What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide
It’s a scary thought, but a lot of us will be involved in a road traffic accident at some point. The latest stats from GOV.UK show that over 128,000 road users were involved in a collision in 2024.
The problem is, many of us aren't prepared. A recent survey found that 1 in 5 drivers don't know what to do if they're in an accident, and nearly half (49%) didn't realize they had to report a crash to their insurance company.
Whether it's a major crash or a minor fender bender, knowing what to do can keep you and others safe and make the insurance claims process a whole lot easier.
Your Action Plan: What to Do Immediately After a Crash
Keep this checklist handy—it's your go-to guide if you ever find yourself in a stressful situation on the road.
1. Stay calm and check for injuries.
Your top priority is safety. Before you do anything else, check to make sure you're not injured. Then, check on any passengers and the other people involved. Only get out of your car if it's safe to do so.
2. Call 999 if it's an emergency.
Don't hesitate to call 999 if anyone is injured, if the road is blocked by debris, or if you feel you're in danger. You should also call 999 if:
The other driver flees the scene.
You suspect the other driver is intoxicated or driving without insurance.
Someone is being aggressive or threatening.
You think the collision might be part of a "crash-for-cash" scam.
If it's not an emergency, you can call 101 instead.
3. Move everyone to a safe place.
If possible, get all passengers and anyone else involved to a safe location away from the road, like the curb or a nearby grassy area.
Don't Drive Away: Details You Need to Collect
Once everyone is safe, it's time to gather some crucial information. This is where a lot of drivers fall short—a survey showed that 45% of people didn't take the other driver's details after an accident. Even if you think the damage is minor and don't plan to make a claim, it's vital to have this information.
Here’s what you should exchange with the other driver:
Full names, addresses, and phone numbers.
The driver’s details and the registered keeper’s details (if they’re different).
Car insurance policy numbers.
Number plates of all vehicles involved.
Pro-Tip: Don't apologize.
It might seem rude, but don't say "I'm sorry" or "my fault." Apologizing could be seen as an admission of guilt and used against you later by the other party. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 drivers admitted to apologizing after a crash. Let the insurance companies figure out who's responsible.
Record Everything: The More Evidence, the Better
Photos, notes, and a clear account of the accident can be the difference between a smooth insurance claim and a stressful one. Shockingly, almost 2 in 3 drivers don't take photo or video evidence at the scene.
Here's a checklist for what to record:
Photos and Videos: Use your phone to capture the scene from multiple angles. Get pictures of the damage to both vehicles and any other property involved.
Notes: Write down everything you can remember, including:
The exact time and date of the accident.
The weather and road conditions.
An estimate of the other vehicle’s speed and direction.
Details about the other vehicle (make, model, colour, etc.).
The number of passengers in the other car.
Any road markings, signs, or potential witnesses.
If you have a dashcam, the footage can be incredibly useful, so be sure to save it.
Don't Skip This Step: Reporting to Your Insurer and the Police
This is perhaps the most important part of the process.
Report the accident to your insurer.
You must report the accident to your insurance company, even if you don't plan to make a claim. A whopping 50% of drivers don't alert their insurer after a crash.
Not reporting it could:
Void your policy.
Lead to higher insurance prices in the future.
Make it difficult to get insurance at all.
Why? Because the other driver might decide to make a claim against you later. Your insurer needs to know so they can reassess your risk and prepare for a potential claim. The sooner you report it, the better—ideally within 24 hours.
Report the accident to the police.
You are legally required to stop after an accident. If you can't exchange details with the other driver (for example, if you hit a parked car), you must leave your details and report the incident to the police within 24 hours by calling 101.
Failing to do so is considered a hit-and-run, which can lead to fines, points on your license, or a driving ban.
Navigating a car accident is never easy, but by following these steps, you can protect yourself and ensure you're prepared for whatever comes next.
Research carried out by One Poll on behalf of Confused.com of 2,000 UK drivers between 14th and 18th July 2025.
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