Recovery and storage
Where the vehicle is going, who authorises movement and when storage charges could begin.
Check recovery options →CLEAR UK ROAD-ACCIDENT HELP
Had a road accident? Start with the right next steps
Get safe, understand what must be reported, preserve useful evidence and compare the practical routes for recovery, repairs and staying mobile.
For serious injury or immediate danger, call 999 or 112.
Commercial accident-management support is for potentially non-fault accidents. You could be responsible for recovery, repair, storage or vehicle-hire costs if they cannot be recovered from the other driver’s insurer. The provider will explain the terms before you decide.
Just happened?
Stop safely, check for injuries, move away from danger, exchange the required details and save evidence only when it is safe.
See every step
CHOOSE YOUR STARTING POINT
What do you need help with?
Each route answers one specific question, with official sources where duties or safety guidance matter.
RIGHT NOW
The accident has just happened
Safety, required details, police reporting, evidence and insurer notification.
Open the immediate checklist → EVIDENCEI need a details checklist
Driver, vehicle, witness, photo, dashcam, police and recovery records.
Use the evidence checklist → LIABILITYI am unsure what “non-fault” means
How insurers assess liability and why a claim record can remain open.
Understand non-fault → VEHICLE SAFETYMy car looks driveable
Warning signs that mean you should stop and arrange inspection or recovery.
Check hidden damage → STAYING MOBILEI need another vehicle
Compare policy courtesy cars, direct hire and credit hire before signing.
Compare vehicle options → CLAIM PROGRESSI need to know what happens next
A step-by-step route through liability, inspection, repair, settlement and closure.
Follow the claim process →FIRST PRIORITIES
A calm sequence after a collision
- 1
Protect people
Stop, assess danger and call emergency services where needed. Never collect evidence from live traffic.
- 2
Record the facts
Exchange the required details, capture the wider scene and save independent evidence.
- 3
Report correctly
Use the police route where required and notify your insurer promptly, even if you do not plan to claim.
- 4
Read before agreeing
Identify the provider, contract, costs, responsibilities and position if liability is disputed.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Questions a phone conversation may help clarify
A phone conversation can help you organise the facts and understand the questions to ask about each option.
Inspection and repairs
Who controls the repair, what is authorised and what happens if hidden damage is found.
Replacement transport
Whether an option is a policy benefit, direct hire or credit hire, with the terms explained first.
Claim route
The differences between your insurer, the other insurer and an accident-management provider.
SOURCE-BACKED GUIDES
Popular road-accident guides
Short, focused explanations that answer the practical question first.
What to Do Straight After a Non-Fault Car Accident
The immediate safety, reporting and evidence steps to take after a crash you believe was not your fault.
Read guide →
Car Accident Evidence Checklist: Details to Collect Safely
A practical checklist for driver, vehicle, witness, scene, police, insurer, dashcam and recovery details after a road accident.
Read guide →
What Is a Non-Fault Accident?
What “non-fault” means in motor insurance, why liability and no-claims records can take time to settle, and what evidence helps.
Read guide →
Car Insurance Claim Process: A Step-by-Step UK Guide
A plain-English timeline from accident notification and liability checks through inspection, repair, settlement, recovery and closure.
Read guide →
Courtesy Car or Credit Hire? Check the Difference First
A balanced guide to courtesy cars and credit hire after a non-fault accident, including eligibility, cost recovery, need and contract questions.
Read guide →
Hidden Car Damage After a Bump: Warning Signs
Warning signs of concealed accident damage, what not to ignore and when to stop driving and arrange inspection or recovery.
Read guide →COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you choose a route
Do I need to tell my insurer if I do not intend to claim?
GOV.UK says you must report the accident to your insurer, even if you are not planning to make a claim. Check the policy wording and notify it promptly.
Does “non-fault” mean the claim is already settled?
No. Liability and cost recovery are assessed from evidence. An insurer may keep the record open while it seeks recovery, even where the circumstances appear straightforward.
Is a replacement vehicle automatically free?
No. Establish whether it is a policy courtesy car, direct hire or credit hire, and read the contract, rates and position if liability is disputed.
What should I have ready before I call?
If available, have the accident date and location, vehicle registrations, insurer details, photographs and any police or recovery reference to hand. It is fine to say when you do not know something.
DISCUSS WHAT HAPPENED
Have the facts ready before you call
Use the guides first, then call if you want to talk through the practical details and questions to ask next.