Emergency guide

What to Do After a Car Accident

Step-by-step guide to protect yourself, document the scene, and then get your vehicle sorted.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. If anyone is hurt, call 999.

Emergency

In immediate danger?

If anyone is hurt, call 999.

The procedure

The 6 essential steps

Check Safety & Call Emergency

If anyone is hurt, call 999. Move vehicles to safety if possible. Turn on hazard lights.

Switch off engines

If anyone is hurt, call 999

Move to safety away from traffic

Turn on hazard lights

Do NOT move vehicles unless safe

Call the Police

If anyone is hurt, call 999. Also call 999 if the road is dangerous or a driver leaves without stopping. If you could not exchange details at the scene, you must report the accident to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours (101 or online).

Note any police reference number

Provide accurate location details

Note the attending officer's name

Keep the reference number safe

Document Everything

Take detailed photos and videos of damage, accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and weather. This evidence can be important later.

Photograph all vehicle damage from multiple angles

Take wide shots of the accident scene

Record road conditions and traffic signals

Get video of witness statements if possible

Note the date, time, and location

Gather Details

Collect contact information from the other driver, witnesses, and any relevant parties. Document their insurance details.

Get other driver's name, address, phone

Record their vehicle registration plate

Note their insurance company and policy number

Get witness names, addresses, and numbers

Ask for third-party vehicle details if hit

Contact Your Insurer

Your insurer can tell you what you need to report and when. Stick to the facts and exchange details. Your insurer can tell you what to say.

Provide factual information only

Get a reference number from your insurer

Keep all documentation they request

Contact Easy Car Claims

Call our 24/7 line. We can arrange recovery, a replacement vehicle and repairs.

Call 0208 090 8872 anytime

Replacement vehicle usually within 24 hours

A dedicated handler for your case

Updates by phone and email

Avoid these

Important don'ts

Stick to the Facts

Stick to the facts and exchange details. Your insurer can tell you what to say.

Don't Rush Into Cash Deals

A private cash payment at the roadside may not cover the full cost of the damage

Don't Ignore Deadlines

Ask your insurer what you need to report and by when

Don't Delete Photos/Videos

Keep all evidence secure and cloud-backed up

Check Before Repairs Start

Check with your insurer before repairs start.

Accident Scene Checklist

Check everyone is safe. Call 999 if needed.Move to safety. Turn on hazard lights.Call 999 in an emergency. Report to police within 24 hours if details weren't exchanged.Take detailed photos/videos from all angles.Get other driver's details and registration.Get witness names, addresses, and phone numbers.Contact your insurer.Contact Easy Car Claims: 0208 090 8872

24/7 line

Need help right now?

Our phone line is open 24/7. Call us when it is safe to do so. We can help with recovery, a replacement vehicle and repairs.

Call Now: 0208 090 8872