Recovery and storage
Ask whether recovery can be arranged, where your car would be taken and what recovery and storage could cost.
Check recovery options →CLEAR UK ROAD-ACCIDENT HELP
Had a car accident? Here’s what to do next
Find out what to do at the scene and how to deal with your car and insurance. You can also call about recovery, repairs or replacement transport after an accident that may not have been your fault.
For serious injury or immediate danger, call 999 or 112.
This is a commercial service for accidents that may not have been your fault. You may have to pay for recovery, repairs, storage or car hire if the other driver’s insurer does not pay. Ask the provider to explain the agreement and costs 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?
Choose the situation closest to yours. You can read any of these guides without making a call.
RIGHT NOW
The accident has just happened
Get safe, exchange details and find out who to tell.
Open the immediate checklist → EVIDENCEI need a details checklist
Driver, vehicle, witness, photo, dashcam, police and recovery records.
Use the evidence checklist → WHO WAS AT FAULT?I am unsure what “non-fault” means
How insurers decide who was at fault and record your claim.
Understand non-fault → VEHICLE SAFETYMy car looks driveable
Warning signs that mean you should stop and get the car checked.
Check hidden damage → STAYING MOBILEI need another vehicle
Find out who pays for a courtesy car, normal rental or credit hire.
Compare vehicle options → CLAIM PROGRESSI need to know what happens next
Follow the steps from telling your insurer to finishing the claim.
Follow the claim process →FIRST PRIORITIES
Four things to focus on after a collision
- 1
Protect people
Stop, check for danger and call the emergency services if needed. Stay out of moving traffic.
- 2
Record the facts
Exchange details, take photos when safe and keep witness contact details.
- 3
Report correctly
Report to the police when required and tell your insurer promptly, even if you do not plan to claim.
- 4
Read before agreeing
Ask who will provide the service, what you must sign and what you might have to pay.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Help you can ask about
If the crash may not have been your fault, call to ask about the help below. The provider will check what you need and what is available. Ask about the agreement and costs before you decide.
Inspection and repairs
Discuss getting the damage assessed and repairs arranged. Check who approves the work and how extra damage is handled.
Replacement transport
Ask whether a replacement vehicle is available. Check whether it is a courtesy car, ordinary rental or credit hire.
Dealing with the claim
Understand the choices between your own insurer, the other driver’s insurer and an accident-management company.
HELP WITH THE DETAILS
Road-accident guides
Find out what to keep, what to ask and what might happen next.
What to Do Straight After a Non-Fault Car Accident
What to do after a crash: get safe, exchange details, report the accident and keep the evidence your insurer may need.
Read guide →
Car Accident Evidence Checklist: Details to Collect Safely
The driver, vehicle, witness, photo and reference details to keep after a crash, with a short checklist you can print.
Read guide →
What Is a Non-Fault Accident?
What non-fault means for your insurance, why an open claim can affect your record and what to ask your insurer about liability and costs.
Read guide →
Car Insurance Claim Process: A Step-by-Step UK Guide
Follow a car insurance claim from reporting to repairs and settlement. Find out what can delay it and what to ask when you need an update.
Read guide →
Courtesy Car or Credit Hire? Check the Difference First
Compare a policy courtesy car, ordinary car hire and credit hire. Check who pays, what you sign and when you could be responsible for charges.
Read guide →
Hidden Car Damage After a Bump: Warning Signs
Leaks, warning lights, tyre damage or changed steering after a bump? Find out when to stop driving and get the car checked.
Read guide →COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions you may have
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. Your insurer may still be checking who was at fault or waiting for the other insurer to pay. Ask what still needs to happen before the claim can close.
Is a replacement vehicle automatically free?
No. Ask whether it is a courtesy car under your policy, normal rental or credit hire. Check the agreement, daily price and what you might owe if the other insurer does not pay.
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
Want to discuss help after a non-fault accident?
Have the date, location and vehicle details ready if you can. Ask about recovery, repairs or replacement transport, and check the provider’s terms and possible charges.