What to do after a minor accident
Updated
Quick answer
Stop, make sure everyone is safe, and call 999 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked. Swap details with the other driver, and if you can't, report it to the police within 24 hours. Once the vehicle can be moved, call us to recover it.
Stop and make it safe
You must stop after an accident. Put your hazard lights on, switch the engine off, and check whether anyone is hurt. If you're on a fast road, get everyone out on the side away from traffic and behind a barrier if there is one.
Call 999 if anyone is injured, if the road is blocked or dangerous, or if you think the other driver has committed an offence (for example, drink-driving or leaving the scene).
Swap details
- Your name and address, and the vehicle owner's if it's not you
- Vehicle registration numbers
- Insurance details, if anyone is injured
If you hit a parked car or property and can't find the owner, or you can't swap details for any reason, you must report the accident to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours.
Record what happened
- Photos of all vehicles, the damage, the number plates and where everything ended up
- The road, the weather, the lighting and any signs
- Names and numbers of any witnesses
- Dashcam footage, if you have it (save it before it's overwritten)
Is the car safe to drive?
Don't drive it if fluid is leaking, warning lights have come on, a wheel or tyre is damaged, the steering pulls, or lights are broken. Call us instead. We'll recover it once the police or emergency services say it can be moved, and take it to your home, a garage of your choice or your insurer's repairer. See vehicle recovery.
Tell your insurer
Let your insurer know as soon as you can, even if you're not planning to claim: most policies require it. Keep any reference numbers from the police and the recovery.