QUICK ANSWER
Do not drive a vehicle that may be unsafe
Stop and arrange professional help if the vehicle has leaking fluid, smoke or steam, tyre or wheel damage, loose bodywork, critical warning lights, or changed steering or braking. Damage can be more serious than it first appears. If you are unsure, do not guess merely to get the vehicle home.
If the vehicle is in a live traffic lane or anyone is in immediate danger, call 999 or 112 and follow the emergency services’ instructions before arranging commercial recovery.
Choose the safest next step
Someone is injured or the location is dangerous
Call 999 or 112. Give the road, direction of travel and any marker-post, junction or emergency-area details. Do not collect evidence from live traffic.
You are safe, but the vehicle cannot be driven
Switch on the hazard lights and remain away from moving traffic where it is safe to do so. A call can establish whether partner-network recovery may be available.
Call 0330 551 1382The vehicle looks driveable, but you are unsure
Check for warning lights, leaking fluid, tyre or wheel damage, loose panels and changes to steering or braking. A current MOT does not make a damaged vehicle safe to drive.
Police or a traffic officer is managing the scene
Follow their instructions and do not create a duplicate recovery booking. Record the operator, destination, incident reference and any information about charges.
HOW RECOVERY MAY BE ARRANGED
A call can check whether partner support may be available
For an eligible accident that appears potentially non-fault, recovery may be arranged through a partner network. Recovery is not automatic and availability can depend on the location, vehicle circumstances, partner capacity and the information available at the time.
A recovery arrangement does not establish liability. Before you agree, the organisation offering the service should identify itself and explain the recovery operator, destination, storage arrangements, contract, charges and what happens if costs cannot be recovered from the other driver’s insurer.
Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but this does not guarantee that recovery will be available at every location or within a particular time.
What to have ready when you call
It is fine to say when you do not know something. Do not inspect beneath a damaged vehicle or enter live traffic to obtain information.
Ask these questions before the vehicle is moved
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Who is providing the service and who is the recovery operator? | Car Accident Helpline, an accident-management provider and the recovery operator may be different organisations. |
| Where will the vehicle be taken? | Confirm the destination and whether you have a choice before collection. |
| What will recovery and storage cost? | Ask when storage charges begin and whether there are release or collection charges. |
| Who pays if liability or cost recovery is disputed? | Charges could become your responsibility under the agreement. |
| Does this also authorise repair, hire or another service? | Recovery, repair and replacement transport are separate decisions. |
| How can the vehicle be released or collected? | Check identification, authority and notice requirements. |
| What are the cancellation and complaints routes? | Keep the provider’s name, contact details and a copy of the terms. |
CHECK THE TERMS FIRST
Discuss the recovery circumstances
Recovery is subject to availability and eligibility. Ask the provider to explain all terms and possible charges before agreeing.
What to record after the vehicle is moved
Save the recovery operator’s name, collection time, destination, reference number and any invoice or storage terms. Photograph the vehicle where safe and note any belongings left inside it.
Tell your insurer promptly, even if you do not plan to claim through it. Moving the vehicle does not require you to accept a repair, replacement vehicle or wider accident-management agreement. Identify each provider and read each agreement separately.
KNOW WHO IS PROVIDING EACH SERVICE
Car Accident Helpline is not the recovery operator
Car Accident Helpline is a trading name of Latitude60 Ltd, which operates this website. Latitude60 Ltd works with iRevolution Claims Ltd, trading as UK Motor Claims, under a commercial affiliate arrangement. iRevolution Claims Ltd—not Latitude60 Ltd—is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 935488).
Recovery may be provided by a separate operator. The organisation offering each service should identify itself and explain its terms, possible charges and complaints route before you decide.
Accident recovery questions
Can you recover my vehicle immediately?
Calls are answered 24/7, but recovery depends on location, partner availability and eligibility. No attendance time should be promised until an identified provider confirms the arrangement. Use 999 or 112 first for injury, immediate danger or a vehicle stopped in a live traffic lane.
Is accident recovery free?
Do not assume so. A provider may seek to recover charges from the other driver’s insurer, but this is not guaranteed. Ask who pays initially and whether you could become responsible for recovery or storage charges.
Can I drive the car if the damage looks minor?
Appearance alone cannot establish roadworthiness. Do not drive if there are warning lights, leaks, tyre or wheel damage, loose panels, smoke, unusual noise, or changed steering or braking. If in doubt, arrange professional inspection or recovery.
Where will my vehicle be taken?
The recovery provider should explain the proposed destination and storage arrangements before collection. Confirm whether you have a choice and when charges may begin.
Do I still need to tell my insurer?
Yes. GOV.UK says an accident must be reported to your insurer even if you do not intend to make a claim. Check your policy and notify it promptly.
What if liability has not been decided?
Describe the facts rather than treating “non-fault” as settled. Eligibility may change if liability is disputed, and some costs could become your responsibility under an agreement.
What if the police have already arranged recovery?
Follow the instructions from the police or traffic officer and do not create a duplicate recovery booking. Record the operator, destination, reference and any information about charges.
Does recovery include repairs or a replacement car?
Not automatically. Repairs, storage and replacement transport may involve separate providers and agreements. Ask for each option and its terms to be explained before agreeing.
Sources and scope
This page provides general UK safety and accident-recovery information. It is not individual legal, insurance, mechanical or financial advice. Emergency services, traffic officers and the identified recovery provider may give instructions specific to the situation.
- Highway Code: breakdowns and incidents — roadside and motorway safety
- GOV.UK: if you are in an accident — reporting and insurer notification
- GOV.UK: check your vehicle is safe to drive — vehicle safety
- Financial Ombudsman: credit hire and credit repair — non-fault arrangements and disputes