RTA Claim Expenses

What types of expenses are you entitled to claim in the UK as part of your car accident compensation?

The expenses you can claim as part of your UK car accident compensation, include the following:

1. Compensation for vehicle collision damage
It is likely that the vehicle you were driving at the time of the accident will have been damaged or even written off. You are entitled to claim the costs of repairs to your vehicle. If your vehicle was beyond economic repair (written off) – you are entitled to claim the value of your vehicle given its age, mileage and condition, enabling you to buy a replacement. Subject to the age of your vehicle, you may be able entitled to claim for the reduction in value caused by the accident.

2. Cost of a hire vehicle
Whilst your own vehicle is being repaired you may claim for the expense of a hire vehicle.

3. Loss of use of vehicle
If you choose not to hire a vehicle whilst yours is being repaired – you are entitled to claim a sum of money known as the “loss of use of vehicle”. This is calculated on a daily rate.

4. Vehicle credit repair and hire
Vehicle repair and hire expenses can be expensive, so if you enter into a legal credit agreement to pay them you can claim this additional expense.

5. Vehicle recovery expense
Your vehicle will often have to be towed from the accident scene to a garage for repair or to storage. There are costs associated with this and you are entitled to claim this sum.

6. Vehicle storage expenses
Your vehicle may need to be stored whilst awaiting repair. You are entitled to claim reasonable storage expenses. If it is stored for too long the cost of storage can be greater than the cost of the vehicle itself, which might be considered unreasonable.

7. Loss of fuel in the tank
When your vehicle is beyond economic repair (written off) you are entitled to claim for the fuel that was in the tank at the time of your traffic accident.

8. Travel expenses
You are entitled to claim travel expenses relating to your road accident, including to and from hospital and your GP. You will need receipts or if you used a friend’s vehicle you could claim a mileage rate which is typically £0.40 per mile.

9. Cost of medical treatment for your injuries
You are entitled to claim for all your medical expenses in treating your trauma – again you will need to supply receipts in support.

10. Lost income
If you were unable to work as a result of your road accident you are entitled to claim lost income as a net amount – income after tax and national insurance is deducted. You can usually prove this amount with a letter from your employer. If you are self employed – you will need to show your lost income from your accounts.

11. Nursing expense
If your injuries were so bad that you required professional nursing assistance – you can claim for this expense.

12. Care and assistance expense
If any family members or friends provided you with care and assistance following your car accident – you are entitled to claim an hourly rate for their time. Statements from these individuals would be required to support this expense.

13. Loss of holiday
If you had booked a holiday which you were unable to go on as a result of your road accident – you can claim the cost of the holiday. Even if you were able to go on the holiday, but due to your injuries were unable to enjoy the holiday – you are entitled to claim for loss of enjoyment.

14. Damaged items