What do I do after a car accident?
Key takeaways
After an accident make sure you swap names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, vehicle registration numbers, and the registered keeper’s details, or leave a note if you hit a parked car or property and no one is around
Call the police if the other driver tries to leave without exchanging details or if you suspect the other driver is uninsured, under the influence, or involved in a scam
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible
Be prepared for car accidents
Very few people get through their entire driving careers without being involved in an accident. In 2023 alone there were 132,977 road casualties - about 364 per day, according to the latest Department for Transport (DfT) statistics.
Make sure you have car insurance. It’s illegal to drive without at least third-party cover in the UK. Comprehensive insurance is much better as in the event of a crash that’s deemed to be your fault, this will cover damage to your car and your injuries as well as damage to other cars and other people
Keep a note of your insurance provider and policy number in your car - you’ll need this in the event of an accident
Keep a high-vis jacket and warning triangle in your car. Carrying a warning triangle is a legal requirement in most European countries (but not the UK)
Consider installing a dash cam in your car as it can be useful when it comes to proving who was at fault in an accident
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
If you collide with another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, or animal, it’s illegal to just drive away, so stop, turn off your engine, and turn your hazard lights on
Make sure you and your passengers and the occupants of the other car (or pedestrian or cyclist) are safe and uninjured. Call an ambulance immediately by dialling 999 if anyone is hurt and administer first aid if applicable and you have appropriate first aid skills
Call the police if the road is blocked or obstructed, you feel in danger, or if the other driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Try to remain as calm as possible. It is important to be civil with the other driver and refrain from placing blame. Don’t admit any blame either as that could affect your insurance claim
If the collision is only minor and there is no damage or injuries, it’s still worth swapping details with the other driver. You might discover later that your car is damaged or you have an injury.
When swapping details, you should include:
The name, address, and phone numbers of all drivers involved, passengers, and witnesses
The insurance details of all relevant parties
Vehicle registration numbers of all vehicles involved
The registered keeper of the other vehicle (if it’s not the same as the driver)
If the other vehicle is a business vehicle, the name of the company
If you hit a parked car or someone else’s property and no one is around, you should leave a note with your details. It is illegal to drive off.
If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the scene of the accident. The pictures should show:
Where the cars were on the road
The other car’s colour make, model and registration number
Road conditions (i.e. rain or snow)
Damage to both cars
You should also note down the following:
Time and date of the accident
Direction of travel of each car
Weather conditions and lighting
The road quality and markings (i.e. potholes, mud or obstructions)
The obvious damage to each car and where it is located (i.e. driver or passenger side, front or rear)
Details of any injuries
Exchange details with the other driver
Take pictures and notes
When should I call the police after a road traffic accident?
It’s not always necessary to call the police after an accident. But you should call them if:
The other driver tries to leave the accident scene without exchanging details
You suspect the other driver is uninsured, under the influence of drink or drugs or has deliberately caused the accident (i.e. in a ‘crash for cash’ scam)
You feel in danger or threatened
The road is blocked and you cannot safely move your car
How long do I have to make a car accident claim?
Contact your insurer as soon as is reasonably possible. This will normally be within 24 hours, although insurers may have different time periods so check your policy documents or your insurer’s website.
There is usually some leeway - if you are taken to hospital, for instance, it may not be possible to contact your insurer straight away.
The terms and conditions of car insurance policies mean you have a duty to report any accident you are involved in, regardless of whether you intend to make a claim.
When you make a claim, you’ll need to give your insurer details including:
Your policy number
Your personal details
The details of any other parties involved (and their vehicles)
The date, time, and location of the incident
A crime reference number (if applicable)
If your car is undriveable after an accident, your insurer will normally arrange for it to be collected. However, the police may move your car first to clear the road.
How do car insurance claims work?
Your insurer will liaise with the other driver’s insurance company during the claims process.
Depending on which driver was to blame for the collision, the claim will be classified as either:
At-fault (your fault) - your insurer will foot the bill for vehicle repairs and injuries to all parties involved
Non-fault (the other driver’s fault) - your insurer will aim to recoup your losses from the other driver’s insurer
Read more about making a car insurance claim.
Will I have to pay the car insurance excess?
Every car insurance will have an excess. This is the amount the policyholder will need to pay in the event of a claim.
You will need to pay the excess if you’re at fault.
You probably won’t need to pay the excess if the other driver is found to be at fault. Your insurer may waive it or it may claim it back from the other driver’s insurer.
Will my insurance pay if the accident is my fault?
Yes, your insurance will pay if the accident is your fault. But what it will cover depends on what type of car insurance policy you have:
Third party or third party fire and theft cover: your insurer will only cover damage to the other vehicle and injuries to third parties
Comprehensive cover: your insurer will also cover damage to your car and your injuries (and those of your passengers)
Will my insurance premium increase if I'm at fault in a car accident?
Yes, your insurance premium is likely to increase if you’re at fault in a car accident as insurance companies will consider you a higher risk. If you have a no-claims bonus you’re likely to lose at least some of it.
However, there are steps you can take to reduce your premium, including shopping around for the best deal. You can compare car insurance quotes here.
Do I need to declare my non-fault accident?
Yes, you will need to declare a non-fault accident when you taking out car insurance with a new provider. Insurers usually require you to inform them of any accidents you’ve been involved in for the last five years and if you don’t your cover may be invalidated.
Will I be sued if the accident is my fault?
If a car accident is your fault, the other driver will usually claim against your insurance.
There’s rarely a need for car accident cases to go to court but some drivers might hire ‘no win no fee’ law firms to try and claim compensation for personal injuries or expenses such as lost wages.
Will I lose money if the other driver is uninsured?
If you are in a collision with an uninsured driver or the other driver left the scene and cannot be identified, you will have to claim on your car insurance even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Your insurer will liaise with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB compensates drivers hit by uninsured drivers. This is funded via the insurance premiums of all law-abiding motorists.
You can read more about uninsured drivers here.
Do I need to report minor bumps to anyone?
Yes, you should report all accidents to your insurance company. If you don’t want to make a claim, make it clear the report is for “information-only”.
Some drivers decide not to claim for minor bumps as they will lose their no-claims discount. If you don’t claim, you are free to get your car repaired wherever you want.
What happens if my car is written off?
If your car is a write-off, it means the car is damaged to the point of being a total loss. This can mean it's no longer safe for the road or it might mean the cost of repairs is higher than your car’s value.
Your insurer - not you - will declare your car a write-off. If this happens, ownership is transferred to your insurance provider, and it will pay you compensation designed to allow you to buy a replacement vehicle. You don’t necessarily need to accept your insurer’s first offer - you can negotiate if it seems too low.
What happens if I am hit by an electric scooter?
Currently in the UK, it is illegal to ride a privately owned electric scooter on public roads. Only rented electric scooters ridden as part of Government schemes are legal - and insured.
If you have a collision with an electric scooter that results in damage to your car you may need to claim on your car insurance, even if it’s not your fault.
