Even a minor bump is a shock. Knowing the right steps helps you stay safe, meet your legal duties, and get your car recovered without the day getting any worse.
The essentials
Stop and make the scene safe
You must stop after any accident. Switch on hazards, and if it is safe, move out of live traffic. Check everyone in your car and the other vehicle is unhurt.
Call 999 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked
If there are injuries, the road is blocked, or you suspect the other driver has no insurance or has been drinking, call the police straight away.
Swap details
Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, registration numbers and insurance details. By law you must give your details if damage or injury is caused.
Take photos
Photograph the vehicles, the damage, the position on the road, number plates and any skid marks. It protects you when you make a claim.
Call for recovery
If your car isn''t safe to drive, call us. We''ll recover it carefully and get you and your vehicle somewhere safe — and we can liaise with your insurer if needed.
Good to know
Stay calm and factual. Fault is decided later by the insurers based on the evidence.
If anyone saw what happened, a name and number can be invaluable for a claim.
Wait away from traffic. A blanket and hi-vis in the car make a cold roadside wait safer and more bearable.
A damaged vehicle can hide problems. Recovery avoids further damage and keeps you off the road.
