360 Accident Management
Managing an insurance claim alongside everything else after an accident can feel like a full-time job. We help with reporting, evidence, communication and keeping the claim moving toward a resolution.
An insurance claim following a vehicle accident usually involves several parties: your insurer, possibly the other driver's insurer, an engineer who assesses the vehicle, and the repairer carrying out any work. Keeping track of what each party needs, and when, is where much of the frustration in a claim tends to come from, and it is exactly where we aim to help.
The claim generally starts with reporting the accident to your insurer, and this should be done as promptly as reasonably possible, since most policies require this regardless of fault. Alongside this, gathering and preserving evidence, such as photographs, witness details and any police reference, gives the claim the best possible foundation from the outset.
Most insurers issue a claim reference once a claim is opened, and this reference is used in almost all subsequent communication. Keeping this reference, along with any correspondence, in one place makes it far easier to follow up on progress or answer questions that come up later in the process.
Vehicle inspection is a key stage in most claims. An engineer, sometimes acting for the insurer, assesses the damage to determine what repair work is needed and to estimate cost. In some cases they also consider whether a vehicle should be treated as a total loss. This assessment generally needs to happen before repair work can be authorised, so delays at this stage can affect the whole timeline.
How it works
Reporting the accident
We help you report the accident to your insurer promptly, ensuring the details and evidence gathered are presented clearly from the outset.
Evidence and claim reference
Evidence is organised and the claim reference is recorded, so that all subsequent communication can be tracked consistently against the same claim.
Vehicle inspection
The vehicle is inspected, often by an engineer, to assess the extent of damage and determine the appropriate next step, whether that is repair or further assessment.
Repair authorisation
Once the assessment is complete, repair is authorised and coordinated, with the customer kept informed of the outcome of the assessment and what happens next.
Progress communication
We provide updates as the claim and any repair progresses, so you are not left chasing multiple parties for information.
Resolution
The claim moves toward resolution, covering matters such as excess, valuation where relevant, and completion of any repair, with the outcome explained clearly.
Capability
A claim reference number is generated when a claim is opened and functions as the identifier for everything that follows. Correspondence, invoices, engineer reports and settlement details are all tied to this reference, which is why keeping a note of it, along with the insurer's contact details, is genuinely useful from day one.
An engineer's assessment typically examines the damage against the vehicle's value and the likely cost of repair. Where repair cost approaches or exceeds a proportion of the vehicle's value, the insurer may consider treating it as a total loss rather than authorising repair. This is covered in more detail on our write-off disputes page. This is a professional assessment and cannot be reliably predicted before the vehicle has actually been inspected.
Repair authorisation is the point at which an insurer confirms that repair work can proceed, generally based on the engineer's report and any repair estimate. Once authorised, the practical stages of repair — such as parts ordering, panel work, paint and any recalibration — follow the process outlined on our body shop pages. Timescales cannot be promised, though, until the repair is under way and the full extent of work is confirmed.
Excess is the amount a policyholder may be required to contribute toward a claim. Whether it is charged, and whether it is later recovered, depends on liability and the specific terms of the policy in question. This is why liability decisions have practical financial consequences beyond simply establishing who was at fault.
We are not the insurer and cannot make final decisions on liability, valuation or claim settlement, which remain matters for the insurer and, where relevant, the engineer involved. We support and communicate on your behalf, and explain decisions as clearly as we can, but final outcomes rest with the insurer.
Why 360
Reading facility
Body repair, paint, structural repair and nationwide accident management support.
8 Arkwright Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0LUMonday – Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: By appointment only
Sunday: By appointment only
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All 360 Accident Management servicesArkwright Road, ReadingAreas we coverContact 360
360 Accident Management
24/7 nationwide accident assistance, recovery and replacement vehicle support.
