News & Features

InfoPoint - What to do if you have a car accident

Posted in General News on Friday, October 10th, 2025

Being in a car accident can be a scary and overwhelming experience. It's easy to forget what you’re supposed to do. That’s why Information Officer Ashley Everitt has outlined some steps to follow if you ever find yourself in this situation.

Stop and Make the Scene Safe

Regardless of the severity of the collision, you must stop your vehicle. Failing to do so is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act.

Turn off your engine and switch on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries and then check on others involved in the accident.
If anyone is injured, call the emergency services (999) for police and/or an ambulance.

Even if no one is injured, it's still important to contact the police if your vehicle is blocking the road or if you suspect foul play, such as a "crash-for-cash" scam. Depending on the urgency, you can call 999 or the non-emergency number 101.

Exchanging of Details

By law, you must provide your name, address, and insurance details to anyone else involved in the accident. This also applies if you’ve damaged property or a parked car. If no one is present, leave your details somewhere clearly visible, such as on the windscreen.

Be sure to collect the same information from others involved, including:

• Names and contact details of drivers, passengers, and witnesses
• Insurance details of other drivers
• Vehicle registration numbers
• Whether the drivers are the registered owners; if not, ask for the registered keeper’s details

If someone does leave the scene without leaving their information you should call 999. When exchanging details, it is important to remember not to accept any blame for the accident until you know exactly what has happened as this type of thing could count against you later down the line.

Helpful information to collect  

It can be helpful to take note of some other features of the incident such as:

• Registration numbers, colours, make and models of all vehicles that were involved
• The time and date of the incident
• Sketches or photos of the car's locations in the accident
• List of any damage to the vehicle and any injuries raised because of the crash 
• A description of the weather conditions, road quality or anything that seemed out of the ordinary

It can be important as these are the types of information that can have an impact should there be a court case regarding the accident.

Notifying your insurer

Following the accident, you will need to notify your insurer of the incident even if you do not have any plans of making a claim. It is important that you check all the conditions in your policy to know what time frame you must notify them in.

Check the time frame your insurer allows you to file an insurance claim if that is the option you choose to do.  To make a claim you will need to provide your insurer details of the accident. It could be helpful to supply the photos and sketches you took at the time and if there were witnesses there contact details. If the accident involved any vehicles you will need to provide them the driver’s details:

• Name
• Address and contact details
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance company details.

Your insurer will then tell you what actions you need to take next when going ahead with the insurance claim. If other people were involved in the accident, your insurance company will contact their insurance companies and resolve the claims.

Finding the correct insurer

Thankfully accidents are rare, but should they happen it is important to have the correct insurance that suits you.

Start by comparing quotes from multiple providers prices and coverage can vary widely. Choose a policy that fits your driving habits, car type, and budget. Fully comprehensive cover often provides better protection than third-party alone.

Depending on your disability you may have certain adaptations and equipment in the vehicle so making sure your insurance covers this or having specific insurance for the equipment itself is crucial so going with a specialist insurer may prove more beneficial.

Examples of companies that specialise in customers with disabilities or pre-existing medical conditions are:

• Fish insurance – 0333 331 3770 - www.fishinsurance.co.uk 
• Adrian Flux – 0344 728 0488 - www.adrianflux.co.uk/disabled/ 
• Towergate – 0333 136 2217 - www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/motor/disabled-driver-insurance 

And companies that can assist with insuring wheelchairs/scooter or equipment are:

• Surewise – 01268 200020 - www.surewise.com 
• Blue Badge mobility insurance – 01730 233101 - www.bluebadgemobilityinsurance.co.uk

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