Independent guide — VIP Claims is not affiliated with Zurich.
How to Make a Zurich Car Insurance Claim
Zurich Insurance plc
The short answer
Zurich car insurance customers can start a new claim online through the Zurich claims portal, which takes around five minutes, or by phone. Windscreen repairs and replacements can also be booked through a dedicated online portal or by phone.
Official Zurich claim contacts
These are Zurich's own contact details, published on Zurich's website. They are not VIP Claims numbers.
Claim online at Zurich- New car insurance claim0800 055 6767
Official Zurich contact number · Not published
Also used for general claims enquiries; select the relevant option when calling.
- Windscreen repair or replacement0800 055 6767
Official Zurich contact number · Not published
Select option 4, then option 2, or use the online windscreen repair portal.
Policy types: Zurich offers both personal car insurance policies and business/commercial motor cover, each with separate claims routes; this entry covers the personal lines car insurance claims process. Business motor claims are handled through Zurich's separate business insurance claims pages.
VIP Claims — independent
Was the accident not your fault?
If another driver was at fault, you may have options beyond claiming on your own Zurich 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 Zurich number. VIP Claims Ltd is not affiliated with or endorsed by Zurich.
Step by step
How to start a Zurich claim
- 1Use the Zurich online claims portal to report a new car insurance claim; it takes about five minutes and asks for a few details of the incident.
- 2For windscreen damage, use the windscreen repair online portal or call and select the windscreen option.
- 3Alternatively, call the Zurich claims number to report your claim by phone.
- 4For an existing claim, you can contact Zurich via WhatsApp or SMS text chat to speak with a live agent.
Before you call
Information to have ready
- Policy number and vehicle registration
- Date, time and location of the incident
- Details of other parties, vehicles and witnesses involved
- Description of the damage and whether the vehicle is driveable
- Police reference, if applicable
Our car accident checklist covers what to record at the scene.
What happens next
After you report the claim
- Zurich will register your claim and confirm the next steps for repair or recovery.
- You can follow up on an existing claim by chatting to a Zurich agent via WhatsApp or SMS text.
- If Zurich arranges a repairer, they will manage the estimate and liaise with you on repair timelines.
Costs
Excess and your no-claims discount
Excess amounts and the effect of a claim on your no-claims discount depend on your individual policy; check your schedule and policy wording, or ask your claims handler for the specifics of 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 availability depends on your policy's cover level and any optional extras selected; check your policy documents 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
Zurich's claims process references using approved repairers, who complete an estimate for Zurich's approval before arranging repair dates directly with you.
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 Zurich
- 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 Zurich 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 Zurich number. VIP Claims Ltd is not affiliated with or endorsed by Zurich.
Existing claims
Tracking an existing Zurich claim
For an existing claim, you can contact Zurich's live agents through WhatsApp chat or SMS text messaging, in addition to calling the claims number.
If something goes wrong
Complaining about a Zurich claim
Zurich asks customers to first contact their usual Zurich contact, broker or intermediary, as they can often resolve issues quickly. If you can't identify the right contact, Zurich's contact page can help, and a dedicated general insurance complaints form is also available. Complaints about motor claims are handled by Zurich's Customer Care Team in Glasgow, with other policy complaints handled from its Fareham office; unresolved complaints may be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Questions
Zurich claims: frequently asked questions
Can I message Zurich about my claim instead of calling?+
Is there a separate number for windscreen claims with Zurich?+
Where do motor claims complaints get sent at Zurich?+
How long does an online claim take to submit with Zurich?+
Where this came from
Sources
The Zurich details on this page were taken from Zurich's own published information on the dates shown. Insurers change contact details and processes, so please confirm anything important in your policy documents.
- Zurich - Make a car insurance claim — checked 5 June 2025
- Zurich - Contact us — checked 5 June 2025
- Zurich - General insurance complaints — 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 Zurich, 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.