What to do after a car accident

27/10/2022

Two damaged vehicles after a front-end collision, illustrating the aftermath of a car accident

Last Updated: 30 Sept 2025
Read time: 4 minutes

Written by: Deirbhile Coyle
Insurance Writer

Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines

What to do in the event of a car accident

Had an accident and not sure what to do now? Mistakes happen, and unfortunately, so do car accidents. This article will lay out the best way to proceed after you’ve been involved in a car accident and how you can deal with your insurance. Here is a short list of things you’ll need to do at the accident.

Find a safe place to pull over if possible, put on your hazards and switch off the engine and take the keys from the ignition
If anyone involved requires medical aid call 999
If the road is blocked call 999
If you think the other driver is under the influence of drugs, alcohol or they are uninsured or deliberately driving recklessly call 999
Remain calm and do not be aggressive
Get photos of the incident and the registrations of the cars involved
Exchange details with the other party such as ID, insurance details and contact details
Make note of any injuries to protect against false claims later
Do not admit liability until you have spoken with your insurance
Notify police within 24 hour if only a minor incident

It can be a scary experience being involved in a crash but the important thing to do is remain calm. Don’t violently swerve your car unless you absolutely have to and always leave a decent following distance between you and other cars. Once the accident has happened remain calm and run through the previously mentioned points. You could be in shock after the accident so don’t rush into making any statements or admitting liability until you are absolutely sure.

What to do after a car accident

Notify your insurance over what has happened and inform the police within 24 hours on 101 if only a minor accident. Regardless of who you believe is at fault, give all the details of the event as clearly as possible to your insurance. Include photos of the accident, the details of the parties involved and any police reports or related evidence. It is always best to be as honest as possible as this will help the process run more smoothly. If you are going to make a claim with your insurance then you will first need to pay the agreed excess stipulated in your policy for your insurer to start processing your claim. If the insurance companies of both sides decide between each other that you are not at fault and the other party’s insurer will cover the damages, you can request to have your excess returned by your insurer.

What insurance details should you give in an accident?

You should always provide the basics such as your name, ID, contact details, address, insurance provider and photos of your registration and the damage. You don’t have to go more in-depth than that. If you think you’ve been the victim of a staged accident or fraudulent claim, call the police to report your suspicions and also notify your insurer.

What happens to your car insurance after an accident?

Unfortunately, your premiums are likely to rise regardless of whether or not you were at fault. You can always look at if your insurer has accident forgiveness worked into your policy for your first mishap. You can also look into black box or telematic insurance as a way of helping keep your premiums down once your risk profile increases. If you have third party and are at fault, you will be covered for any damage you cause to another person’s car. If you have comprehensive you will be covered for both yourself and the other vehicle.

How much does car insurance go up after an accident?

This really depends on your provider and your driving history, the factors that will be taken into consideration by your insurance for your premiums are usually universal but not everyone’s circumstances are the same. Typically making a claim or being involved in an accident will raise your premiums by at least 20% but this can again vary.

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This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.