Accidents happen, even when you’re being as careful as you can. If you’ve had a bump while driving a hired van, staying calm and knowing exactly what to do next can save you a lot of stress and money. This guide walks you through the key steps after an accident, explains how excess charges work, and shows how Gigasure’s Excess Cover can help you reclaim your costs.
Accidents are always challenging but with the right steps, you can make the aftermath much easier to deal with.
Immediate Safety & Police Rules: What To Do First
Safety first. If anyone’s injured, call emergency services right away. Make sure everyone is out of harm’s way and if the van is obstructing traffic, move it to a safer spot if possible.
Whether you must call the police depends on the accident severity and local laws. In the UK, if there’s injury or if the accident causes obstruction, you’re legally obliged to report it to the police. Even if no one is hurt, reporting can help with insurance claims later.
Exchange Details & Gather Evidence
Next, swap contact and insurance info with the other driver(s). If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers too. The more evidence you have, the better.
Take clear, timestamped photos or videos of:
- All vehicles involved, especially damage
- The scene (road signs, traffic lights, skid marks)
- Any relevant road conditions or hazards
If your van has a dashcam, make sure to save that footage as well. Evidence like this will be key if there’s a dispute about who caused the accident.
Contact the Hire Firm Within the Required Time
Most van hire contracts require you to notify the rental company within a strict timeframe, often within 24 hours or so. Check your agreement and don’t delay this step, it’s very important.
Reporting promptly allows the hire company to inspect the damage and start the claims process without complications. If you fail to report in time, you could be liable for the full cost of repairs. This could leave you with a very hefty bill, which is the last thing you need after being in an accident!
What Charges Can You Expect From the Rental Company?
When the van hire firm assesses the damage, they’ll typically block an excess amount on your card to cover possible costs. This excess is a pre-agreed deductible that you’re responsible for if damage occurs.
There may also be admin or processing fees and sometimes charges for loss of use while the van is being repaired.
It’s important to note that this excess can sometimes be quite high. You can expect it to be several hundred or even over a thousand pounds depending on the vehicle and rental terms.
How Gigasure’s Excess-Waiver Policy Helps You Reclaim Costs
This is where Gigasure’s independent Excess Waiver cover steps in to give you some much-needed peace of mind. If the rental company charges you the excess after an accident, our policy can reimburse you. This helps you avoid paying out of pocket. We cannot prevent the accidents from happening, but we can make the aftermath a little easier for you to handle.
To make a claim, you’ll need to provide:
- The rental agreement and damage report
- Photos of the damage
- The invoice or statement showing the excess charged
- A copy of your claim form from the hire company
Gigasure handles the rest, so you can focus on recalibrating in peace.
What If a Third Party is at Fault?
If another driver caused the accident, their insurance should cover the damage. You’ll still need to inform your hire company and Gigasure, but the excess might be recoverable from the third party’s insurer.
If they refuse to pay or the other driver is uninsured, that’s when your Excess Cover with Gigasure is invaluable — helping you avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses.
People Also Ask
Who pays for damage to a rental van?
Typically, you’re responsible for damage during your hire period, up to the excess limit. The rental company charges this excess to cover minor repairs, while major damage is usually covered by their insurance. If a third party caused the damage, their insurer should ultimately pay. It’s important to check your rental agreement carefully to understand your specific liabilities and any additional protections you may have.
Do I call the police after a van hire accident?
Yes, if there are injuries or if the accident causes obstruction. Even if not legally required, it’s a good idea to report to the police to get an official record, which helps with insurance claims. Having a police report can also protect you if there’s any dispute about fault or the circumstances of the accident.
How do I claim on van hire excess insurance?
Contact your insurer (like Gigasure) as soon as possible. Submit documents including your rental agreement, damage report, photos, and the invoice showing the excess charged. The insurer will process your claim and reimburse you if eligible. Keep all correspondence and receipts organized to speed up your claim and avoid delays.
Stay Protected, Drive Confidently
Accidents aren’t anyone’s favourite part of hiring a van but knowing exactly what to do can make all the difference. From staying safe and collecting evidence to understanding how excess charges work, you’re now prepared to handle the unexpected.
For extra peace of mind, Gigasure’s independent Excess-Waiver policies ensure you’re protected financially*, so you can focus on your job, your move, or your adventure without worrying about costly excess fees.
*Gigasure Van Hire Excess policies have a voluntary excess of £150 which can be increased to £250 to reduce your premium.
