Claiming on a motorist's insurance after accident

I know it sounds like a stuck record, but I'd really recommend joining the CTC, least of all for all the above reasons.

I'd certainly recommend joining the LCC if you ride a bike in London, and the CTC, too. I'm a member of both and should declare an interest when I recommend that. Think of one as your regional organisation and one as your national organisation.

There is this strange image of it being run by and for beardy old whingers, but that is a stereotype seemingly perpetuated by excessively vain middle-management MTB-riding bald men and ignorant hipsters.

Yes, exactly, forget all the stereotypes you may have of CTC and LCC. They don't apply. It's really strange to hear them sometimes.

They are a non-political organisation

Hm ... non-party political, yes, but not non-political. We do political campaigning all the time.

I'm fairly ignorant of the LCC's activities, but if they make as positive a contribution to society as the CTC I'd recommend joining them as well/instead.

We like to think we do. :) The web-site is at http://www.lcc.org.uk/. Have a look and see what you think. There's also always the local groups or campaigning groups to get involved in if there's an issue you feel strongly about.

I think the CTC website is very confusing and isn't immediately helpful when it comes to what to do after an accident. I might be being exceptionally thick here, but I have searched around the site, and it appears that they only deal with accidents on behalf of people who are already members. No?

There may be a technical question around when you become eligible for the third party insurance that is included in the membership, but if you become an LCC member and use the legal advice helpline for members, they'll certainly advise you regardless of when the crash occurred.

I think with the CTC site you have to log in to access many features for members but I must admit I'm not all that familiar with it. Do drop the webmaster a line if that was your experience, perhaps they can address it.