Independent guide — VIP Claims is not affiliated with Sterling.
How to Make a Sterling Car Insurance Claim
Not stated on the pages reviewed
The short answer
Sterling Insurance handles all car insurance claims through one 24/7 telephone helpline. General account queries for car or van policies are handled by separate numbers with their own opening hours.
Official Sterling claim contacts
These are Sterling's own contact details, published on Sterling's website. They are not VIP Claims numbers.
Claim online at Sterling- Claims helpline0344 381 9350
Official Sterling contact number · 24/7
Have your policy reference number ready; it's shown on your insurance paperwork
- Car policy customer service0344 381 9990
Official Sterling contact number · Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm, closed Sunday
For existing Sterling car policy queries
- Car policy new customers0344 381 9990
Official Sterling contact number · Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 9am–2pm, Sun 10am–2pm
For quotes and new policies
- Van policy customer service0344 381 9348
Official Sterling contact number · Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm, Sat 9am–3pm, closed Sunday and bank holidays
For existing Sterling van policy queries
Policy types: Sterling offers separate car and van policies with their own new-business, customer service and renewals numbers, though all claims are reported through the single 24/7 claims helpline.
VIP Claims — independent
Was the accident not your fault?
If another driver was at fault, you may have options beyond claiming on your own Sterling 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 Sterling number. VIP Claims Ltd is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sterling.
Step by step
How to start a Sterling claim
- 1Have your policy reference number ready — it's on your insurance paperwork
- 2Call the Sterling claims helpline on 0344 381 9350, available 24/7
Before you call
Information to have ready
- Your policy reference number
Our car accident checklist covers what to record at the scene.
Costs
Excess and your no-claims discount
Not stated on the pages reviewed — check your Sterling policy schedule for your specific excess and no-claim discount terms.
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
Not stated on the pages reviewed.
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
Not stated on the pages reviewed.
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 Sterling
- 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 Sterling 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 Sterling number. VIP Claims Ltd is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sterling.
Existing claims
Tracking an existing Sterling claim
Call the 24/7 claims helpline on 0344 381 9350 with your policy reference number to hand to check progress on an existing claim.
If something goes wrong
Complaining about a Sterling claim
Not stated on the pages reviewed; general enquiries can be raised via the contact form or phone numbers on Sterling's customer contact page.
Questions
Sterling claims: frequently asked questions
Is the Sterling claims line open at night or on weekends?+
What do I need before I call to make a claim?+
Do I contact the same team for a car and a van policy claim?+
Where this came from
Sources
The Sterling details on this page were taken from Sterling's own published information on the dates shown. Insurers change contact details and processes, so please confirm anything important in your policy documents.
- Claims Information — checked 5 June 2025
- Contact Us — checked 5 June 2025
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 Sterling, 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.