A collision leaves most people shaken — and unsure what they're supposed to do first. This guide walks you through the scene, the paperwork and the 48 hours afterwards, in plain English. If another driver caused the accident, you can report it to us online in about 3 minutes or call 020 7052 5403 any time, day or night.
At the Scene: The First Five Minutes
1. Stop — it's the law
You must stop if the accident causes injury or damage to another vehicle, person, animal or property. Driving away is a criminal offence. Pull in somewhere safe, switch on your hazard lights, and stay calm.
2. Check for injuries
Call 999 immediately if anyone is hurt, if a road is blocked, or if the collision involved a driver who has left the scene. Otherwise, call 101 for non-emergency police attendance.
3. Make the area safe
If it's safe to do so, move vehicles to the side of the road. Don't stand between vehicles or in live traffic while inspecting damage.
What to Collect Before You Leave
Details you gather now save days of delay later. Take a moment and collect:
- The other driver's details — name, address, phone number and registration number. By law, all drivers must exchange these.
- Insurance details — the other driver's insurer and policy number if they have them handy.
- Vehicle details — make, model, colour and any dashcam footage of the collision.
- Photographs — wide shots of the whole scene, plus close-ups of every area of damage, both number plates, and the road layout, markings and signs.
- Witnesses — names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened, however briefly.
- Weather and light conditions — wet road, low sun, darkness — and the exact time and location.
If the other driver refuses to exchange details, or you feel threatened, call the police before you leave the scene.
Should You Involve the Police?
Call the police if:
- Anyone is injured
- The other driver refuses to give details, or appears uninsured or intoxicated
- The accident is blocking a busy road
- The other driver leaves without stopping
If you do involve the police, note the incident or CAD reference number — insurers and claims handlers will ask for it.
The 48 Hours After the Accident
Tell your own insurer — even for a non-fault accident
Most policies require you to report any accident promptly, even when you weren't at fault and don't intend to claim on your own policy. Telling your insurer is not the same as claiming. Make clear you are reporting an incident only, caused by a third party.
Don't accept an insurer courtesy car before checking your rights
If the accident wasn't your fault, you are legally entitled to a like-for-like replacement vehicle, with the cost recovered from the at-fault driver's insurer. Insurer courtesy cars are usually small hatchbacks, subject to bodyshop availability, and withdrawn if your car is written off. For a fuller comparison, read our guide on credit hire vs a courtesy car.
Get your replacement vehicle arranged
Report your accident to Courtesy Cars UK via our online form or on 020 7052 5403. We'll verify your non-fault position, then deliver a like-for-like replacement — including TfL-plated PCO vehicles for private hire drivers — anywhere in Greater London within 2 hours. You pay £0 upfront; valid hire costs are recovered from the at-fault insurer.
Track everything in one place
Once your claim reference is issued (it looks like CCUK-2026-XXXXX), you can follow repairs, hire, recovery and settlement live in the claim tracking portal using your reference, last name and postcode.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Admitting fault or apologising at the scene. Even a reflexive "sorry" can be used against you. Exchange facts, not opinions.
- Not photographing the other vehicle. Reg plates get misheard; photos don't.
- Waiting days to report the accident. Details fade, dashcams overwrite, and witnesses become unreachable.
- Accepting the first courtesy car offered without checking whether it actually matches your needs — especially if you drive for work.
- Signing documents you don't understand. If you're unsure, call us first on 020 7052 5403.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report a minor accident where nobody was hurt?
Yes — you must stop and exchange details whenever damage or injury occurs. If details are exchanged, police attendance isn't required, but you should still tell your own insurer promptly.
The other driver admitted fault at the scene. Does that settle it?
Not on its own. Insurers make their own liability decisions, which is why photographs, witness details and dashcam footage matter so much.
Should I claim through my own insurer for a non-fault accident?
You can, but you may lose your excess and lose any no-claim discount while the claim is settled. A non-fault claim through a credit hire company avoids both, because costs are recovered from the at-fault insurer.
How quickly do I need to arrange a replacement vehicle?
As soon as you know your car is unroadworthy or in for repairs. PCO and business drivers should arrange cover immediately — every day off the road is lost income (see our guide on claiming loss of earnings).
Need a Replacement Vehicle Now?
Courtesy Cars UK delivers like-for-like replacement vehicles across Greater London within 2 hours — £0 upfront, with live claim tracking and a dedicated handler. Report your accident online in about 3 minutes, or call 020 7052 5403.