Involved In A Car Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, a car accident helpline can help you get organised quickly, understand what may need reporting, and gather the details often needed for insurers or a possible non-fault claim.

A road traffic accident can leave you feeling shaken, even when the damage looks minor.
This guide explains the practical steps people in the UK often take after an accident, especially where another driver may have been at fault.
It’s general information only, not legal, medical, or insurance advice.

Understanding car accidents

A car accident (also called a road traffic accident) can range from a low-speed bump in a car park to a more serious multi-vehicle collision.
The type of accident matters because it can affect what happens next, who may need to be contacted, and what evidence is likely to help if liability is later reviewed.

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 or 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, in danger, or the road is blocked in a hazardous way, 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 do so safely:

• 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 the time, weather, traffic conditions, and anything unusual at the scene, such as poor visibility, roadworks, faulty traffic lights, or a vehicle leaving before details were exchanged.

Reporting the incident

People often assume only “big” accidents need reporting.
In reality, reporting depends on what happened and what was exchanged at the scene, not just how minor the damage may look once everyone has calmed down.

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 help to check your local police force’s reporting page, as many now offer online reporting forms for road traffic incidents.

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. Some policies set short time limits, so it is sensible to check the wording rather than leaving it until a dispute arises.

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, a helpline, 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 and as clear as you can.
If you don’t know something, say so rather than guessing, and keep a note of any reference numbers you are given.

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 try not to get drawn into arguments at the roadside.
It’s also sensible to avoid admitting fault in the moment, because even a casual apology can be interpreted differently later when insurers review the circumstances.

Making a claim for non-fault accidents

What is a non-fault accident?

A non-fault accident is where another party is considered responsible, although this may need to be investigated and accepted by an insurer.
Depending on the circumstances, 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 after being involved in a car accident 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) can help take some of the pressure off the early admin by explaining what information is needed, helping organise the next steps, and making it clearer who may need to be contacted.

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 whether the other insurer accepts responsibility.
That can depend on the evidence available, witness accounts, dashcam footage, vehicle damage, road layout, 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, repair authorisations, storage charges, or credit agreements 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 and whether using a particular repair route affects timings, parts, or any later dispute about the quality of repairs.

Connecting with solicitors

If you’ve been injured, a solicitor can explain the personal injury process and what evidence may be useful.
If you’re in pain or worried about symptoms, consider getting appropriate medical help and keeping a simple note of how the injury affects you day to day.

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, avoid relying only on phone calls, and follow up important points 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, so check your policy terms if you are not sure.

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, and keep the incident reference number somewhere safe.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you’re not sure what to do next, a car accident helpline can be a straightforward way to get support, organise the paperwork, and understand the next steps without feeling as though you have to handle everything at once.