What to Do After a Car Accident in the UK (Step-By-Step)

Car accidents are stressful, but knowing exactly what to do can help protect your safety, your insurance claim, and your legal obligations. This quick guide walks you through the essential steps every UK driver should follow immediately after a collision.

1. Make sure everyone is safe

If anyone is injured or feels unwell, call 999 for emergency services. Even minor injuries can worsen later.

If there are no injuries but the road is blocked or vehicles are obstructing traffic, call 101 for non-emergency police support (UK Government, 2025).

2. Stop your vehicle. It's a legal requirement

UK law requires you to stop immediately at the scene of a road accident involving injury, damage to another vehicle, or property (Road Traffic Act 1988, UK Government, 2025).
Do not leave the scene.

Turn on hazard lights and use warning triangles if safe.

3. Exchange details with the other driver

You must provide:

• Name and address

• Vehicle registration

• Insurance details (if asked)

You can request the same from them. Record everything clearly (DVLA, 2025)

4. Gather evidence

Clear evidence help protect you if there are later disputes.

Collect:

• Photos of vehicle damage

• Photos of the road layout

• Dashcam footage (if available)

• Weather/lighting conditions

• Witness names and contact numbers

Insurers and police often request these during assessment (ABI, 2025)

5. Document the incident while it's fresh

Write a short statement including:

• Time & date

• Location

• Direction of travel

• Speed (approximate)

• Road surface condition

Even if injuries are't visible, note how you feel.

6. Check if the vehicle is roadworthy

Driving an unsafe or damaged vehicle can result in penalty or voided insurance (DVSA, 2025)

If in doubt, don't drive it.

Use roadside recovery instead

7. Contact your insurer as soon as possible

Even if you don't intend to claim, you must report the accident.

Failing to do so can invalidate your policy (FCA rules, 2025).

Most insurers require notification within 24 hours.

8. Store and organise all documents

Keep:

• Repair estimates

• Police reference numbers

• Recovery invoices

• Correspondence

Insurers may request them throughout the process (ABI, 2025)

9. Monitor repairs and claim progression

Claim timelines vary depending on complexity. A straightforward non-fault repairs often resolves within 1-3 weeks, but delays are common for parts, inspections, or liability disputes (ABI, 2025)

Tracking updates digital reduces phone calls and admin stress.

10. Monitor repairs and claim progression

You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours if:

• You didn't exchange details at the scene

• Someone is injured

• A vehicle or property was damaged and the owner isn’t present (GOV.UK, 2025)

  
  

🚗 How Motion Shield can help

Accident can be overwhelming, but Motion Shield simplifies the process by time-stamping and geo-tagging incident details, allowing drivers to capture photos, short videos, and written statements while events are still fresh. All evidence is stored securely in one place, and users can monitor repair and claim progression directly through the app instead of chasing phone calls. If additional support is needed, the Motion Shield team can step in to coordinate next steps and liaise with partners - giving drivers clarity and confidence during stressful moment.