What to Do After a Car Accident in the UK
The minutes after a car accident can be disorientating. This guide covers the practical steps most drivers need to take, in order.
1. Check for injuries and get to safety
If it's safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road and switch on your hazard lights. Check whether you or anyone else is injured. Call 999 immediately if anyone needs medical help or the road is blocked.
2. Exchange details
UK drivers involved in a collision are generally required to stop and exchange name, address, and vehicle registration details with anyone involved, including the vehicle's owner if different from the driver. If you can't exchange details at the scene, you're generally expected to report the accident to the police as soon as reasonably possible, and within 24 hours.
3. Gather evidence
- Photos of all vehicles involved, the damage, and the wider scene
- The other driver's name, address, phone number, registration and insurer, if known
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
- The date, time, location, and weather conditions
- Dashcam footage, if you have it
4. Report it to your insurer
Contacting us does not report the accident to your insurer. Always follow your policy's rules for telling your insurer about an accident. Most policies require you to report any accident, even if you don't intend to claim through your own insurer — check your policy wording for the exact timeframe.
5. Be careful with cash offers
If the other driver offers you cash to settle on the spot, it's worth getting advice first. A quick cash offer may not reflect the full cost of repairs, a replacement vehicle, or other losses you may be entitled to claim.
6. Decide on your next step
If the accident wasn't your fault, Motor Claims Assist can arrange a replacement vehicle, recovery, and repairs, and deal with insurers on your behalf, where eligible. Our team can talk you through your options with no obligation.