12 December 2022
Drivers are confused and unsure who to turn to following a collision they can drive away from, according to a study by the AA.
While more than two fifths (45%*) would contact their insurer for help and advice following a crash, a quarter (25%) say they’d like to contact the UK’s number one breakdown provider**.
Three in 10 (29%) younger drivers would seek guidance from their parents about what to do next, while 14% would contact an independent garage. Just 3% said they felt confident enough to get their vehicle repaired without any assistance.
Cold weather over recent days has seen drivers approach the AA for help and advice following a crash. Last weekend (10-11 December), AA Accident Assist saw a 135% increase in calls for help, compared to the weekend before (3-4 December).
"Following a crash, drivers are often unsure who to turn to, but we are here for everyone regardless of who they are insured with."
What is unknown amongst drivers is that they can appoint anyone to help process a motor vehicle damage claim, which is why AA Accident Assist*** has today launched the first step of its digital platform to provide free help and guidance to all AA members, regardless of who they are insured with.
The new service is available on the AA’s app or website and users will be able to self-serve and report a motor insurance claim, avoiding the need to contact the call centre. Over the next 12 months, the platform will evolve to provide a complete end-to-end online customer journey including the ability to track the progress of a claim.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: “Following a crash, drivers are often unsure who to turn to, but we are here for everyone regardless of who they are insured with.
“Our new simple digital claims service gives power to drivers, by putting them in control while we give them a helping hand by taking care of everything for them, at a time of stress. This launch supports our ambition that Accident Assist becomes the natural first contact for all our members and insurance customers after an accident.”
* AA Yonder Driver Poll, October 2022. 13,068 respondents.
** Why we're best for breakdown | The AA
*** Accident Assist and Recovery | Road Accident Assistance | AA (theaa.com)
**** The AA app | AA