SCOTS motorists involved in minor accidents – common during the slippery winter weather – are being encouraged to check their car properly afterwards.
Car leasing experts at Vehicle Contracts say four key examinations after such an incident can help to protect you, your motor and your insurance policy – and save you financially.
Firstly, check your lights are working all round to avoid legal penalties – have another person behind the vehicle to check the brake lights are working or reverse up to a garage to see the lights reflecting.
A bump could also cause an oil or radiator leak that can cost upwards of £1250 to fix. If damage causes a knock-on effect to the engine, you could be shelling out thousands to get your car back up and running.
Also, if you miss a leak and notice it after an initial insurance claim, or decide not to claim, it can be difficult to get the money back for a repair. Make sure you contact your insurer after an accident and identify any potential issues, even if you’re not planning on claiming.
You should also get your car’s hi-tech safety systems reset – if it has them. Advanced driver assistance features include lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, ABS, parking sensors and a long list of other components.
If you don’t have these recalibrated after an accident, you could unknowingly invalidate your insurance. Make sure you get an inspection done if any damage could have occurred to stay safe and keep your policy valid.
You should also check other safety equipment including seat belts and children’s car seats as equipment may have been affected by the accident.
With seat belts, you might need to replace them, depending on how badly damaged they are. Check with your insurance company to see whether car seats are covered under your policy and look for more advice from your manufacturer.
Vehicle Contracts director Robert Harris said: “In the event of a car accident, even if it’s low impact, thoroughly check your vehicle or take it into a garage for a once over – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
“By not doing the necessary checks, you’re risking the safety of the vehicle and also the chance of a fine. Your insurance company should be able to assist you with this. Make sure you contact them to check their process if you’re booking in with a garage.
“Finally, it is crucial to photograph your vehicle as soon as possible after an accident to document any damage, and collect witness details where necessary to avoid disputes.”
