If the Family Member is a Passenger in the Accident

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Yes — in the UK, a family member can claim an insurance payout after a car accident, but it depends on the circumstances and the type of claim.

1️⃣ If the Family Member is a Passenger in the Accident

  • If they were injured as a passenger (regardless of whether the driver was at fault), they can usually claim compensation from:

    • The at-fault driver’s insurance, or

    • The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) if the driver was uninsured or untraceable.

2️⃣ If the Family Member Died in the Accident

  • Fatal Accident Claims can be made by certain relatives under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.

  • Eligible claimants include:

    • Spouse or civil partner

    • Parents (including adoptive)

    • Children (including stepchildren)

    • Siblings (in some cases)

Possible claims include:

  • Bereavement award (currently £15,120 in England & Wales, fixed amount).

  • Loss of financial dependency (if they relied on the deceased’s income).

  • Funeral expenses.

3️⃣ If the Family Member Owns the Car

  • If they own the car and have comprehensive insurance, the policy will cover:

    • Repairs to the car

    • Medical costs (if personal injury cover is included)

4️⃣ If the Driver Was at Fault

  • The claim would be made against their insurance policy — but remember, if the driver and passenger are from the same household and share the policy, some insurers have restrictions on “same-household” claims unless it’s explicitly covered.

If you want, I can prepare a simple flowchart showing exactly who can claim, from where, and in which situation — that makes it super easy to check eligibility.

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