Obtaining a Crime Report:
Often, particularly following the theft of a vehicle, we need sight of the police crime report – of information within it. Unfortunately, some constabularies are less inclined to release this or to do so promptly. This is disappointing, particularly because by the time we request the report it is likely days or weeks since the theft and the chances of the vehicle being found are reduced. Therefore, in the absence of the vehicle, a victim is reliant upon their insurer to address their loss. We hope (expect?) constabularies would do all they can to alleviate the distress, inconvenience and financial hardship a loss frequently causes a victim.
Arguably, the insurers’ interest in the vehicle, following a theft, has not only increased but exceeded that of the victim; the insurer is expected to stand the loss by making payment to the victim – something the police could assist to progress.
Whilst the process of obtaining police report information changed 06/2022, whether this will lead to a more prompt supply of this necessarily required data remains to be seen. The police state their 2022 agreement with insurers ‘offers support to victims of crime within our communities by expediting the finalisation of their insurance claim’ s2.2.2 (page 6)
We will send you a ‘consent’ mandate which should be completed and returned to us without delay.
However, a straightforward means by which YOU can acquire the report, which can then be forward to us or your insurers, is by use of your Subject Access Right (SAR):
- At no charge to you, an application can be made to the constabulary receiving the report.
You will need to:
- make online inquiries to locate an email address for the ‘Data Protection’, ‘Information’ unit or ‘Legal Department’ and write seeking a copy of the crime report by email (electronically)
- provide information such as your full name and address, the VRM of the vehicle, date, time, location of loss, and the police crime reference.You do not have to use a specific form.
- almost certainly, provide identification to prove it is you who is making the request. To this end, an image (taken with a mobile phone for ease of forwarding?) of your driver licence (photo for identity) and a recent utility bill (for address) should suffice.
- wait no more than a calendar month* for the information – this is stipulated within the Data Protection Act
*Note: if we made the request, it can often take 40 days or more.
If the police raise any objections about the above process, please direct them to our email address and advise us by email, placing our reference number and your VRM in the subject line.
Please note – the 06/2022 process (above) does not apply to every UK insurance company.
It is possible we will independently seek information from the police in connection with your claim. We will likely approach the police for information but wish to take no chances but ensure the police know data can be supplied; it helps you, the police, us, and your insurers to ensure your CONSENT has been provided for information to be supplied.
Often, the police will not release information to insurers, or ourselves, without your consent, therefore as a further precaution, to avoid delay:
- Please contact the constabulary to whom you reported the crime and give your consent to the release of information to us and copy the email to us (claims@cmaclaims.co.uk) citing your vehicle registration mark (VRM) in the message subject line.
Resources:
Law Enforcement Data Service: Data Protection Impact Assessment – 20-10-30_LEDS_DPIA_v1.0