What to do after a car accident
Shaken, not sure what to say, someone already on the phone to their insurer? Breathe. Here's exactly what to do, in order, from the moment it happens to the claim.
Last reviewed against official sources
At the scene, step by step
- 1
Stop. It's the law.
If anyone is hurt, or another vehicle, property or certain animals are damaged, you must stop at the scene. Hazards on, engine off, and only move the car if it's safe and causing danger.
- 2
Check everyone is okay
Call 999 if anyone is injured, the road is blocked or something feels off (a driver who seems drunk, aggressive or about to leave). Don't move an injured person unless they're in immediate danger.
- 3
Get yourself safe
On a motorway or fast road, get everyone out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the barrier. Your car can be replaced; you can't.
- 4
Keep calm and don't admit fault
Be polite and check people are alright, but don't accept blame or agree who caused it. Fault is for the insurers to settle, using the evidence you're about to gather.
- 5
Swap details
You must give your name and address, the vehicle owner's name and address and the registration to anyone with reasonable grounds to ask. If someone is injured, you must also show your insurance details.
- 6
Gather the evidence
Photos, plates, witnesses, dashcam. Use the checklist below so nothing slips through while your heart is still racing.
- 7
Tell your insurer, even if you won't claim
Most policies say you must report any incident promptly, claim or no claim. Keeping quiet can void your cover if the other driver claims against you later.
Details to collect before you drive off
Adrenaline wipes memories fast. Tick things off as you go, right there at the roadside.
The other driver
The scene
Back-up evidence
When you must report it to the police
By law, as soon as reasonably practicable and always within 24 hours, if:
- You didn't give your name and address at the scene for any reason, for example the other driver left first or you hit a parked car with no owner around
- You hit a dog, horse, cow, pig, goat, sheep, donkey or mule and couldn't give your details to the owner
- Someone was injured and you couldn't show your insurance at the scene
You have to report it yourself; nobody else can do it for you. Go to a police station, tell a police officer, or use your local force's online road traffic incident form. If you couldn't show your insurance, you then have 7 days to produce it at the police station you choose. Failing to stop or report is a criminal offence: 5 to 10 points, an unlimited fine and possibly a ban.
Worth telling the police anyway if…
- The other driver drove off without giving you their details
- You suspect the other driver was uninsured, drunk or on drugs
Awkward situations, sorted
The other driver drove off or has no insurance
Report it to the police with whatever you got: partial plate, make, colour, direction. Your insurer can then pursue it, and the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers.
You hit a parked car
Try to find the owner. If you can't, leave a note with your name, address and registration, and report it to the police within 24 hours. A note alone doesn't cover your legal duty.
It was a tiny bump and you've agreed to sort it privately
That's your call, but tell your insurer anyway. 'Minor' damage has a habit of becoming a whiplash claim weeks later, and late reporting can leave you uncovered.
It looked staged
Sudden, pointless braking in front of you, or a car crammed with passengers who all suddenly have neck pain, can be crash-for-cash fraud. Note how many people were in the car, keep your dashcam clip and flag it to your insurer.
Once you're home
Call your own insurer first. Cold callers and accident management firms may ring offering a free hire car or a quick payout. Some are fine, many are pricey, and a few are fishing. Don't sign anything until you've spoken to your insurer.
Keep a paper trail. Save photos, dashcam clips, emails and repair invoices in one place. Logging repair bills in our car expense tracker keeps the true cost of the crash visible next to your fuel and servicing.
Check the car is still road-legal. Damaged lights, tyres or bodywork can make it unroadworthy, and your insurance may not cover you until it's fixed. Not sure? See whether you can drive without a valid MOT.
Expect your renewal to feel it. A fault claim usually nudges your premium up, even with protected no-claims. Our guide to car insurance types and renewal explains what protected NCD really protects.
Car accident FAQs
Do I have to report a car accident to the police?
You must report it yourself, as soon as reasonably practicable and within 24 hours, if you didn't give your name and address at the scene, or if someone was injured and you couldn't show your insurance. Report at a police station, to a police officer or through your local force's online form. If you couldn't show your insurance, you then have 7 days to produce it at a police station. Call 999 straight away if anyone is hurt or the road is dangerous.
What details must I exchange after an accident?
By law you must give your name and address, the name and address of the vehicle's owner, and the registration number to anyone with reasonable grounds to ask. If someone is injured you must also produce your insurance details.
What happens if I don't stop after an accident?
Failing to stop or failing to report an accident is a criminal offence. It can mean 5 to 10 penalty points, an unlimited fine, possible disqualification and, in the most serious cases, up to six months in prison.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I'm not making a claim?
Yes, in almost every case. Most policies require you to report any incident within a set time, even if you don't intend to claim. If you don't, the insurer could refuse to cover you if the other party claims later.
Should I say sorry after a car accident?
Checking people are alright is the decent thing to do, but avoid saying anything that sounds like accepting blame. Leave the question of fault to the insurers, who will decide it using photos, witnesses and dashcam footage.
How do I claim for whiplash after a car accident?
In England and Wales, if you were 18 or over, travelling in a vehicle and the accident wasn't your fault, injury claims worth up to £5,000 for accidents since 31 May 2021 generally go through the free Official Injury Claim service. Get checked by a medical professional, and keep a record of symptoms and any time off work.
Sources
Checked on . Rules change, so the official pages always have the final word.
- Road Traffic Act 1988, section 170: duty to stop and report · legislation.gov.uk
- Fail to stop / report road accident: sentencing guideline · Sentencing Council
- Report a road traffic incident (example of a force online form) · Metropolitan Police
- Whiplash reform programme: frequently asked questions · GOV.UK
- Official Injury Claim: the free service for minor road traffic injury claims · Official Injury Claim
- Motor Insurers' Bureau: uninsured and untraced drivers · Motor Insurers' Bureau
General guidance for England, Scotland and Wales, not legal advice. Your policy wording and the police at the scene always take priority.