Car Accident Evidence Checklist: Details to Collect Safely

Driver, owner and insurance details

• Driver’s full name and address.
• Vehicle registration, make, model and colour.
• Owner’s name and address if different.
• Insurer and policy details, especially if anyone is injured.
• A phone number or email address, if they agree to give it.

Photograph a document only with permission and avoid collecting information you do not need.

Photos of the scene and damage

Start with photos of the whole scene. Show the vehicles, junctions, lanes, road markings, signs and traffic lights. Show what each driver could see. Then take closer photos of each vehicle and the damage. Stay safe when taking photos of debris or leaks. Keep the original files with their dates and times.

Witnesses and your own account

Ask witnesses for their contact details and where they were when the crash happened. Let them say what they saw in their own words. Write your own account separately. Make clear what you saw yourself and what someone else told you.

Digital, police and recovery records

• Save dashcam and vehicle-camera files before they are recorded over.
• Save relevant vehicle or driving records without changing the originals.
• Keep police incident or crime references.
• Record recovery company, job number and destination.
• Keep reference numbers from your insurer, repairer and claims handler.

Store and share evidence safely

Keep the original files and a backup. Ask your insurer, the police or the service provider how to send them safely. Photos and records may contain private details. Do not post number plates, faces, health details or claims about who was at fault on social media.

Printable short checklist