Independent guide — VIP Claims is not affiliated with Darwin.
How to Make a Darwin Car Insurance Claim
U K Insurance Limited
The short answer
Darwin car insurance is arranged and administered by iGO4 Limited under a policy underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, part of Direct Line Group. New and existing claims are reported by phone, with separate numbers for breakdown recovery and windscreen repairs.
Official Darwin claim contacts
These are Darwin's own contact details, published on Darwin's website. They are not VIP Claims numbers.
Claim online at Darwin- Report a new claim0345 246 2089
Official Darwin contact number · Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm, Bank Holidays 9am-5pm
- Discuss an existing claim0345 246 2089
Official Darwin contact number · Mon-Fri (inc. bank holidays) 9am-5pm
- 24-hour recovery outside office hours0800 051 9958
Official Darwin contact number · Outside the standard claims office hours
- Breakdown assistance (Green Flag)0800 400 600
Official Darwin contact number · 24 hours a day
For customers with Green Flag breakdown cover or a Platinum policy.
- General enquiries01733 300017
Official Darwin contact number · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun closed
- Complaints01733 300017
Official Darwin contact number · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun closed
Darwin is arranged and administered by iGO4 Limited, who handle complaints about their service.
Policy types: Darwin sells Bronze, Standard, Gold and Platinum cover levels, which differ on benefits such as windscreen cover (not included on Bronze), Motor Legal Protection (Gold and Platinum) and breakdown cover (included on Platinum), so check which level applies to your policy.
VIP Claims — independent
Was the accident not your fault?
If another driver was at fault, you may have options beyond claiming on your own Darwin 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 Darwin number. VIP Claims Ltd is not affiliated with or endorsed by Darwin.
Step by step
How to start a Darwin claim
- 1Call the report a new claim number during Darwin's stated office hours.
- 2Have your policy and incident details ready before you call.
- 3If you can't drive your car after an accident, use the recovery numbers to arrange assistance.
Before you call
Information to have ready
- Your policy details
- What happened and the extent of damage to your car
- Whether your car is driveable
- Your current location
- Details of any witnesses or third parties involved
- Details of any passengers in your car or the other vehicle
- Whether the police were involved and any crime reference number
Our car accident checklist covers what to record at the scene.
What happens next
After you report the claim
- Your claim will be logged and you can call back on the existing-claim number for updates.
- For windscreen damage, you can arrange repair or replacement directly with Darwin's partner Autoglass.
- If Motor Legal Protection applies, Darwin's legal team will review your case and confirm if you can claim for injury or uninsured losses.
Costs
Excess and your no-claims discount
Where windscreen cover is included, you only pay the excess shown on your policy schedule, and Darwin says your No Claims Discount is not affected by a windscreen claim; windscreen cover is not included on Bronze policies.
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
Courtesy car provision depends on your Darwin cover level, so check your policy schedule and booklet for what's included.
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
Darwin's windscreen claims are handled through its partner Autoglass; other repair arrangements are set out in your policy documents.
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 Darwin
- 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 Darwin 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 Darwin number. VIP Claims Ltd is not affiliated with or endorsed by Darwin.
Existing claims
Tracking an existing Darwin claim
You can discuss an existing claim by calling Darwin's claims number during its stated office hours, or manage some policy details through the 'My Account' area of the website.
If something goes wrong
Complaining about a Darwin claim
As Darwin is arranged and administered by iGO4 Limited, complaints about the service you've received are handled by iGO4, who can be contacted by phone, email or post.
Questions
Darwin claims: frequently asked questions
Who actually underwrites my Darwin car insurance?+
What happens if I have an accident outside Darwin's claims office hours?+
Is breakdown cover included with every Darwin policy?+
Do I get legal cover if I'm in an accident that wasn't my fault?+
Where this came from
Sources
The Darwin details on this page were taken from Darwin's own published information on the dates shown. Insurers change contact details and processes, so please confirm anything important in your policy documents.
- Darwin make a claim — checked 30 August 2026
- Darwin contact us — checked 30 August 2026
- iGO4 arrangement agreement — 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 Darwin, 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.