What is unilateral damage?
Unilateral damage is damage that occurs because you drove your car into an object, such as a lamppost or a tree. In a unilateral accident, you have not collided with another vehicle, but you are the only road user involved. Does your car insurance cover unilateral damage?
What to do in case of unilateral damage?
Even if you have WA or WA limited-casco car insurance, it is important that you report damages resulting from a unilateral accident to your insurer. In a unilateral accident, you yourself are liable for the damage suffered. With a WA car insurance or WA limited casco car insurance, the insurer will not reimburse the costs.
With an all-risk car insurance policy, however, you are insured for damage caused by a unilateral accident. After the damage occurs, it is important that you do fill out a claim form.
Claim form unilateral damage
Even if there are no other parties involved in the accident, you need to fill out a European claim form in the case of unilateral damage. If it is a unilateral accident, you obviously do not need to fill in the details of the other party. However, it is smart to write down name and contact information of any witnesses and take pictures of the damage. Once the insurance company receives the claim form from you, they will process the claim.
Claim = decline in claim-free years
Claiming a one-sided loss causes a drop in claim-free years. As a result, you will probably also have to pay a higher premium. When the damage is small, it can sometimes be more advantageous not to claim the damage, but to pay for it yourself. For each claim you file, you will lose 5 claim-free years. As a result, you will lose part of your accumulated discount. The loss of 5 claim-free years is the same for each insurer. However, the discount you receive by accruing claim-free years may differ with each insurer. So it may be that after a claim with one insurance company you get a lot less discount and with another insurance company the difference in discount is negligible.
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Unilateral damage and a leased car
Do you experience unilateral damage and own a leased car? Even then it is important to always fill out a claim form. Insurers always need a claim form to settle the claim. Also, always report the damage to the company where you lease the car. The lessor will explain to you how to proceed. If the damage is minor, you will probably be able to continue driving. For larger damages, you may be entitled to a replacement car. This is stated in the lease contract you signed at the beginning of the lease period. With damage to a lease car, you often also pay a deductible. Check the terms and conditions carefully before signing the contract. If you have doubts about certain things in the contract, contact the leasing company.
Your car insurance coverage
So whether your car insurance provides coverage for unilateral damage depends on the coverage you have chosen. Do you want to know for sure if your car insurance offers coverage for unilateral damage? Check the policy conditions. Do you want to change the coverage of your car insurance? This can be done through the online contact form.
On alpina.nl you can easily and quickly compare by coverage and price. This way you choose the car insurance that best suits you and your car.
Do you have any questions? Then please contact us. We will gladly help you! We can be reached from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00 on telephone number 088-6883700.
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