Independent guide — VIP Claims is not affiliated with Swiftcover.
How to Make a Swiftcover Car Insurance Claim
AXA Insurance UK plc
The short answer
Swiftcover customers can start a claim online through the 'Make a claim' question tool or by calling the 24/7 claims number. Existing claims can be tracked through your Swift Space online account.
Official Swiftcover claim contacts
These are Swiftcover's own contact details, published on Swiftcover's website. They are not VIP Claims numbers.
Claim online at Swiftcover- New claim / emergency roadside assistance (UK)0371 984 3333
Official Swiftcover contact number · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for new claims; a dedicated out-of-hours team handles calls outside Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Can also arrange emergency recovery if your vehicle is undrivable.
- Emergency assistance while abroad+44 (0)1892 500 169
Official Swiftcover contact number · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for new claims
Call costs from outside the UK may vary.
- Policy changes / general help (Standard policyholders)0330 024 6389
Official Swiftcover contact number · Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, closed Sunday; bank holiday hours vary
A £25 admin fee may apply to some changes made by phone; not available to self-service customers.
Policy types: Swiftcover is a 100% online car insurer that is part of the AXA Group, so its claims process and underwriting sit under AXA Insurance UK plc. Most policy management is designed to be done through your Swift Space online account, though phone options remain available for claims and, for Standard policyholders, some policy changes.
VIP Claims — independent
Was the accident not your fault?
If another driver was at fault, you may have options beyond claiming on your own Swiftcover 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 Swiftcover number. VIP Claims Ltd is not affiliated with or endorsed by Swiftcover.
Step by step
How to start a Swiftcover claim
- 1Visit the Swiftcover 'Make a claim' page and answer the questions about whether you need emergency roadside assistance.
- 2Call the UK claims number if you need to report an accident or arrange recovery of an undrivable vehicle.
- 3If calling outside of Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, you'll reach a dedicated out-of-hours team who can register a new claim and arrange emergency recovery.
- 4Log in to your Swift Space account to track an existing claim's progress.
Before you call
Information to have ready
- Policy number and vehicle registration
- Date, time and location of the incident
- Details of any other people, vehicles or witnesses involved
- Whether the vehicle is drivable and needs recovery
- Police reference, if the police were involved
Our car accident checklist covers what to record at the scene.
What happens next
After you report the claim
- Swiftcover will register your claim and advise on next steps for repair or recovery.
- You can track the status of your claim at any time through your Swift Space online account.
- Out-of-hours calls are limited to registering new claims and emergency recovery; queries on existing claims are handled during usual opening hours.
Costs
Excess and your no-claims discount
Excess amounts and the impact of a claim on your no-claims discount depend on your individual policy; check your policy schedule and wording, or ask your claims handler for details specific to your cover.
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 the cover level and options selected on your policy; refer to your policy schedule and wording to confirm what applies to you.
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
Swiftcover can arrange repairs through its approved repairer network as part of the claims process; your claims handler can advise on repairer options when you report the claim.
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 Swiftcover
- 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 Swiftcover 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 Swiftcover number. VIP Claims Ltd is not affiliated with or endorsed by Swiftcover.
Existing claims
Tracking an existing Swiftcover claim
If you've already reported a claim, track its progress through your Swift Space online account. For queries on an existing claim, contact Swiftcover during usual opening hours rather than the out-of-hours emergency line.
If something goes wrong
Complaining about a Swiftcover claim
Swiftcover's contact pages set out a 'Complaints' option alongside claims and policy queries, allowing customers to raise dissatisfaction with their claim or policy directly with Swiftcover in the first instance, with further escalation available if unresolved.
Questions
Swiftcover claims: frequently asked questions
Is Swiftcover the same as AXA for claims purposes?+
Can I get emergency recovery out of hours with Swiftcover?+
How do I track an existing Swiftcover claim?+
What if I need help while driving abroad?+
Where this came from
Sources
The Swiftcover details on this page were taken from Swiftcover's own published information on the dates shown. Insurers change contact details and processes, so please confirm anything important in your policy documents.
- Swiftcover - Make a claim — checked 5 June 2025
- Swiftcover - Car insurance contact us — checked 5 June 2025
- Swiftcover car policy wording (April 2023) — 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 Swiftcover, 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.