What to Do After a Car Accident in the UK
UK law is clear about what to do after an accident. Stop. Switch off the engine. Put your hazard lights on. Then swap names, addresses, registration numbers, and insurance details with everyone involved. If someone is hurt, you must report it to the police within 24 hours. You must also report it if you did not swap details. Tell your insurer quickly, even if you do not plan to claim. Take photos of everything before the vehicles move.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Free to report; excess applies on claims
- Total time:
- Claims take weeks to months
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- gov.uk
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Go immediate
Stop safely and make the scene safe
You must stop. Leaving the scene of an accident is an offence. Switch off the engine. Turn on your hazard lights. If it is safe, move to the pavement. Do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger. For example, fire or oncoming traffic.
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- Go immediate
Check for injuries and call 999 if needed
Call 999 for an ambulance and the police if anyone is hurt. Also call if the road is blocked. Also call if you think drink or drug driving was involved. For minor crashes with only damage, you do not need to call 999 if you swapped details.
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- Go 10 min
Exchange the legally required details
The Road Traffic Act says what you must share. Give your name and address. Give the vehicle owner's name and address. Give the registration number. You must give these to anyone who has a good reason to ask. Swap insurance details too. Note the other driver's licence number if they agree to share it.
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- Before You Go 10 min
Photograph everything before vehicles move
Take photos of number plates. Take close-up photos of the damage. Take wider photos of the road layout. Also photograph skid marks, traffic signs, and the weather. Photos from the first minutes settle more disputes than any written account later.
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- Submit & Pay 30 min
Report to police within 24 hours if required
You must report the accident to the police as soon as you can. You must do it within 24 hours if someone was hurt. You must also do it if you could not swap details at the scene. Go to a police station or call 101 instead. Keep the reference number.
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- Submit & Pay 30 min
Notify your insurer promptly
Tell your insurer about the accident as soon as you can. Most policies say you must tell them quickly. They can cancel your cover if you delay. This applies even if you do not want to claim. Send them the photos, the details, and the police reference.
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- Follow Up weeks–months
Claim, or use the MIB for uninsured drivers
The Motor Insurers' Bureau pays victims if the other driver had no insurance or drove off. To claim for your own damage or injury, go through your insurer. You will pay the policy excess. If the MIB route applies, apply to the MIB directly. Give them your police reference.
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Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Leaving the scene. You must stop, because leaving the scene of an accident is an offence. Switch off the engine, turn on your hazard lights, and if it is safe, move to the pavement.
Moving injured people when there is no immediate danger. Do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger, for example fire or oncoming traffic. Check for injuries and call 999 for an ambulance and the police if anyone is hurt, if the road is blocked, or if you think drink or drug driving was involved.
Admitting fault at the scene. Share facts, not blame. Saying sorry or saying it was your fault can be used against you by insurers. Fault is decided later, from the evidence.
Missing the 24-hour police report. You must report the accident to the police as soon as you can, and within 24 hours if someone was hurt or if you could not swap details at the scene. Go to a police station or call 101, and keep the reference number.
Delaying telling your insurer. Tell your insurer about the accident as soon as you can, because most policies say you must tell them quickly and they can cancel your cover if you delay. This applies even if you do not want to claim. Send them the photos, the details, and the police reference.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to call the police for a minor bump?
No, not if nobody is hurt and you swapped all details at the scene. But if there is any injury, you must report it within 24 hours. This applies even if the injury seems minor. You must also report it if you could not swap details. This is the law. It is not a choice.
Should I admit fault at the scene?
No. Share facts, not blame. Saying sorry or saying "it was my fault" can be used against you by insurers. Stick to what happened. Fault is decided later, from the evidence.
The other driver gave false details. What now?
Report it to the police at once. Giving false details after an accident is an offence. Your dashcam footage, photos, and witness contacts now matter a lot. If the driver turns out to be uninsured, the MIB route can cover you.
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