CASCO
A CASCO accident: what to do in the first hours
From the scene to the insurer’s claim file. How photos, a European accident statement and a late call can damage the payout, and why you should not repair “by eye” before inspection.
CASCO works only if the event is recorded properly. The most expensive refusals are born in the first hour of chaos: the car is moved, parts are gone, the insurer is told a week later.
Safety first, then evidence
Switch on hazards, place the warning triangle, check for injuries. If anyone is hurt — police and medics only, no “deal on the spot”. For light damage without injuries a European accident statement may be enough, but only if both sides agree on the diagram.
Shoot a wide view of the junction or yard, plates, close-ups of damage, signs, the traffic light, brake marks. Video from several angles is often worth more than ten blurry shots.
When to call the police
- there are injuries or the other driver appears intoxicated
- the parties disagree on fault
- public property, a fence or a pole is damaged
- the other side refuses to show documents
Notifying the insurer
The contract sets a deadline — often 24 hours. Calling from the scene is better. Write down the claim number. Do not promise the other party that “insurance will pay everything” until cover is confirmed: CASCO pays for your car, not automatically for theirs.
Do not start repairs or throw away replaced parts before inspection. A DIY “touched-up bumper” can reduce the payout or start a dispute about the nature of the damage.
Inspection and documents
Prepare the policy, licence, vehicle certificate, police report or European statement, photos. A financed car may need bank details. After inspection, confirm whether repair goes to the insurer’s workshop or a cash calculation. Do not sign papers you do not understand.
Keep every message. If repair drags on, a written trail helps more than repeated calls with no history.