A liable accident can have a significant impact on the activity of a VTC driver. Here are the steps to follow and the guarantees that can make a difference.
For a VTC driver, a liable accident is not limited to vehicle repairs.
It can also lead to:
- immobilization of your work tool;
- loss of turnover;
- an increase in your insurance premium;
- sometimes lengthy administrative procedures.
👉 Knowing how to react quickly helps limit financial consequences and facilitate the resumption of your activity.
Here are the essential steps to follow after a liable accident.
Secure the accident scene
Safety is always the priority.
After an accident:
- protect the area if necessary;
- turn on your hazard lights;
- wear a safety vest when conditions require it;
- contact emergency services if someone is injured.
If passengers are in the vehicle, their safety must also be ensured before any other action is taken.
Fill out an amicable accident report
Even when your liability seems clear, it is important to accurately complete an amicable accident report.
The document must specify:
- the circumstances of the accident;
- visible damage;
- drivers' contact information;
- insurance information.
👉 Don't forget to take several photographs:
- of the vehicles;
- of the roadway;
- of the signage;
- of the surroundings.
These elements may be useful during the investigation of the case.
Report the claim promptly
After an accident, you must inform your insurer within the deadlines specified in your contract, generally within 5 business days.
A prompt declaration allows for:
- accelerating the opening of the claim file;
- facilitating the expert assessment;
- reducing compensation delays.
What happens if a client was on board?
Transported passengers are third parties.
Their bodily injuries are covered according to the rules applicable to motor vehicle civil liability, regardless of your professional activity.
👉 However, the consequences for your own vehicle or your injuries will depend on the guarantees subscribed.
Will my vehicle be repaired?
It all depends on your contract.
With comprehensive insurance
If your contract includes damage cover, your vehicle may be compensated according to the conditions set out in the contract, even if you are responsible for the accident.
With third-party insurance
Civil liability only covers damages caused to third parties.
👉 Damages sustained by your own vehicle are generally not compensated when you are responsible for the accident.
Will I incur a malus?
In most cases, yes.
When a driver is found fully responsible for an accident, their bonus-malus coefficient is generally increased in accordance with the rules of the Insurance Code. This change can lead to an increase in the premium when the contract is renewed.
The impact depends notably on:
- your current coefficient;
- your claims history;
- your insurer's pricing policy.
What to do if your vehicle is immobilized?
Immobilization can quickly become problematic for a VTC driver.
Depending on the guarantees subscribed, you may benefit from:
- assistance;
- a replacement vehicle;
- business interruption insurance;
- support to expedite repairs.
These guarantees help limit the financial impact of a business interruption.
Vehicle assessment
After the claim declaration, an expert is generally appointed.
Their role is notably to determine:
- the extent of the damage;
- the cost of repairs;
- the foreseeable duration of immobilization;
- the economic value of the vehicle.
This stage determines the subsequent compensation process.
Guarantees that can make a difference
For a VTC driver, certain guarantees are particularly useful.
✔️ All-risk damage guarantee
This generally covers vehicle repairs, even when you are at fault.
✔️ Driver guarantee
If you are injured in an accident, this guarantee can compensate your bodily injuries according to the conditions stipulated in the contract.
✔️ Loss of earnings guarantee
It can compensate for part of the loss of income during the vehicle's immobilization when provided for in the contract.
✔️ Replacement vehicle
Continuing to work during repairs can be essential to preserve your turnover.
Mistakes to avoid
❌ Leaving the scene without making a report.
❌ Waiting several days before reporting the claim.
❌ Forgetting to take photos.
❌ Not checking the guarantees of your contract.
❌ Choosing insurance based solely on price without considering the needs related to your professional activity.
How to limit the consequences of a liable accident?
Even if an accident cannot always be avoided, certain good practices help limit its consequences:
- regularly check the guarantees of your contract;
- adapt your coverage to your activity;
- include a loss of earnings guarantee;
- have effective assistance;
- keep all supporting documents related to the claim.
👉 A well-adapted contract often allows for a quicker return to activity.
Have your contract reviewed with KT VTC&TAXI
At KT VTC&TAXI, a subsidiary of KT ASSURANCE, we assist VTC and TAXI drivers in choosing coverage adapted to their professional activity.
We notably analyze:
- damage guarantees;
- driver guarantee;
- loss of earnings;
- replacement vehicle;
- protections adapted to your daily use.
Request your personalized quote
Do you want to check if your contract truly protects you in the event of a liable accident?
👉 Fill out our quote request form.
Our advisors will study your situation to offer you coverage adapted to your activity, your vehicle, and your professional needs.
KT VTC&TAXI and KT ASSURANCE have been supporting VTC and TAXI drivers since 2016 with insurance solutions designed for transportation professionals.