What to Do After a Car Accident in the UK
Even a minor collision is shaking. Knowing what to do, in order, keeps everyone safe and makes the insurance side much easier later. Here's a clear step-by-step guide.
1. Stop and make the scene safe
You must stop if you're involved in a collision. Switch off the engine, put your hazard lights on, and check whether anyone is hurt. On a fast road or motorway, get everyone out by the left-hand side and behind the barrier if it's safe.
2. Call 999 if needed
Call 999 if anyone is injured, if the road is blocked, if a driver leaves without giving their details, or if you think a driver has been drinking or taking drugs.
3. Exchange details
Give your name and address, and the vehicle owner's name and address if different, to anyone with reasonable grounds for asking, such as the other driver. Get theirs too, along with the vehicle registration and their insurance details if they'll give them. If you can't exchange details at the scene, you must report the accident to the police as soon as possible, and in any case within 24 hours.
4. Record what happened
- Take photos of the vehicles, the damage, their positions, road markings and signs.
- Note the time, place, weather and road conditions.
- Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- If you have a dashcam, save the footage.
Don't admit fault or argue at the scene. Stick to the facts and exchange details. Fault is decided later by the insurers, based on the evidence.
5. Tell your insurer
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can, even if you don't plan to claim, as most policies require it. They'll tell you what happens next with repairs and any courtesy car.
6. Get the car moved
If the car isn't safe to drive (leaking fluids, damaged wheels or steering, lights not working, or airbags deployed), don't drive it. Once the police and emergency services are finished, we can recover the car to a garage, a body shop, your home or secure storage. If your insurer is arranging recovery, follow their instructions.
Accident FAQs
Do I have to report a car accident to the police?
If anyone is injured, or if you couldn't exchange names, addresses and vehicle details at the scene, you must report it to the police as soon as possible, and within 24 hours at the latest. If details were exchanged and nobody was hurt, you don't have to, but you should still tell your insurer.
Should I drive my car after an accident?
Only if it's clearly safe: no leaks, the wheels and steering are fine, all lights work and the airbags haven't deployed. If in doubt, have it recovered.
Can you recover my car after an accident?
Yes. Once the scene is safe and any police or emergency services have finished, we recover the vehicle to a garage, body shop, your home or secure storage.
Need Your Car Recovered After an Accident?
Call or WhatsApp us with your location and we’ll arrange recovery to you.
