Independent guide — VIP Claims is not affiliated with 1st Central.
How to Make a 1st Central Car Insurance Claim
1st Central is a trading name of First Central Insurance Management Ltd, an intermediary offering products from a panel of insurers including its sister company 1st Central Underwriting Limited (Gibraltar-based, formerly Skyfire Insurance); the specific underwriter on your policy is shown on your own documents.
The short answer
1st Central lets you start a car insurance claim online or by calling its 24/7 Claims team, with separate numbers for windscreen and key claims. Once you're safe, report the incident as soon as possible — ideally from the scene or within 24 hours — so the claims team can get repairs and any replacement vehicle moving.
Official 1st Central claim contacts
These are 1st Central's own contact details, published on 1st Central's website. They are not VIP Claims numbers.
Claim online at 1st Central- New claim0333 043 2011
Official 1st Central contact number · 24/7, every day
For accidents and general new claims
- Windscreen/glass claim0333 043 2012
Official 1st Central contact number · Not separately stated by 1st Central
For window or windscreen damage
- Lost or damaged keys0333 241 3390
Official 1st Central contact number · Not separately stated by 1st Central
For lost, stolen or damaged keys
- Existing claim0333 043 2051
Official 1st Central contact number · Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
For updates on a claim you've already opened
- General complaints/customer service0333 043 2085
Official 1st Central contact number · Not separately stated on the complaints article
For general queries or to raise a complaint
Policy types: 1st Central also trades as Picnic, and Picnic customers log into a separate 'Your Account' portal; 1st Central Value policies do not include glass cover as standard, unlike other Comprehensive policies.
VIP Claims — independent
Was the accident not your fault?
If another driver was at fault, you may have options beyond claiming on your own 1st Central policy. VIP Claims Ltd is an independent accident management company and can check, free of charge, whether we're able to manage the claim for you. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the accident, and nothing is guaranteed.
This is a VIP Claims contact number, not a 1st Central number. VIP Claims Ltd is not affiliated with or endorsed by 1st Central.
Step by step
How to start a 1st Central claim
- 1Check everyone is safe before doing anything else
- 2Start a claim online via Your Account, or call the Claims team on 0333 043 2011
- 3Try to call from the scene if it's safe, or within 24 hours if not, to avoid delays
- 4Still let 1st Central know even if you're unsure about claiming, so they can advise on your options
Before you call
Information to have ready
- Policy number
- Details of what happened, when and where
- Details of any other people or vehicles involved
Our car accident checklist covers what to record at the scene.
What happens next
After you report the claim
- A dedicated claims team keeps you updated on repairs
- If you use an approved repairer, they'll collect and return your vehicle and arrange a replacement while it's fixed
Costs
Excess and your no-claims discount
If you claim, your no-claims discount is reduced on a sliding scale at renewal (for example, 1-2 years of NCD drops to 0, 5-7 years drops to 3), unless you're a non-fault claimant who isn't liable, or you've bought NCD Protection; you only pay your excess if you go ahead with a claim.
Your policy schedule sets your compulsory and voluntary excess — check it before assuming an amount. See also our guide to non-fault claims.
Staying mobile
Courtesy car or replacement vehicle
If you use one of 1st Central's approved network repairers and your car is repairable, you'll normally be provided with a Group A vehicle (a small hatchback) for the duration of the repair, subject to availability.
Provided under your own cover, usually only while the car is with an approved repairer, and typically a small standard model.
Where another driver is at fault and you are eligible, a like-for-like vehicle may be arranged as part of the claim against them.
A hire vehicle supplied on credit, with the cost pursued from the at-fault insurer. Subject to eligibility and your obligations if the claim fails.
None of these is automatic. Read more in our replacement vehicle guide.
Repairs
Approved repairers and your choice of garage
1st Central uses an approved repairer network covering the UK, including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Wight; repairs through this network are guaranteed for five years.
Your options
If the accident wasn't your fault
After a non-fault accident you generally have three routes. Which suits you depends on your cover, your excess, and how quickly you need a vehicle.
Claim through 1st Central
- Simplest single point of contact.
- Your excess is usually payable first and recovered later if liability is admitted.
- The claim is recorded against your policy, which can affect renewal even when you are not at fault.
Claim against the at-fault insurer
- No excess payable to your own insurer.
- You deal directly with the other side, which can be slower if liability is disputed.
- You are responsible for evidencing your losses.
Use an independent accident manager
- VIP Claims can handle repairs, recovery and the claim where you are eligible.
- Services are subject to eligibility and the circumstances of the accident.
- Not guaranteed, and not a substitute for your policy obligations.
Whichever route you choose, most motor policies require you to notify your own insurer of the accident, even if you do not make a claim on your own policy. Check the notification condition in your policy wording.
VIP Claims — independent
Was the accident not your fault?
If another driver was at fault, you may have options beyond claiming on your own 1st Central policy. VIP Claims Ltd is an independent accident management company and can check, free of charge, whether we're able to manage the claim for you. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the accident, and nothing is guaranteed.
This is a VIP Claims contact number, not a 1st Central number. VIP Claims Ltd is not affiliated with or endorsed by 1st Central.
Existing claims
Tracking an existing 1st Central claim
For updates on a claim you've already started, log in to Your Account, use web chat, or call the claims team on 0333 043 2051, Monday to Friday 9am-6pm.
If something goes wrong
Complaining about a 1st Central claim
You can raise a complaint by calling 1st Central's Customer Service team on 0333 043 2085 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Saturday hours also available), or via the contact options on the 1st Central help centre.
Questions
1st Central claims: frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay my excess if I decide not to claim?+
What happens to my no-claims discount if I'm not at fault?+
Does 1st Central provide a courtesy car while my car is repaired?+
Is there a different number for windscreen claims with 1st Central?+
Where this came from
Sources
The 1st Central details on this page were taken from 1st Central's own published information on the dates shown. Insurers change contact details and processes, so please confirm anything important in your policy documents.
- 1st Central make a claim — checked 30 August 2026
- 1st Central help centre: how do I make a car claim — checked 30 August 2026
- 1st Central complaints help article — checked 30 August 2026
- 1st Central Group underwriting — checked 30 August 2026
Read our editorial policy and correction process.
Related guides
- Non-fault claims explainedYour rights and options when the accident wasn't your fault.
- What accident management isHow an independent accident manager differs from your insurer.
- Replacement vehiclesCourtesy cars, like-for-like hire and who pays for them.
- Car accident checklistWhat to do and record in the first minutes after a crash.
- Write-offs and total lossHow valuations work and how to challenge a low offer.
Other insurer claim guides
VIP Claims Ltd is an independent UK accident management company. We are not affiliated with, appointed by or endorsed by 1st Central, and we are not an insurer. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Our services — including replacement vehicles, repairs and excess recovery — are subject to eligibility and the circumstances of your accident, and are not guaranteed. You should check your own policy for its accident notification requirements.