Keeping receipts for your claim
You keep hearing you need receipts and want to know exactly what to keep.
Keeping receipts for a road accident claim is less about paperwork for its own sake and more about turning a real cost into proof a court or insurer can accept. Special damages, in particular, is only included where it can be specifically shown, not simply described.[1] A simple, consistent system from the first day makes this far easier than trying to reconstruct it later.
What to actually keep
- Hospital, clinic and pharmacy receipts, including for private treatment.
- Transport receipts, or a written mileage record, for hospital and treatment visits.
- Invoices for damaged personal items, such as a phone, helmet or clothing.
- Payslips or an employer’s letter covering pay lost before trial.
- Receipts connected to obtaining medical reports or records.
Why a tax invoice specifically matters
A proper tax invoice, showing the provider’s details, the date, and a description of what was paid for, carries more weight than a handwritten note or a verbal confirmation. Where a provider only issues a simple receipt, keeping it alongside any payment confirmation still helps.
A simple system that actually works
A single folder, physical or a phone photo album, started the week of the accident, is enough for most people. Photographing each receipt immediately, rather than waiting to collect them all at once, avoids the common problem of a receipt fading or getting lost.
What if you cannot find a receipt now
A bank or card statement showing the payment, or a request to the provider for a duplicate invoice, can sometimes stand in for a lost receipt. This is worth doing as soon as you notice something is missing, rather than waiting.
What to do next
Special damages explains why this proof matters so much for that specific head of loss, proving your lost income covers evidence for lost pay specifically, and out-of-pocket costs you can claim lists common items people forget to keep proof of.
Common questions
Does it matter if my receipt is handwritten rather than printed?
A handwritten receipt is still useful, particularly if it shows the provider's name, the date and what was paid for. A proper tax invoice or an accompanying payment record adds extra weight where you can get one.
How long should I keep these records for?
Keep them until your claim is fully resolved, and ideally longer, since a claim can take time to settle or reach trial and records are sometimes requested again during that process.
Should I keep receipts for small amounts too?
Yes. Small, genuine costs add up over the course of a claim, and consistently keeping every receipt, however small, is simpler than deciding in the moment which ones might matter later.
Is a photo of a receipt good enough, or do I need the original?
A clear photo is generally a reasonable backup, though keeping the physical original as well, where practical, avoids any doubt if the image is unclear or the paper receipt fades over time.
Sources
- Civil Law Act 1956, s.28A (Attorney General's Chambers) (accessed 2026-09-22)