Crunch. Fender-bender. RTA. Prang. Whatever you call them, accidents can have a big impact on you – even if they don’t leave a dent on your car.
We hope you won’t need this guide – but getting to know what steps you’ll need to take if you’re ever in an accident will help you deal with the situation like a pro.
- What should I do after a car accident?
- What details do I need to exchange after a car accident?
- What should I do if I hit a parked car?
- Who should I call after a car accident?
- How do I tell my insurer about a car accident?
What should I do after a car accident?
-
Come to a safe stop and turn off your engine
If you don’t stop after an accident, you could be breaking the law1. If you’re on a motorway and your car’s drivable, indicate to the left and pull onto the hard shoulder or a layby.
-
Turn on your hazard lights
You’ll need to warn other drivers that you’ve stopped so they can drive around you safely.
-
Calmly check if anyone’s injured
If anyone is hurt and needs urgent medical care, call an ambulance right away
-
Find somewhere safe and away from traffic
You and your passengers should get out of your car and stand well clear of the road and traffic. If you’ve got a hi-vis jacket or vest, pop it on so other drivers can see you clearly.
What details do I need to exchange after a car accident?
If you have a car accident, you’ll need to swap a few details with the other driver (or drivers) involved. Most importantly, you’ll need to share:
- Your names
- Your contact details, like address and telephone number
- Your registration numbers
- The names of the vehicle owners or registered keepers
- Make and model of the vehicles involved
You should also make a note of when and where the accident happened.
If there are any witnesses, ask them to share their details if you can. Your insurer may want to get in touch with them to confirm what happened.
Try not to apologise for the accident. While it may feel natural, saying ‘sorry’ can be seen as admitting the accident was your fault - even if it wasn't. The other driver could use it to make a claim against you.
What should I do if I hit a parked car?
If you hit a parked car and don’t know who the owner is, you can leave your details in a note placed on the other vehicle’s windscreen. To be extra safe, ring the police at 101 to report what happened to them.
If you don’t do either of the above and somebody else reports you, you could be charged by the police for failing to stop after an accident.
Who should I call after a car accident?
-
The police
For minor incidents that don’t need urgent help, ring the police at 101 to report what happened. If the other driver didn’t stop, let the police know about that too. It will help later when you make a claim.
-
Your insurer
Once the immediate risks are sorted and you’ve swapped info with the other driver, it’s time to get in touch with your insurer. Claiming later may be tricky if you don’t report the accident right away.
If you’re Swiftcovered, you can make a claim online at any time, from anywhere. You’ll find a guide to making your claim in your Help Hub.
-
A breakdown or recovery service
Once you’ve taken some pictures of the damage to your car, it’s time to call to get back on the road – or get your car to a garage.
If you’ve got breakdown cover with your Swiftcover car insurance, you can report your breakdown online, or call the 24/7 emergency helpline for roadside assistance.
Breakdown cover is available as an optional add-on to your Swiftcover car insurance, or as a stand-alone product.
How do I tell my insurer about a car accident?
Gathering as much info as you can at the scene is super helpful. The more information you can share with your insurer, the quicker they’ll be able to deal with you claim (if you make one).
Gather your witness details and snap some photos of the damage before you move your car. A dashcam can also be your best friend – keep the footage handy and make a backup if you can. Your insurer may ask for a copy.
Once you've got all that info, send your report to your insurer, even if you're not planning to make a claim for damage. Swiftcover customers can let us know about an accident online or over the phone.
Insurance policies sometimes contain clauses that say you must let your insurer know about any car accidents you’re involved in. If you don’t, your cover could be affected. Always check your policy documents to see what your insurer needs from you. If you’re with Swiftcover, you’ll find your documents in your online account.
Accidents can be nerve-wracking but knowing what to do can make a big difference. Now you’ve read the essential steps to take after an accident, you can drive with confidence knowing you're prepared for anything that comes your way. Safe travels!
