Apologising at crash scene may affect insurance claims

A recent survey of 2,000 drivers commissioned by Confused.com and carried out by OnePoll found that apologising at the scene of a collision, even when a motorist is not at fault, could be used against them in later insurance claims. The poll, released this year, found that 44 percent of respondents had been involved in a collision and that roughly one third of those drivers said sorry at the scene.

The survey found 12 percent of drivers who apologised did so despite not being at fault, and a further 10 percent apologised although they were unsure who caused the incident. Confused.com’s motoring expert Rhydian Jones said apologising can be perceived as an admission of guilt and may affect any claim that follows. "It is important not to apologise at the scene, as this could be perceived as an admission of guilt and impact any claim you try to make," he said.

The poll also identified gaps between drivers’ confidence and their actions after accidents. While 82 percent said they felt confident they would know what to do after a collision, almost half of those who had experienced an incident admitted they did not take the other driver’s details, and 61 percent said they did not take...