterhours team will help you until the office reopens and one of our dedicated 123.ie claims staff will contact you then. 

What type of information will you need from me?

  • Time and date of the accident
  • Name and contact details of other people involved in the accident
  • Details of drivers involved
  • Details of vehicles involved in accident and damage as a result of the incident
  • Name and reference number of the insurers of the other people involved
  • Name and contact details of any witnesses, if applicable
  • Name and contact details of Gardai, if they attended the scene

What documentation will you need from me?

In certain circumstance we may need you to complete an Accident Report Form which will provide us with information important to the claim.

We may also require a copy of the front and back of the Driving License for the driver involved in the incident. This may be required to enable us to confirm important cover information.  

Any additional documentation requests will be explained to you by your claims representative.

How will you communicate with me?

We can communicate by phone, post and email. You may also receive text messages to update you on the progress of your claim. Your claims representative will be able to update you on the progress of your claim at any stage.

Can you recommend a garage I can use to repair my vehicle?

A garage from our panel of Recommended Repairers can repair your van (light commercial vehicle) for you. Our Recommended Repairers offer a three-year warranty on parts and, where required, can facilitate a free collection/drop off service.

They will provide you with a quick, efficient service and we can make payment directly to the garage.

Click here to find your nearest Recommended Repairer.

Will you inspect my vehicle and how long will it take?

We will instruct a Motor Assessor   to inspect the damage to your van (light commercial vehicle). They will contact you within two working days of being appointed by the claims handler.  

It normally takes the Motor Assessor two working days to send us a report after the inspection has taken place. We will contact you when we have received and reviewed the report. 

When can the repairs start?

It’s important that you report the claim to us prior to any instruction to commence repairs is given. We will arrange for a motor engineer to inspect the damage to your vehicle. Once the engineer has agreed the repair costs the repairs can commence with your authorisation.

How does the salvage process work?

If your vehicle is not repairable the engineer will obtain salvage offers through a salvage auction process. The salvage figure is determined by the highest bidding salvage agent.  

The details of the highest bidder will be provided to you and you then deal directly with the salvage agent in relation to the sale of your damaged vehicle. In such case, you need to provide your Vehicle Registration Certificate and all keys to the salvage agent.  

The salvage dealer will pay you the agreed salvage amount which will be deducted from the settlement offer. It is your decision whether or not to sell your damaged vehicle to the salvage agent.

If you choose not to sell your vehicle to the salvage agent, the salvage amount will still be deducted from your settlement.

Who pays the repairer?

If you used one of our Recommended Repairers, they would bill us directly for the cost of repairs. You will be asked to sign an authority to pay form to confirm you are happy for payment to be issued directly to the repairer.

If you have chosen an alternative repairer, payment   will be issued on receipt of the approved final account. This payment can be made directly to you or to your chosen repairer. All payments issued will be subject to the applicable policy excess. 

How long will it take to settle my claim?

We aim to settle all claims as quickly as possible. All requested documentation should be sent to us as soon as possible to ensure there are no unnecessary delays.

If there is another party involved what do I do?

If the other party is claiming from you then refer them to us.

If you receive any correspondence from the other party or their insurers please forward it to us and we will respond on your behalf.

Please ensure to put your claim number and/or policy number on all documentation you send to us. 

What happens if there is a dispute on who was at fault?

If there is a dispute on liability we will arrange for a full investigation.

 
If you have names of any witnesses or attending Gardai please ensure you provide details to us as we may need to contact them. 

What happens if the other person was at fault?

If we settle the claim under your policy, we will then pursue recovery of outlays from the other person/insurers.

Can I claim directly against the other person?

Yes, you can, it is for you to decide whether or not to pursue the other person directly. Normally their insurer will get involved at the earliest stage.

If you require any information on what steps to take, then please ask your claims representative. It is your obligation to report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.

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