What to do after a car accident

What should I do after a car accident?

1. Stop the car and turn on hazard lights

As soon as it's safe to do so:

• Stop the car.
• Turn off the engine and turn on hazard lights.

It's a legal requirement to stop after an accident; otherwise you could be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a hit-and-run.

2. Stay calm and check for injuries

Once stationary, if it's safe to do so, check if anybody's injured, including:

• Yourself
• Passengers in your car
• Anyone in the other car(s) involved
• Any other parties

3. Call emergency services (police and ambulance if needed)

Call 999 for emergencies and ask for the police if:

• Someone is seriously injured
• Someone is in danger
• You believe an offence has been committed; for example, another driver has been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Call the police on the non-emergency 101 number at the scene of the collision if:

• A hit and run has occurred, and the driver has left the scene without giving their details
• You're having difficulty getting the details from someone involved

You should still report the incident to the police on 101 if:

• Anyone's sustained injuries, including yourself
• A vehicle's been damaged, but the driver isn't present
• There's been damage to any property, railings, road signs, or bollards.

4. Move to safety if possible

• Move to a safe area, especially if you're on the motorway
• Exit the vehicle through the passenger side
• Make sure to stand away from your car to ensure your safety

5. Exchange details with the other driver

Share details with the other driver, including:

• Name
• Address
• Contact details
• Vehicle registration
• Car owner's/registered keeper's name
• Insurance details if requested

When speaking to the other driver, don't:

• Apologise
• Admit fault
• Start any conflict

Apologising or admitting fault can affect your claim.

6. Take photos of the scene, damage, and surroundings

Collect as much evidence as you can, including:

• Photos of vehicle positions
• Photos of registration plates
• Photos of the surrounding area, as well as any damages or debris

7. Get witness info if anyone saw the accident

If there are witnesses, you should collect the following information:

• Full names
• Contact information (phone numbers, address)
• Their chronological account of the incident
• Any observations they have about driver behaviour

8. Contact your insurer as soon as you can

• Let your insurer know about the accident as soon as possible, ideally in the first 24 hours. This helps ensure that details of the accident are clearer in your mind.
• Don't get any repairs done to your car before speaking with your insurer first. They might want you to use an approved garage, and your car insurance claim could be invalidated if you use a different one. You may also be charged a 'non-approved repairer' excess.
• Failing to inform your insurer about a car accident can result in your car insurance being invalidated.

9. Keep records of everything related to the accident

• Keep a record of all correspondence related to the accident, including:
• Communications with your insurance provider
• Communications with any other parties involved, including witnesses
• Crime reference numbers

What should I do if I am stranded on the hard shoulder after a car accident?

If you find yourself stranded on the hard shoulder after a car accident, try to stay calm. Let's go through your next steps:

• Stop safely: Pull over as far left as possible onto the hard shoulder or Emergency Refuge Area (ERA).
• Exit left: Exit the vehicle immediately through the left-hand door.
• Get clear: Wait behind the safety barrier or up the verge, well away from the road. Do not remain in the car.
• Call for help: Use a motorway roadside phone (which pinpoints your location) or your mobile. Call 999 if you are in immediate danger or in a live lane.
• Smart motorways: If a lane is marked with a red X, you must not use it, and you should use an ERA if a hard shoulder is unavailable.

How do I report the claim to my car insurance company?

Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24 hours, even if you don't intend to claim.

You'll need to provide your insurer with the following information:

• Accident details: A description of how the accident occurred, detailing speed, direction of travel, and any injuries.
• Other party's information: Name, address, phone number, vehicle registration number, and insurance policy details. (Policy number, insurer name).
• Any evidence: Photos of the scene that show damages and any debris, as well as dashcam footage if you have it.

Reporting the accident to your insurer doesn't automatically mean losing your No Claims Bonus (NCB), but making a 'fault' claim usually will. Non-fault claims may be affected if your insurer is unable to recover all costs.

Always keep a file of all correspondence, reference numbers, police reports, and repair invoices. You may need to refer to these at a later date.

What happens if the accident wasn’t my fault?

If the accident wasn't your fault. the other driver's insurance should cover your repairs and related costs. But you may still need to report the accident to your own insurer, where they can handle the claim on your behalf and recover costs later. You might also be entitled to a courtesy car while yours is being repaired.

If the other driver is uninsured. you may be able to claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).

Make sure to gather as much evidence as possible, including photos, witness details, and police reports.

Avoid admitting fault or signing anything without checking first.

What if the other driver didn’t stop?

If the other driver didn't stop, try to take note of the other car's registration number, make, model, or colour.

Never chase or confront the driver yourself; stay safe and call the police instead. You should report the hit-and-run as soon as possible and give all the details you can remember.

If possible, gather any witness information or dashcam footage, as this can help identify the driver.

Inform your insurance company about what happened, ideally within 24 hours of the accident.

If the driver can't be traced, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurer's Bureau (MIB).

Can I drive my car after an accident?

Only drive if your car is safe and fully roadworthy. Don't drive your car if you notice:

• Damage to tyres, lights, steering, and brakes
• Fuel or fluid leaks
• Airbags have been deployed or the frame is bent
• The car is unstable or making strange noises

Driving a damaged vehicle is unsafe and may mean your insurance is void. If you're unsure whether your car is safe and roadworthy, call for roadside assistance or a tow if you're unsure. Depending on your policy, the cost of roadside assistance or recovery may be covered by your insurer, especially if the incident resulted from an accident.

Can I get a cheaper car insurance policy after an accident?

Generally, an accident will increase your insurance premium, especially if you were at fault. But you can still compare quotes to find the cheapest prices available to you. Some insurers may offer better rates even after a claim.

The best way to reduce future costs is to build and maintain your no-claims discount. Here are a few other ways to save on your car insurance:

• Complete a driver safety or awareness course: Finishing a driver safety course can improve your profile, demonstrating to insurers that you're taking steps to lower your risk.
• Choose a higher voluntary excess: Your voluntary excess is how much you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess can sometimes lower your premium, but always make sure the amount is manageable, as you'll need to pay it if you have to claim.
• Add security features: Adding insurer-approved security features like steering wheel locks can help bring down costs. Parking your car in a safer location can also reduce your premium.

Always be honest about your accident history when looking for quotes. Failing to declare this information can invalidate your insurance policy.

Comparing quotes is the best way to find the cheapest insurance deal, and switching car insurance providers can often save you money.