How to fill out the CID: the step-by-step guide
When involved in a road accident, even a minor one, the stress of the situation can affect your ability to think and act rationally. That’s why it’s important to know in advance how to behave in case of an accident and what steps to take to report it in order to obtain compensation from your insurance company as quickly as possible. In this article, we explain how to fill out the so-called amicable accident report.
What is the amicable accident report and where to find it
The CID or CAI form, also informally known as the Blue Form, is a document that records a road accident, precisely describing the dynamics. Although it is completed by the drivers without involving the police, the amicable accident report has legal value—it is equivalent to an official report—and it allows the insurance company to determine liability and issue compensation accordingly.
It therefore assumes an objective acceptance of responsibility by both parties involved. If what the other driver states in the CID does not reflect the actual events, you should avoid signing it. In such cases, it is advisable to contact the police immediately so they can conduct the necessary on-site assessments and draft an official report.
The amicable accident report is also not advisable if the damages are minor. In this case, after taking photos of the vehicles and the damage, it is often better to reach a direct agreement with the other driver to cover repair costs without involving the insurance, thus avoiding a penalty on your insurance premium.
The CAI form is usually provided by the dealership or insurance agency and is typically stored in the glove compartment. Check if you have it; if not, you can easily find it online and print it yourself to have it ready in case of an accident.
How to fill out the CID: essential information
Knowing how to properly complete the amicable accident report is important to save time and avoid complications in case of a road accident. The document must include the following information:
- The policyholder's details as listed on the insurance certificate (full name, tax code, address, phone number, and email address);
- Details of the vehicles involved: type (car, motorcycle, etc.), presence of a trailer if applicable, as well as make, model, license plate, registration date, and chassis number (all found in the vehicle registration document);
- Insurance policy details;
- The driver’s details, as they may not be the policyholder at the time of the accident. Their general information, along with their driver’s license number, type, and expiration date, must be provided;
- A graphical representation (drawing) of the accident.
You can find a sample form to help you fill it out in the Locauto Help Center [here].
Multiple-vehicle collisions: how to fill out the CID?
Liability in multiple-vehicle collisions varies depending on whether the vehicles were stationary or in motion. If the vehicles were stationary, the last vehicle that caused the initial impact is responsible. If the vehicles were in motion, Article 2054 of the Italian Civil Code applies, which assumes equal fault among the drivers of each pair of involved vehicles. Each driver must maintain a safe distance unless they can provide evidence proving they took all possible measures to avoid the accident.
In case of a multiple-vehicle collision, compensation should not be requested from your own insurance company but from the vehicle that caused the accident. To correctly fill out the CID for such incidents, it is essential to provide a detailed description of the accident, including a diagram of the scene, photos of the damages, and witness contact information.
Deadlines for the amicable accident report: when must it be submitted to the insurance?
After being signed by all drivers involved in the accident, the amicable accident report must be sent to the insurance company within three days from the accident date or from when you became aware of it. If the driver and the policyholder are not the same person, the policyholder is still responsible for submitting the CID to the insurance.
It is possible to submit a CID that has not been signed by the other driver involved, but in this case, the compensation process may take longer and could lead to shared liability, resulting in an insurance penalty for all drivers involved.
