What does car insurance cover
and what to do if you have an accident?
Everything you need to drive with peace of mind: cover, documents, roadside assistance and how to fill in an accident report form correctly.
The essentials at a glance
Having good car insurance isn't just about paying less. What matters is knowing what you're covered for, what to do if something happens on the road and how to act so a claim is processed correctly.
In this guide we explain the most common car insurance cover, the types of policy available, what documents to keep in the vehicle and how to fill in an accident report form step by step.
- Compulsory third party liability
- Roadside assistance
- Windscreen, theft and fire
- Own damage, with or without an excess
- Legal defence and damage claims
- Accident report form (parte amistoso / DAA)
What car insurance usually covers
Cover can vary by company and the plan you take out, but these are some of the most common guarantees in car insurance.
Compulsory third party liability
The minimum cover required by law. It covers personal and material damage you may cause to third parties with your vehicle.
Voluntary third party liability
Extends the limits of compulsory third party liability. It reinforces your protection if the damage caused exceeds certain amounts.
Roadside assistance
Helps you if you have a breakdown or accident. It may include towing, roadside repair, vehicle transport and assistance for occupants, depending on the policy.
Windscreen cover
Covers the repair or replacement of the windscreen, windows and rear window when damaged.
Theft
Protects against theft of the vehicle or certain insured items, according to the policy conditions.
Fire
Covers the damage the vehicle may suffer due to fire, total or partial, depending on the cover taken out.
Own damage
Covers damage to your own car, even when you are at fault. It can be taken out with or without an excess.
Legal defence and damage claims
Helps you claim for damage suffered and defend your interests in certain traffic-related disputes.
Types of car insurance: which one fits you best
Not every car or every driver needs the same policy. The right plan depends on the vehicle's value, its age, how you use it and the level of protection you want.
Basic third party
The minimum option for driving. It usually includes compulsory third party liability and, depending on the company, some additional cover.
Third party fire & theft
Adds common cover such as windscreen, theft, fire or roadside assistance, while usually keeping a more contained price than fully comprehensive.
Fully comprehensive with excess
Includes own damage, but the insured covers part of the cost of each claim. That amount is called the excess.
Fully comprehensive without excess
One of the most complete options. It covers the vehicle's own damage with no excess, according to the policy conditions.
Excess: what it means and when it pays off
The excess is the amount you cover yourself in the event of an own-damage claim.
It is not good or bad in itself. It can help reduce the price of the insurance, but it is worth weighing up how you use the car, its value, your experience as a driver and how much risk you want to take on.
For example, if you have a €300 excess, it means that in certain claims you would pay the first €300 of the repair and the company would cover the rest, according to the terms taken out.
If you have a collision with damage valued at €1,200 and your policy has a €300 excess, you would cover €300 and the company would cover the rest, always subject to the policy conditions.
What documents you should carry in your vehicle
As well as having valid insurance, it is important to carry the vehicle's documents properly. This will save you problems if you have an incident, a check or an accident.
Driving licence
It must be valid and match the type of vehicle you drive.
Vehicle registration
Identifies the vehicle and proves it can be driven. If you have just bought the car, it can be temporarily replaced by a provisional authorisation.
Technical data sheet
Includes the car's technical specifications and certifies that the vehicle meets the conditions needed to be driven.
Valid roadworthiness test (ITV)
When the vehicle is more than 4 years old, it must have a valid ITV, with a pass report and an up-to-date sticker.
Insurance documents
Although many checks can be done electronically, it is advisable to keep your policy and proof of insurance to hand.
Assistance phone number
Save the assistance phone number on your mobile. In a breakdown or accident, it will help you act faster.
Good habits before hitting the road
Many incidents are handled better if you have the information ready before you need it. These small habits can save you time and hassle.
Save the assistance number
Always keep your insurer's assistance number handy. In a breakdown or accident, you won't have to look for it in a hurry.
Check your policy before travelling
Before a long trip, check whether you have roadside assistance, from which kilometre it applies and whether it also covers occupants.
Carry an accident report form
Although mobile apps are increasingly used, carrying a paper accident report form is still very useful if you have a collision with another vehicle.
Take photos if something happens
Photos help document damage, the position of the vehicles, number plates, signs, lanes and the surroundings of the accident.
Don't argue at the scene
If there is no agreement, it is best to stay calm, collect the other party's details and call the police if necessary.
Report the claim as soon as possible
The sooner the claim is reported, the sooner the company can start processing it and the fewer doubts there will be about what happened.
What to do if you have an accident
The most important thing in an accident isn't filling in paperwork quickly, but protecting people and avoiding further risks. Safety first, documentation second.
Stay calm and avoid danger
Breathe, stop the vehicle if you can do so safely and avoid standing in a hazardous area.
Make the area visible
Make the situation visible to other drivers. Use the appropriate warning devices and put on a reflective vest if you have to leave the vehicle.
Check for injuries
Before thinking about the report, make sure everyone is okay. If there are injuries, call the emergency services.
Collect the other party's details
Note the number plate, insurer, policy number, the policyholder's name and the driver's details. The information must be complete and legible.
Fill in the report form if you agree
If both parties agree on what happened, fill in the accident report form calmly and check all the details before signing.
If there is no agreement, call the police
If there are doubts, conflicting accounts or the other party won't cooperate, collect the available details and request police intervention.
Take photos
Photograph the damage, the position of the vehicles, the number plates, the signs, the road and any detail that helps explain what happened.
Send the information to Segurmar
Once you have the report, photos or the other party's details, send us the documentation so we can help you process the claim.
How to fill in an accident report form step by step
The accident report form (Declaración Amistosa de Accidente, also known as the parte amistoso or DAA) records how a road accident happened when the drivers involved agree on the basic facts. Filling it in well helps the company process the claim with fewer doubts and avoids delays.
Date and place
State the date of the accident and the exact place it happened. If it was on a road, note the kilometre marker. If it was in a city, give the street, junction or clearest reference possible.
Casualties or injured
If anyone is injured, note their details if possible. If there are injuries, the priority is to call the emergency services.
Witnesses
If there are witnesses, write down their details clearly. They can be important if doubts arise later about how the accident happened.
Policyholder, vehicle and insurer details
Fill in each vehicle's details correctly: number plate, insurer, policy number, policyholder and driver. Check they match the documents.
Point of impact and damage
Indicate the initial point of impact and describe the visible damage. Be specific and avoid confusing wording.
Circumstances of the accident
Tick the boxes that match what happened. Review this section carefully, as it helps determine who was at fault. Don't forget to state the total number of boxes ticked.
Sketch and notes
Make a simple drawing of the accident. It should help show the direction of the vehicles, lanes, signs, traffic lights and point of impact. It doesn't have to be perfect.
Signatures
Before signing, check all the details. If both drivers agree, sign the form and keep your copy. If you disagree with what is written, don't sign.
Signing the form doesn't mean the company will automatically accept everything, but it does confirm that both drivers agree with the information written on that document. That's why it is essential to read it carefully before signing.
Common mistakes when filling in an accident report form
An incomplete or poorly filled-in form can delay the claim. These are some common mistakes worth avoiding.
Writing illegibly
If the details can't be read clearly, it may be hard to locate the other party or confirm the information with the company.
Getting the number plate wrong
The number plate is one of the most important details for identifying the other vehicle. Check it before handing in the report.
Forgetting the policy number
The policy number helps locate the insurance of the vehicle involved. If you can, copy it directly from the documents.
Ticking the wrong circumstances
The boxes in the circumstances section are very important. Ticking the wrong box can change how the accident is interpreted.
Not making a sketch
A simple drawing can clarify a lot. Show the direction of travel, lanes, signs and point of impact.
Signing if you don't agree
If the written version doesn't match what happened, don't sign under pressure. Collect details, take photos and request police help if necessary.
Situations that can complicate a claim
Every policy has its conditions, limits and exclusions. That's why it is important to review the contract carefully and ask about any doubts before a claim happens.
Driving without a valid licence
The driver must have a valid licence appropriate for the type of vehicle.
Driving without a valid ITV when required
If the vehicle must pass the ITV, you should keep it valid and carry up-to-date documents.
Not reporting the claim properly
Reporting late or with incomplete information can make processing harder. It is best to report as soon as possible.
Incomplete details of the other party
If the number plate, insurer, driver or policy number are missing, processing can become complicated.
Undeclared use of the vehicle
The real use of the car must match what is declared in the policy. Private, professional and delivery use are not the same.
Drivers not covered
Some policies have restrictions by age, licence seniority or main driver. It is worth checking before lending the vehicle.
What to do after filling in the form
Once the form is filled in, keep your copy and send it to Segurmar as soon as possible along with any available documents or photos.
The more information we have from the start, the easier it will be to help you with the claim.
- 1 Keep your copy of the report.
- 2 Take photos of the damage and the accident scene.
- 3 Send the documentation to Segurmar.
- 4 State whether the police were involved or whether there is a report.
- 5 Wait for instructions before repairing if it is not an emergency.
Have you had an accident?
Send us the form and documents on WhatsApp and we'll help you with the claim.
Send the form on WhatsAppAlthough many checks can be done electronically, it is advisable to keep your insurance documents and proof of payment to hand. That way you can act faster if any incident occurs.
Don't argue or sign a version you don't agree with. Collect the other vehicle's details, take photos and call the police if necessary so a report can be made.
Yes. Photos can help a lot. Photograph the damage, the position of the vehicles, the number plates, the signs, the road and any detail that helps explain what happened.
The law gives you seven days from when you learn of it, and the policy may only extend that period, never shorten it. Even so, the sooner you report, the sooner processing can start and the fewer doubts there will be about the accident details: what happens if you miss the deadline.
Number plate, insurer, policy number, the policyholder's name, the driver's details and a contact phone number if possible. It is also worth photographing the documents if the other party allows it.
Signing confirms that both drivers agree with what is written in the form. That's why it is important to review it carefully before signing. If you don't agree, don't sign that version.
The excess is the amount you cover yourself in certain own-damage claims. In return, it usually lowers the price of the insurance.
It usually does not cover your own vehicle's damage if you are at fault, unless you have additional cover such as windscreen, theft, fire or other specific guarantees.
Third party fire & theft usually adds cover such as windscreen, theft or fire. Fully comprehensive also includes own damage to the vehicle, with or without an excess, depending on the plan.
Yes. You can review it at any time to see if it is well adjusted, whether you have the right cover or whether it is worth preparing an alternative for the next renewal. If you decide to switch, notice must go out at least one month beforehand: how that month is counted.
Want to review your car insurance?
We check whether you have the right cover, whether you're overpaying or whether you can improve your current policy. Free and no obligation.
Segurmar helps you compare, understand and take out your car insurance with close, professional advice.