What should I do in the event of a car accident?

A car accident is always unpredictable and can be a source of stress. But don't panic! At Foyer, we are here to guide you step by step through these delicate moments. Here are the essential steps to follow in order to react correctly and ensure optimum compensation.

First reflexes in the event of an accident

If you are seriously injured in an accident, your first priority is to call 112 for an ambulance. You should also inform the police, who will draw up a report.

In the event of damage to property, make a quick note of the number plates of the vehicles involved, especially if one of them is trying to escape. This could be crucial, as there are almost 3,000 hit-and-runs in Luxembourg every year.

1. Contact your insurer

As soon as the situation is under control, call your insurer to report the accident. We'll guide you through the steps to take.

2. Draw up an accident report

Whether or not anyone is injured, and whether or not you are at fault, it is essential to complete an accident report with the other parties involved. Here are a few tips on how to do it properly:

• Identify the parties: Make a note of the contact details of the drivers and witnesses, and the details of the vehicles involved (registration, insurance).

• Be precise: Make a clear sketch, tick boxes carefully and avoid rushing.

• Do not admit liability: Leave this assessment to the insurance company or the courts.

• Signature: Only sign if you agree with the information, otherwise call in the police.

Tip: Always keep a blank accident report in your vehicle so that you're ready for any eventuality. See our help sheet for filling it in here

3. Organise repairs to your vehicle

If your car is no longer roadworthy after the accident, it is essential to take rapid action to clear the road and ensure the safety of other road users. Here are the steps to take:

• Contact a breakdown service: Your insurer can often provide you with the details of an approved partner or include this service in your contract. Check with your roadside assistance if this type of service is covered.

• Choose a garage: If your insurance contract includes cover for repairs, make sure you choose a garage approved by your insurer. This will make it easier to monitor and pay for repairs.

• Avoid any unnecessary costs: If the breakdown service is covered by your insurance, ask for confirmation before any work is carried out to avoid unforeseen additional costs.

4. Report the claim to your car insurance company

Once the accident report has been duly completed and signed by all parties, send it to your insurance company as soon as possible. Why is this important?

• Quick compensation: The sooner you report the claim, the quicker the process of assessing the damage and organising repairs or reimbursement will begin.

• Respecting deadlines: In Luxembourg, insurance companies require claims to be reported within a legal deadline. Make sure you meet this deadline to avoid any disputes or delays in payment.

• Documents to include: In addition to the claim report, remember to attach any additional documents that may be useful: photos of the damage, witness statements or police reports if available.

Tip: Keep a copy of the report for your records and note the date it was sent for better follow-up.

5. Get your insurer's agreement before starting repairs

Before having your vehicle repaired, contact your insurer to validate the costs and the procedure. Why is this essential?

• Check cover: Your insurance contract determines the amount and types of damage covered. Validating your policy beforehand avoids incurring costs that are not covered.

• Assessing the damage: In some cases, the insurer may ask an expert to check the damage before authorising repairs. This assessment guarantees fair compensation tailored to the situation.

Important: If you carry out repairs without informing your insurer, you risk not being reimbursed for the costs incurred.

We're there for you

We do everything we can to make the process quick and easy for you. By following these steps, you can deal with an accident with complete peace of mind.

Do you need help? Contact us directly for any questions or additional assistance.