Involved In A Car Accident?

If you’ve had a car accident, a car accident helpline can help you get organised fast, understand what needs reporting, and start putting together the information you may need for insurers and any non-fault claim.

A road traffic accident can leave you feeling shaken, even if the damage looks minor.
This guide covers the practical steps people in the UK often take after an accident, especially if it wasn’t your fault.
It’s general information only, not legal or insurance advice.

Understanding car accidents

A car accident (also called a road traffic accident) can be anything from a bump in a car park to a multi-vehicle collision.
The type of accident matters because it affects what you should do next, who you need to contact, and what evidence will help.

Types of car accidents

Common examples include:

• Rear-end shunts
• Side-impact collisions at junctions
• Lane-change collisions
• Hits with parked vehicles
• Multi-vehicle pile-ups

If there are injuries, suspected drink/drug driving, anyone refuses to share details, or the road is blocked, it can quickly become a police matter.

What to do immediately after a car accident

Safety comes first.
If anyone is injured, call 999.

If it’s safe to do so:

• Move to a safe place (and switch on hazard lights).
• Check on passengers and other drivers.
• Don’t put yourself in danger to take photos or collect details.

Quick scene checklist

These are the basics to gather if you can:

• Photos of vehicle positions, damage, road markings, signs, and the wider scene
• Names and contact details of any witnesses
• The other driver’s name, address, and vehicle registration (and the owner’s details if it’s not their car)
• The other driver’s insurer and policy number (if available)

It’s also worth noting time, weather, and anything unusual (for example, poor visibility or a faulty traffic light).

Reporting the incident

People often assume only “big” accidents need reporting.
In reality, reporting is about what happened and what you exchanged at the scene, not just how dented the bumper looks.

When you need to report to the police

In the UK, if you do not give your details at the time of the accident, you must report it to the police within 24 hours.

Police guidance also commonly says to report if:

• Anyone was injured
• You couldn’t exchange details at the scene
• You suspect an offence may have been committed

If you’re unsure, it can be worth checking your local police force’s reporting page, as many now have online forms.

Telling your insurer

Even if you’re not planning to claim on your own policy, insurers often expect you to tell them about any accident as soon as you can, and some set short time limits in the policy terms.

If in doubt, check your policy wording or ask your insurer what they require.

Steps to report a car accident

How to report the incident

When you speak to your insurer (or a claims handler acting for you), you’ll usually be asked for:

• What happened (your version, in your own words)
• Date, time, and location
• Photos and witness details
• Details of the other vehicle/driver/insurer
• Crime reference number (if police were involved)

Keep it factual.
If you don’t know something, say so rather than guessing.

Contacting the police

If you need to report the accident, the non-emergency route is typically 101 (unless it’s an emergency).
Write down:

• Who you spoke to (if applicable)
• The incident reference number
• The time and date you reported it

Exchanging details with other parties

If you’re exchanging details at the roadside, focus on accuracy:

• Name and address
• Vehicle registration
• Insurer and policy number (if available)
• Registered keeper / owner details (if different)

Photos can help, but don’t get drawn into arguments.
Also, be careful about apologising or admitting fault in the moment. It’s human to say “sorry”, but it can be misread later.

Making a claim for non-fault accidents

What is a non-fault accident?

A non-fault accident is where another party is responsible.
If that’s the case, a claim might cover things like:

• Repair costs
• Recovery and storage fees (where applicable)
• A replacement vehicle while yours is off the road
• Injury-related compensation (if relevant), usually via a solicitor

How to make a car insurance claim

A typical route looks like this:

1. Notify your insurer (or a non-fault claims handler, if you use one).
2. Provide evidence and details.
3. Liability is investigated and agreed (or disputed).
4. Repairs, replacement vehicle, and any injury claim are handled according to what’s been accepted.

Communicating with insurers

Good habits that help:

• Keep a folder of emails, reference numbers, and dates
• Save photos and documents in one place
• Confirm key points in writing where possible
• Ask what happens next and what the timescales might be

Getting help from the car accident helpline

A car accident helpline (or non-fault claims service) typically helps by taking the pressure off the early admin and coordinating next steps.

Investigating your claim

They may:

• Take your initial report
• Collect evidence (photos, witness details, accident circumstances)
• Contact the third-party insurer
• Help build a clear timeline

Confirming liability

Often the big milestone is getting the other insurer to accept responsibility.
That can depend on evidence, witness accounts, dashcam footage, and how consistent everyone’s statements are.

Arranging replacement vehicles and repairs

If your car is not safe to drive or is being repaired, some services can arrange:

• Recovery
• Repairs (sometimes via approved repair networks)
• A replacement vehicle while yours is off the road (eligibility varies)

Always ask what you’re agreeing to, especially where hire costs are involved.

Additional services and support

Finding vehicle repair specialists

Depending on the route you choose, repairs may be done:

• Through your insurer’s approved network
• Through a manufacturer-approved repairer
• Through an independent garage of your choice

Ask what warranty applies to the repair work.

Connecting with solicitors

If you’ve been injured, a solicitor can explain the personal injury process and what evidence is useful.
If you’re in pain, it’s also worth getting medical advice and keeping a simple symptom diary.

Notifying third-party insurers

If you’re claiming non-fault, someone may notify the third-party insurer for you and handle the back-and-forth.
If you do it yourself, keep everything documented and follow up in writing.

FAQs

Do I always have to report an accident to the police?

Not always.
If you exchanged details at the scene and there were no injuries or suspected offences, you may not need to.
But if you didn’t give details at the time, you must report it within 24 hours.

Do I have to tell my insurer even if I’m not claiming?

Many policies require it.
Insurers often say to report accidents as soon as possible, even for minor bumps.

What evidence helps most in a non-fault claim?

Usually:

• Photos of positions and damage
• Independent witness details
• Dashcam footage
• A clear, consistent timeline
• Police reference number (if reported)

What if the other driver won’t share details?

If you can’t exchange details, report it to the police as soon as you can and within 24 hours.

If you’ve had a car accident, a car accident helpline can be a straightforward way to get support, organise the paperwork, and start the process without feeling like you have to do everything at once.