Being involved in a road traffic accident is one of the most stressful things that can happen on the road. Whether it is a minor bump in traffic or a serious collision, the moments afterwards can feel overwhelming. Your heart races, your hands shake, and it is hard to think clearly about what to do next.
This guide walks you through every step, from keeping yourself safe at the scene to understanding how the insurance claims process works afterwards. It covers cars, vans and motorbikes, and explains what happens whether the accident was your fault or not.
Compare car insurance quotes
Whether you are renewing after a claim or looking for better cover, comparing quotes from 130+ UK insurers via Brumble could help you find a more competitive deal.
According to the Department for Transport, there were 128,375 reported road casualties of all severities in Great Britain in 2024, including 1,633 fatalities and 29,537 people killed or seriously injured. That works out at roughly 350 casualties every single day. Knowing what to do if you are involved could protect your safety, your legal position and your finances.
Source: Department for Transport, Reported Road Casualties Great Britain, provisional estimates 2024
Your first priority is safety. In the shock of the moment, it can be tempting to jump straight out of the car, but take a second to assess the situation first.
Stop your vehicle. It is a legal requirement under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to stop if you are involved in an accident that causes damage or injury. Failing to stop is a criminal offence that can lead to up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and 5 to 10 penalty points on your licence.
Once you have stopped, turn off the engine and switch on your hazard lights. Apply the handbrake, especially if you are on a slope. Turning off the engine reduces the risk of fire, particularly if fluids are leaking from either vehicle.
Before getting out, look at where you are. If you are on a motorway, dual carriageway or busy road, staying inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on may actually be safer than stepping out into fast-moving traffic. On a motorway hard shoulder, the safest option is usually to exit from the passenger side (away from traffic), move behind the crash barrier if there is one, and wait well away from your vehicle.
If you can safely get out, move to a safe spot away from moving traffic. Put on a high-visibility jacket if you have one, and set out a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle on a single carriageway (do not use a warning triangle on a motorway). If you are unable to leave the vehicle safely, call 999 and stay put with your seatbelt fastened.
Van drivers should be aware that a larger vehicle can create a bigger obstruction. If you are carrying a load, check whether anything has shifted or spilled onto the road, as this creates an additional hazard for other road users. If it is safe to do so, secure any loose items.
Once you are in a safe position, check yourself, your passengers and anyone else involved for injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, so do a careful check even if you feel fine at first.
Call 999 if anyone is injured (even if injuries seem minor), the road is blocked and causing danger to other traffic, you suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or you believe the accident was deliberate (such as a crash-for-cash scam).
When you call, try to give a clear location. Use a motorway marker post number, a road name and junction, a nearby landmark, or a what3words address if you have the app on your phone. Emergency services across the UK widely use what3words, and it can help responders reach you faster.
For incidents that do not need an immediate emergency response but still need police involvement, call 101 (the non-emergency police number). You can also report the accident at your local police station.
UK law requires you to give your name and address to anyone with reasonable grounds for asking. In practice, you should aim to collect as much information as possible from everyone involved. The more detail you gather now, the smoother the insurance process will be later.
Here is what to collect from the other driver or drivers involved:
It is also worth checking whether the driver is the registered owner of the vehicle. If they are not, get the registered keeper's details too. This matters because the insurer may need to contact the vehicle owner separately. If a company vehicle such as a van or lorry is involved, note the company name if it is displayed on the vehicle.
Important: Do not admit fault or apologise at the scene. Even saying "I'm sorry" can be interpreted as an admission of liability by insurers and legal teams later on. Stick to exchanging details and checking on welfare.
Good evidence can make or break an insurance claim. If you are physically able to, spend a few minutes documenting the scene before vehicles are moved.
Use your phone to photograph the damage to all vehicles involved, close up and from wider angles. Capture the position of the vehicles on the road, the road layout including any junctions, road markings and traffic signs, skid marks or debris on the road, and the weather and lighting conditions at the time. Take a photo of both vehicles' number plates, and photograph any visible injuries.
If any bystanders saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Independent witness accounts carry significant weight with insurers and can help resolve disputed claims quickly.
If you have a dashcam, save the footage to a separate device or email it to yourself as soon as possible. Dashcam memory cards can overwrite footage, and phones can be lost or damaged. Backing up your evidence straight away protects you if anything happens between now and when the claim is settled.
You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours if anyone is injured (no matter how minor the injury seems), if details were not exchanged at the scene, if the other driver left without stopping (hit and run), if you suspect the other driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs, or if property or certain animals were damaged (including dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys and mules).
You can report in person at a police station or by calling 101. In some cases, you may be able to report online depending on your local police force.
Failing to report an accident when legally required is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. It can result in a fine, penalty points on your licence, or even prosecution.
Source: Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 170 (legislation.gov.uk)
Yes. Most car, van and motorbike insurance policies require you to notify your insurer of any accident you are involved in, regardless of who was at fault and regardless of whether you intend to make a claim. This is a condition of your policy, and failing to report an accident could give your insurer grounds to refuse a future claim or even cancel your cover.
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Most providers offer 24/7 claims lines, mobile apps and online portals.
If you do not want to make a claim (for example, because the damage is minor and the repair cost is less than your excess), you can report it as "notification only" or "for information purposes." This logs the incident on your record without opening a formal claim. It protects your position if the other driver later makes a claim against you.
When you call, have the following to hand: your policy number, the date, time and location of the accident, the other driver's details, and any photos or dashcam footage you collected. Your insurer will guide you through the rest.
If you caused the accident, your insurer will handle the process on your behalf. This is what is known as an at-fault or fault claim.
Your insurer will assess the damage to your vehicle and decide whether to repair it or write it off. They will also handle any claims from the other driver, including damage to their vehicle, any injuries and any other losses they have suffered.
Your excess. You will need to pay your policy excess, which is made up of two parts: the compulsory excess set by your insurer and any voluntary excess you agreed to when you took out the policy. These are added together, and you pay the total amount towards the cost of your claim.
Repairs. If your insurer decides to repair your vehicle, they will usually send it to one of their approved repairers. Some policies include a courtesy car while yours is being fixed, though this is not guaranteed and the vehicle provided is often a small runaround rather than a like-for-like replacement.
Write-offs. If the repair cost exceeds your car's market value (or the car is unsafe to repair), your insurer will declare it a total loss. You will receive a settlement based on the car's pre-accident market value, minus your excess. If you believe their valuation is too low, you can negotiate. Gather evidence of similar cars for sale, your service history and any low mileage to support a higher figure.
When a vehicle is written off, it is assigned a category that determines whether it can ever return to the road. The categories changed in 2017, and the current system works as follows:
| Category | What it means | Can it return to the road? |
|---|---|---|
| Cat A | The entire vehicle must be crushed. Nothing can be salvaged. | No |
| Cat B | The body shell must be crushed, but some parts can be salvaged for reuse. | No |
| Cat S (formerly Cat C) | Structural damage. The vehicle can be repaired but must pass professional inspection. | Yes, after repair |
| Cat N (formerly Cat D) | Non-structural damage (e.g. electrical, cosmetic). Can be repaired without structural work. | Yes, after repair |
If your vehicle is written off and you surrender it to your insurer, they will notify the DVLA. If you keep a Cat S or Cat N vehicle and repair it yourself, you will need to update the V5C logbook, and the car will need to pass a fresh MOT before you can drive it again. You should also check your vehicle tax status, as a SORN may have been applied.
If you are buying a used car, checking whether it has been previously written off is an important step. A vehicle history check can reveal write-off markers, outstanding finance and other issues that could affect its value or safety.
If someone else caused the accident, you are what insurers call the "non-fault" or "innocent" party. The principle in UK law is straightforward: you should be put back in the position you were in before the accident, at the other driver's expense.
In practice, a non-fault claim typically involves three separate elements. Understanding each one helps you make sure you are not left out of pocket.
You have several options for getting your vehicle repaired or replaced after a non-fault accident:
Claim through your own insurer. This is often the simplest route. Your insurer handles the repairs and then recovers the costs from the other driver's insurer (a process called subrogation). You may need to pay your excess upfront, but this should be refunded once the other insurer accepts liability. Your no claims bonus should also be protected once fault is established.
Use an accident management company. These are specialist firms that handle the entire claims process on your behalf, including arranging repairs, providing a replacement vehicle and pursuing the other driver's insurer for costs. You do not usually pay anything upfront. The advantage is that they handle everything in one place. The disadvantage is that some accident management companies charge higher rates for services like vehicle hire, which can sometimes lead to disputes with the other insurer.
Third-party capture. The other driver's insurer may contact you directly to offer to handle your claim. This is called third-party capture or third-party assistance, and it is legal. However, be cautious. The other insurer is not acting in your best interests. They may offer a quick settlement that undervalues your vehicle, or provide a basic courtesy car rather than a like-for-like replacement. You are not obliged to accept their offer.
Source: Citizens Advice, "An insurer approaches you to settle a claim" (citizensadvice.org.uk)
If you are not at fault, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle to keep you mobile while your car is being repaired or while you wait for a settlement if it has been written off.
There are two main ways this works:
Courtesy car from your insurer. Many comprehensive policies include a courtesy car while your vehicle is with an approved repairer. This is usually a small car regardless of what you normally drive, and it may not be available if your car is written off rather than repaired.
Credit hire. A credit hire company provides you with a like-for-like replacement vehicle at no upfront cost to you. If you drive a family SUV, you should receive a similar vehicle, not a small city car. The credit hire company recovers the cost directly from the at-fault driver's insurer. Credit hire is a well-established part of the UK insurance system, supported by case law including Lagden v O'Connor [2003]. Many insurers, solicitors and accident management companies offer credit hire or can refer you to a provider.
The hire period typically lasts until your car is repaired or until a write-off settlement is completed. To avoid disputes, make sure you can demonstrate that you genuinely needed the replacement vehicle (for commuting, school runs, essential travel) and that the hire period was reasonable.
If you were injured in the accident, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries on top of the vehicle damage claim. The most common injury after a road traffic accident is whiplash, a soft tissue injury to the neck, back or shoulders.
How you claim depends on the value of your injury:
Claims under £5,000. Since May 2021, minor personal injury claims from road traffic accidents valued at under £5,000 go through the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal. This is a free online service run by the Motor Insurers' Bureau on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. You can use it yourself without a solicitor, although around 90% of claimants still choose to have legal representation. If you instruct a solicitor for a claim under £5,000, you will need to pay their fees yourself, as they are not recoverable from the other side.
Claims over £5,000. More serious injuries with a claim value over £5,000 are handled outside the OIC portal through the traditional personal injury process. Solicitors typically work on a no-win, no-fee basis for these cases.
You have three years from the date of the accident (or the date you became aware of your injuries) to make a personal injury claim.
Source: Civil Liability Act 2018; Official Injury Claim portal (officialinjuryclaim.org.uk)
Beyond injury and vehicle damage, you can claim for other out-of-pocket losses caused by the accident. These are known as special damages and can include loss of earnings if you had to take time off work, the cost of physiotherapy or other medical treatment, taxi fares or public transport costs while you were without a vehicle, damaged personal belongings (phone, glasses, clothing), and any other reasonable expenses directly caused by the accident.
Keep receipts for everything. Documented evidence makes these claims much easier to process.
If your renewal is coming up after a claim, comparing quotes from multiple insurers is one of the best ways to find a fair price. Different insurers weigh accident history differently, so it is worth shopping around.
Whiplash is the most common road traffic accident injury in the UK. It is defined as a soft tissue injury to the neck, back or shoulder caused by sudden movement, typically from a rear-end collision.
Since May 2021, whiplash compensation has been set by a fixed tariff under the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021. The tariff was updated in May 2025 by the Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025, with amounts increased by approximately 15% to account for inflation. The updated amounts apply to accidents on or after 31 May 2025.
| Duration of injury | Whiplash only | Whiplash with minor psychological injury |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 months | £275 | £300 |
| 3 to 6 months | £565 | £595 |
| 6 to 9 months | £965 | £1,025 |
| 9 to 12 months | £1,510 | £1,595 |
| 12 to 15 months | £2,335 | £2,435 |
| 15 to 18 months | £3,445 | £3,550 |
| 18 to 24 months | £4,830 | £4,975 |
Source: Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (legislation.gov.uk). These figures are for general damages (pain, suffering and loss of amenity) only. Special damages such as lost earnings and medical costs are claimed separately on top.
A court can award up to 20% above these tariff figures in exceptional circumstances. Whiplash injuries lasting more than 24 months are not covered by the tariff and are assessed individually, often resulting in significantly higher compensation.
To make a whiplash claim, you will need a medical report from a MedCo-accredited expert. This report confirms the injury and gives a prognosis (how long the symptoms are expected to last), which determines which tariff band applies. You do not need to see a solicitor first; the OIC portal walks you through the process step by step.
It is worth noting that whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can take 24 to 72 hours to appear after an accident. Neck pain, shoulder stiffness, headaches, blurred vision and numbness are all common delayed symptoms. If you experience any of these, see your GP or contact NHS 111.
Once you have reported an accident, your insurer sets several processes in motion. Understanding what happens behind the scenes can help you know what to expect and when.
Determine liability. Your insurer investigates who was at fault. They review your account of the accident, any photos or dashcam footage, witness statements, police reports and the other driver's version of events. Liability can be clear-cut (such as a rear-end collision where the driver behind is almost always at fault), or it can be disputed. In some cases, liability is split (for example, 50/50 or 70/30) if both drivers share responsibility.
Set a reserve. Your insurer places a financial reserve on the claim. This is an internal estimate of the total expected cost, covering vehicle repair or replacement, any hire car charges, personal injury payouts and legal costs. The reserve helps the insurer manage its overall exposure and plan its finances.
Instruct engineers and repairers. If your vehicle needs repair, your insurer may send an engineer to assess the damage and estimate the cost. They will then authorise repairs at an approved repairer or, if the cost is too high, declare the vehicle a total loss.
Negotiate with the other insurer. If the accident involved another driver, your insurer communicates with the other driver's insurer to agree liability and settle the financial split. This process can take weeks or months depending on how complex or disputed the claim is.
Subrogation. If you were not at fault, your insurer will attempt to recover all costs from the at-fault driver's insurer. This includes your excess, repair costs, hire charges and any other payments made. Successful subrogation means your no claims bonus should be restored and your excess refunded.
Most straightforward claims are resolved within a few weeks to a couple of months. More complex claims involving disputed liability, serious injuries or credit hire disputes can take significantly longer.
Any accident, whether it was your fault or not, can affect your insurance. But the financial impact of a claim will almost always be far smaller than the cost of paying for damage, injuries and replacement vehicles out of your own pocket. Insurance exists for exactly these situations.
At-fault claims. An at-fault claim will typically increase your premium at renewal. Most insurers reduce or remove your no claims discount. If you have no claims bonus protection, it may limit the impact, but it does not prevent premium increases entirely. An at-fault claim usually stays on your record for 3 to 5 years, and you must declare it when asked by insurers.
Non-fault claims. A non-fault claim can also affect your premium, though the impact is usually smaller. Some insurers treat non-fault claims neutrally once liability is confirmed and costs are recovered, but others still factor them into pricing. Your no claims bonus should not be affected by a genuine non-fault claim.
Notification only (no claim made). Even if you report an accident but do not make a claim, some insurers may ask about it at renewal. Being honest is essential, as failing to disclose an accident you were involved in could invalidate a future claim.
The single most effective thing you can do at renewal after any accident is compare quotes. Different insurers weigh claims history differently, so shopping around could save you a significant amount. Comparing quotes 20 to 26 days before your renewal tends to get the best prices.
For a detailed breakdown of how claims affect your premium, no claims bonus and insurance record, read our guide on what happens to your car insurance after an accident.
If the other driver leaves the scene without stopping or without giving their details, this is a hit and run. It is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, carrying a maximum penalty of six months in prison and an unlimited fine.
If this happens to you, try to note down as much as you can: the make, model, colour and registration number of the vehicle, the direction it was heading, and the time and location. Ask any witnesses for their details and check for CCTV cameras nearby.
Report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Then contact your own insurer.
Even if the other driver cannot be traced, you may still be able to get compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). The MIB is funded by UK motor insurers and exists to compensate victims of uninsured and untraceable drivers. It covers personal injury claims and, in some circumstances, vehicle damage.
Source: Motor Insurers' Bureau (mib.org.uk)
The same principles apply to motorcyclists, but there are some important differences to be aware of.
Motorcycle injuries tend to be more serious than those sustained in a car. Department for Transport data shows that motorcyclists accounted for 21% of all road fatalities in 2024 despite making up a much smaller proportion of traffic. Riders are more exposed and more vulnerable to impact injuries, road rash and fractures.
Helmet removal. If a motorcyclist is injured and conscious, do not remove their helmet unless they are having difficulty breathing or are vomiting. Incorrect removal can cause spinal injuries. If the helmet must be removed, two people should do it: one supporting the neck and head while the other carefully lifts the helmet off.
Whiplash reforms and motorcyclists. The fixed whiplash tariff and the OIC portal do not apply to motorcyclists, cyclists or pedestrians. If you are a rider injured in a non-fault accident, your personal injury claim follows the traditional process with full access to solicitor representation and compensation assessed under the Judicial College Guidelines rather than the fixed tariff. This typically results in higher awards than the tariff amounts.
If you ride a motorbike, making sure you have the right level of cover is important. You can compare motorbike insurance quotes to see what is available from a range of UK insurers.
Source: Department for Transport, Road User Risk 2024; Bott and Co, "How Government Reforms Will Affect Personal Injury Claims" (2026)
Van drivers face the same legal obligations as car drivers after an accident, but there are a few additional things to keep in mind.
If you are driving for work, you should notify your employer as well as your insurer. If the van is a company vehicle, your employer's fleet insurer will typically handle the claim. Make sure you know your company's accident reporting process before you need it.
Standard private car insurance does not cover vans used for business purposes. If you use your van for work, you need the right commercial van insurance in place. Driving with the wrong cover could mean your claim is rejected.
Check your load after any collision. Shifted or spilled cargo can create hazards for other road users and may affect how your vehicle handles. If goods have been damaged, document this with photos for any subsequent insurance claim.
Being prepared makes everything easier if the worst happens. Keep the following in your vehicle at all times:
EV drivers: If you are involved in an accident in an electric vehicle, switch off the ignition immediately. If you see smoke, sparks or hear popping sounds from under the vehicle, move at least 50 metres away. Do not attempt to jump-start or move a damaged EV yourself. Tell the emergency services it is an electric vehicle when you call.
It is completely normal to feel anxious, shaken or upset after an accident, even a minor one. Some people experience ongoing anxiety about driving, flashbacks or difficulty sleeping. These reactions are common and usually improve with time, but if they persist, speaking to your GP is a good first step. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be helpful, especially after more serious collisions.
Whether you drive a car, van or motorbike, comparing insurance quotes from multiple providers helps you find the right cover at a fair price. It takes just a few minutes.
Keep this checklist in your glovebox or saved on your phone so you have it to hand if you need it.
At the scene
Exchange details
Gather evidence
After the scene
You may need to pay your excess upfront if you claim through your own insurer, but it should be refunded once the other driver's insurer accepts liability and your insurer recovers the costs through subrogation. If you use an accident management company or the other insurer settles directly, you may not need to pay an excess at all.
You should notify your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. For personal injury claims, you have three years from the date of the accident (or the date you became aware of your injuries) to start a claim. For vehicle damage, there is no fixed legal deadline, but insurers expect prompt reporting and delays can complicate claims.
It can, though the impact is usually smaller than an at-fault claim. Your no claims bonus should not be reduced for a genuine non-fault claim, but some insurers still factor accident involvement into their pricing. Comparing quotes at renewal is the best way to find an insurer that treats non-fault claims fairly.
Straightforward claims with clear liability are often resolved within a few weeks. More complex cases involving disputed fault, serious injuries or credit hire disputes can take several months or longer. Your insurer should keep you updated throughout the process.
Credit hire is a service that provides you with a replacement vehicle after a non-fault accident at no upfront cost. The credit hire company recovers the charges from the at-fault driver's insurer. You should receive a vehicle comparable to your own. You do not pay for the hire directly, but if liability is later disputed, you could potentially be responsible for costs. Make sure you understand the terms before signing a credit hire agreement.
There is no single average because payouts depend entirely on the circumstances. For whiplash injuries lasting up to 3 months, the fixed tariff is £275. For more serious injuries lasting 18 to 24 months, the tariff rises to £4,830. Injuries lasting more than two years, or non-whiplash injuries, are assessed individually and can result in significantly higher compensation. Vehicle damage settlements depend on the car's pre-accident market value.
It depends on the circumstances. There is no automatic rule that the driver who hits the side of another car is at fault. Factors include who had right of way, whether any traffic signals or signs were disobeyed, the speed of both vehicles, and whether either driver failed to look properly. Insurers investigate each case individually, and liability can be split if both drivers share responsibility.
Only if it is safe and roadworthy. A car that moves is not necessarily legal to drive. If any airbag has deployed, a wheel is damaged, fluids are leaking or lights are broken, do not attempt to drive. Your insurer may send an engineer to inspect the vehicle. Driving a car you know to be unroadworthy is an offence and can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per defect.
Most insurers ask about accidents and claims from the last 5 years. The impact on your premium typically fades over time, but you must declare them when asked. Failing to disclose a previous accident is a form of misrepresentation that could invalidate your policy.
The Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal is a free online service for people who have suffered minor injuries in a road traffic accident to claim compensation. It was launched in May 2021 and is run by the Motor Insurers' Bureau on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. It handles personal injury claims valued at under £5,000. You can use it with or without a solicitor. The portal does not apply to motorcyclists, cyclists or pedestrians.
Head to the home page to compare quotes for car, van or motorbike insurance.
Compare QuotesGet the latest guides and motoring tips straight to your inbox.
We use cookies to improve your experience and analyse site usage. Read our cookie policy for details.
EV Zone
