What to do after a car accident
Having an accident isn’t pleasant. One moment you’re getting on with life, the next, there’s chaos, anger to upset. Thankfully, each generation of vehicles are increasingly safer so usually, it’s just about sorting financial losses and getting yourself back on the road.
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a collision you will be in a state of shock so it is important to know what to do so you can deal with the situation as calmly as possible.
This article relays exactly what to do after a car accident, including details on claiming car accident insurance.
First things first
In the case of a car accident, despite how minor, you must follow these steps:
Engine off, hazard warning lights on. If it is a minor impact, consider whether it is safe to move your car to the side or off the road
Move everyone to safety where possible
Breathe and take a moment to gather your thoughts
For accidents on the motorway
If you’re on a motorway, try to get on the hard shoulder and exit the car, ideally, on the verge side. On smart motorways with no hard shoulder, aim to drive to a refuge lay-by (positioned every 1.5 miles).
If your vehicle isn’t drivable and you are in the left lane, you may be able to get out of the passenger side and over the barrier. Ensure you leave your hazard warning lights on before you climb out. Phone for help when you’re safe.
If your vehicle is disabled in a live traffic lane on anymotorway or fast road and you cannot exit safely, stay in the vehicle with your hazard lights on and seatbelt fastened. Call the police (999) immediately for urgent assistance.
Who should I call after an accident?
If anyone is injured, call an ambulance.
Call the police if:
Any vehicles are blocking the road
Another other driver has fled the scene without giving details (or you are not sure they’re correct)
You suspect another driver has been drinking or taking drugs
You believe the accident may have been caused deliberately
While the police may move your vehicle out of danger, you may need recovery services such as the AA or RAC.
If the vehicle is leased, the leasing company should be your first point of contact.
Should I call insurance after a small accident?
The short answer is yes, you should always call your insurance company about an accident. Even if all parties are in agreement that they do not wish to claim, it is important that the details are recorded.
Failing to report a car accident could lead to implications to claims in the future.
If the car isn’t leased, you can choose not to use your insurance company and pay for the repairs yourself. You may opt to do this if the fix is cheaper than your excess or if you don’t have a protected no-claims discount.
You are still obliged to inform your insurer and if someone else is involved and their insurance company may contact yours anyway.
What insurance details do you need in an accident?
Personal details:
Provide your name and address to the other drivers involved
Request their names and addresses
Swap insurance details (company and policy number) with the other drivers
Note all the people in the vehicles involved and seek contact details for any other witnesses
Note any injuries to anyone involved
Scene details:
Note the date and time the accident happened
Make a note of the weather and the state of the road (wet, dry, icy, etc.)
Make a note of all the other vehicles involved (make, model, colour, registration numbers)
Make a note of damage sustained to the other vehicles (note exact panels and which side)
If safe, take photographs of the vehicles and road layout on your smartphone
What not to do in a car accident situation
Never admit liability.
An accident is usually somebody’s fault, certainly in the eyes of insurance companies, but, admitting it was your fault can affect how the claim is dealt with.
With this in mind, it is crucial that even if you like the other driver is to blame, never start an argument straight after an accident.
Though keeping calm in these situations may be difficult, focus on remaining cool and collected as anger and bad temperament towards the other party could also jeopardise your claim.
If you had an accident where you were the only person involved (such as hitting private property or a parked vehicle) you must not leave the scene without contacting the owner or leaving a prominent note with your details.
Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
And now for the paperwork
If your vehicle is leased, you should contact your leasing company. If you have insured it separately, you will need to contact your insurance company too. This should be done as soon as possible, certainly within 24 hours of the accident. They will ask you for the information you gathered at the scene, including other drivers’ details and witnesses.
What should Car Leasing customers do?
If you lease with insurance, contact our 24 hours Driver Support Contact Centre on 0370 600 4499 and select ‘report an accident'.
Our Accident Management partner will then record the relevant details and either get your vehicle recovered if it’s immobile or allocate a repairer.
If you use your own insurer, contact them and inform Car Leasing the next working day. If your car is deemed a write off then there is no need to contact us, however, we are more than happy to help with any advice or reassurance.
If you have any questions regarding our insurance policy and procedures, why not check out our blog for more on insurance such as eligibility and maintenance cover.