How simply saying sorry after a car accident could leave you liable for hefty repair bills – even if it isn’t your fault
Motorists might think apologising after a car accident is just a polite gesture - but it can cause problems when it comes time to make an insurance claim
DRIVERS who say sorry after a car accident could be unwittingly making themselves liable for hefty repair bills, even if the crash wasn't their fault.
Motoring experts claim you should never apologise after a collision, as it could affect the outcome of any insurance claims.
While saying sorry doesn't mean you legally accept blame, your words could be used against you in a compensation claim.
Even if the accident was caused by the other driver, if you apologise it could make you look guilty.
You should always try to avoid committing to anything that could be used against you or imply blame.
A recent study by found some 30 per cent of motorists weren't aware apologising for an accident could put them at fault.
And over 70 per cent of drivers aged 18-24 had no idea they could be blamed for an accident for being polite and saying sorry.
Advice from the RAC warns drivers never to make an apology at the scene, but instead to "check that the people involved in the accident are safe, and allow the insurance companies to deal with the claim".
And IAM RoadSmart warned against apologising as it could see scammers get away with a fraudulent claim.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research, said: “In an ideal world an apology and a handshake could diffuse the situation, but when it comes to insurance the opposite can apply.
"By admitting fault you can undermine the claim investigation process and open yourself and your insurer up to higher costs for compensation and damage repair.
“Many insurance companies negotiate with each other behind the scenes to share costs on a no fault basis.
"It should also be remembered that there may be circumstances you are unaware of at the roadside such as impairment on the part of the other drivers or witness statements that contradict your own view that you are fully at fault.
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"With crash for cash scams you may think it’s always you to blame if you run into the car in front but with the right evidence you could be shown to be the innocent victim.
"It’s always best to stick to an exchange of details and seeking witnesses at the scene and simply stating that your insurance company are the best placed to sort it all out afterwards.”
We previously reported the steps every driver should follow after being involved in a car accident.