UK Vehicle Collisions, Crime Reporting, and Police Records
Responding to motoring incidents, criminal victimisation, or stolen credentials in the UK requires formal notification.
If you are involved in a road traffic collision in the United Kingdom, statutory rules dictate when you must stop, exchange details, and report the event to the police. If injury or property damage occurs and details are not exchanged at the scene, the driver must report the collision to a police station or officer within 24 hours. Victims of property crime or theft can file reports online or via the 101 non-emergency police telephone service. Our emergency guides cover motor insurance claim requirements, reporting lost identity cards, and small claims court procedures.
All Accidents & Emergencies Guides (UK)
2 guides
Call 999 if a crime is happening now or someone is in danger. Call 101 or report online for everything else. Always ask for the crime reference number. Insurers, banks, and embassies need it. Report fraud and cybercrime to Report Fraud, not to the local police.
6 steps · 15–30 minutes · Free2025-Latest
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.
7 steps · Claims take weeks to months · Free to report; excess applies on claims2026-Latest
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and essential rules for accidents & emergencies in United Kingdom.
When must a car accident be reported to the police in the UK?
Under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you must report a collision to the police within 24 hours if you did not exchange details at the scene. You must also report it if anyone was injured.
When should I call 101 versus 999 in the UK?
Call 999 only in an emergency: when a crime is in progress, someone is in immediate danger, or serious injury has occurred. Call 101 or report online for non-emergency situations, such as reporting vehicle theft or damage after the fact.
What should I do if my UK driving licence is lost or stolen?
Apply for a replacement licence online via DVLA on gov.uk. You must be a resident of Great Britain, provide your address history for the last 3 years, and pay the statutory replacement fee.
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