QUICK ANSWER
Stop, make the scene as safe as you reasonably can, check for injuries, exchange the required details, preserve evidence and tell your insurer promptly.
If anyone is seriously injured, in immediate danger, or the road is dangerously blocked, call 999 or 112 first.
At the scene: safety before paperwork
Stop as soon as it is safe. Switch off the engine, use hazard lights and move yourself and passengers away from live traffic where possible. Do not take photographs from a dangerous position.
Call 999 or 112 if there is serious injury, immediate danger, suspected serious driving offences, or a dangerous obstruction. For non-emergency police contact, follow the local force’s reporting route.
Exchange the information the law requires
Give your name and address, the vehicle owner’s name and address if different, and the registration number to anyone with reasonable grounds to ask. If there is injury, insurance details must also be produced. If required details are not exchanged at the scene, report the accident to police as soon as reasonably practicable and within 24 hours.
Keep the conversation factual. Do not argue about fault or sign something you do not understand.
Create a reliable record
- Photograph vehicle positions, damage, number plates, road markings, signs and the wider scene.
- Record the date, time, precise location, weather and visibility.
- Collect witness names and contact details without coaching their account.
- Save dashcam files before they are overwritten.
- Note police, recovery and insurer reference numbers.
Write a short account in your own words while events are fresh. Mark anything uncertain instead of guessing.
Tell your insurer and protect the evidence
Notify your insurer even if you do not intend to claim, because policies commonly require accident notification. Ask what evidence it needs and retain originals where possible. Keep a simple timeline of calls, decisions, storage, repairs and costs.
If the car may be unsafe, do not continue driving simply because visible damage looks minor. Arrange an appropriate inspection or recovery.
What can wait until you are safe
You do not need to choose a repair, hire or claims route at the roadside unless safety requires immediate recovery. Once safe, compare what your own insurer, the other insurer and any accident-management provider propose. Check who is responsible, what you must sign, what costs could arise and what happens if liability is disputed.
Sources and scope
This guide is general UK road-accident information, not personal legal, medical or insurance advice.
- GOV.UK: vehicle insurance and accidents — stopping, exchanging details, reporting and notifying your insurer
- NHS: when to call 999 — emergency help
WANT TO DISCUSS WHAT HAPPENED?
Have the facts ready before you call
Have the date, location, vehicle and insurer details, photographs and any police reference ready if available. A call can help you organise the practical questions to ask next.