A car accident is stressful, even when it is minor. In the moments after an impact, it can be hard to think clearly. Having a simple plan in mind before anything happens makes those moments easier, and it helps protect the driver, the passengers and any future claim.
This guide sets out the steps to take after an accident, in order. Safety comes first, then information, then reporting. It is written for drivers of any experience level, and it applies whether the accident is small or serious.
Stay calm and check for injuries
The first step is to stay as calm as possible and check whether anyone is hurt. The driver should check themselves and any passengers, then check the other people involved if it is safe to do so. If anyone is injured, emergency services should be called straight away.
An injured person should not be moved unless they are in immediate danger, such as from fire or from traffic. Moving someone with a serious injury can make the injury worse. If the situation is safe, the driver should wait for trained help to arrive.
Even if no one seems hurt at first, it is worth paying attention to how everyone feels in the hours that follow. Some injuries take time to appear. If pain or discomfort develops later, medical advice should be sought promptly and the insurer should be told about the change.
Move to safety if you can
If the car can be moved safely and it is not dangerous to do so, moving it out of the flow of traffic is a sensible step. A car left in the middle of a road can cause a second accident. If the car cannot be moved, the hazard lights should be switched on and everyone should move to a safe place away from traffic.
On a busy road or a motorway, the hard shoulder or a safe area away from the carriageway is the place to wait. Standing behind a barrier, if one is available, is safer than standing beside the car. A high visibility jacket, if one is in the car, should be worn.
If the car is leaking fuel or there is a smell of fuel, everyone should move well away and emergency services should be called. A car should never be driven if it is unsafe, even for a short distance to a safer spot.
Exchange details with the other driver
After an accident, the drivers involved should exchange details. The name, address, phone number, vehicle registration and insurance details of each driver should be shared. If the other driver is unwilling to share details, the registration number should be noted and the police should be told.
It is important not to admit fault at the scene. Fault is a matter for insurers and, if needed, for the police or the courts. A driver who says sorry at the scene may find those words used later as an admission of responsibility, even if the full facts are different. Sticking to the facts and exchanging details is the safer approach.
If there are witnesses, their names and contact details should be noted too. A witness who saw the accident happen can be very helpful later, especially if the two drivers disagree about what happened. A brief note of what the witness saw, in their own words, is useful if they are willing to give it.
Take photos and notes at the scene
Photos taken at the scene can make a claim much easier. The damage to each car should be photographed from several angles, along with the position of the cars, the road layout, any road signs and the weather conditions. A photo of the other car registration plate is also useful.
Notes should be made while the details are fresh. The time, the date, the location, the direction each car was travelling and a short description of what happened should all be written down. A sketch of the road and the position of the cars can help as well, even if it is rough.
If the police attend, the driver should note the officer name and any reference number given. That reference can be useful when the incident is reported to the insurer. If the police do not attend, the driver should still report the accident to them if the local rules require it, for example if someone was injured or the road was blocked.
Report the accident to your insurer
The accident should be reported to the insurer as soon as possible, even if the driver does not plan to claim. Most policies require the driver to report any incident promptly, and a delay can cause problems later. Reporting an incident is not the same as making a claim, and it does not always affect the premium.
When reporting, the driver should give the facts as they know them: the time, the location, the other driver details, the photos and the notes taken at the scene. The insurer will explain the next steps, which may include an inspection of the car, a repair at an approved garage or a discussion about who is at fault.
The driver should keep a record of the claim reference number and the name of anyone spoken to at the insurer. Copies of all letters and emails should be kept, so that nothing is lost if a question comes up later.
What happens next with repairs
After the incident is reported, the insurer will usually arrange for the car to be assessed. That may mean a visit to an approved repairer or an inspection by an assessor. The driver should not arrange repairs before the insurer has agreed, unless the car is unsafe and emergency work is needed.
If the car cannot be driven, the insurer may arrange recovery to a garage or to the driver home. Some policies include a courtesy car while repairs are carried out, while others do not. The policy wording sets out what is included, and the insurer can confirm the position when the claim is reported.
Repair times can vary. A minor repair may take a few days, while a repair that needs parts to be ordered can take longer. Keeping in touch with the repairer and the insurer helps the driver know what to expect.
Accidents with no other driver involved
Not every accident involves another car. A driver may hit a parked car, a wall, an animal or a piece of street furniture. The same steps apply: check for injuries, move to safety, take photos and notes, and report the incident to the insurer.
If a parked car is damaged and the owner cannot be found, a note with contact details should be left on the car, and the incident should be reported to the police if the local rules require it. Leaving the scene without leaving details can be treated as an offence in many places.
If the car is damaged by an unknown driver in a car park, the incident should still be reported. The insurer can advise on the options, and the policy wording will set out what is covered when the other driver cannot be traced.
This guide explains how claims generally work. It is not personal financial advice. Check your own policy wording before you decide.
Should I call the police after a car accident?
The police should be called if anyone is injured, if the road is blocked, or if the other driver will not share details. In some places, an accident must be reported to the police within a set time. If the police attend, note the officer name and any reference number given.
Do I need to report an accident if I do not want to claim?
Yes, most policies require any incident to be reported promptly, even if no claim is made. Reporting is not the same as claiming. A delay in reporting can cause problems if a claim is made later by the other driver.
Should I admit fault at the scene of an accident?
No, fault should not be admitted at the scene. Fault is decided by insurers and, if needed, by the police or the courts, based on the evidence. Drivers should stick to the facts, exchange details and let the insurer assess what happened.
What details should I exchange after an accident?
Each driver should share their name, address, phone number, vehicle registration and insurance details. Witness names and contact details should also be noted. Photos of the damage, the cars and the road layout help support any claim.
