{"id":9696,"date":"2025-09-19T13:23:06","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T12:23:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=9696"},"modified":"2026-08-04T11:21:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T10:21:04","slug":"what-to-do-after-a-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do After a Car Accident: Your Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nobody plans for a car accident. You\u2019re just driving, and then suddenly you\u2019re not. Everything after that is a blur, and the mistakes people make in that blur end up costing them. A rushed settlement, a botched insurance claim, or losing out on compensation for a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/sell-my-damaged-car\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">damaged car<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide covers every stage, from the seconds after impact to sorting repairs, claims and compensation. Follow it to stay safe and protected on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quick Checklist: What to Do After a Car Accident in the UK<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always stop after an accident. It&#8217;s a mandatory requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secure the scene. Hazards on, engine off. No triangles on motorways.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call 999 for injuries or danger. Call 101 for minor incidents.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gather evidence. Photos, dashcam footage and driver details protect your position.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See a doctor, even if you feel fine. Insurers need medical proof.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Report to the police within 24 hours if details were not exchanged.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your insurer as a notification-only call, even without a claim.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a non-fault case, the other insurer covers your losses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are entitled to a like-for-like replacement car through credit hire.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whiplash claims under \u00a35,000 go through the OIC portal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 1: Immediate Obligations at the Scene<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your body dumps adrenaline the instant metal hits metal. Here is what to do next:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop the Vehicle Immediately<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how small the collision looks, stop the car immediately. The<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Road Traffic Act 1988<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> makes driving off a criminal offence, a &#8220;fail to stop&#8221; charge that can land you points, a fine or prison time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find a safe spot and pull over. Hazards on. Step out of the car; let the adrenaline settle for a second. You&#8217;ll handle the next ten minutes far better with a clear head.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check for Injuries<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After stopping in a safe position, check for injuries. Check yourself first, then your passengers, then anyone else at the scene. Talk to them. Are they conscious, responsive, in pain?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adrenaline masks injuries. Something that feels like a stiff neck at the roadside could be far worse an hour later. Keep checking on everyone, yourself included.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secure the Scene<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engine off. Hazards on. Other drivers need to see you before they reach you. Smoke? Get everyone well clear of the vehicle immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drop warning triangles behind the car, unless you&#8217;re on a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/what-to-do-if-you-break-down-on-the-motorway\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">motorway<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. After dark, you&#8217;re basically invisible at the roadside. Grab a reflective jacket or use your phone torch so approaching traffic can actually spot you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call the Right Number (999 vs. 101)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most shunts don&#8217;t need 999. But some absolutely do. Ring 999 if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone is injured.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The road is blocked.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is suspicion of drink or drug driving.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For anything less serious, 101 is the right number. A minor collision with no injuries and no road blockage falls into this category.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 2: Gathering Evidence After a Car Accident<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a victim of a car accident, evidence is your ballast against a false claim. Gathering it properly helps prove you were not at fault.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Not to Say After an Accident<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the other driver is alright, but whatever you do, don&#8217;t say &#8220;sorry.&#8221; Even a polite apology can be twisted into an admission of fault. Leave the question of blame to the insurers; they work from facts, not manners.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Details You Must Exchange by Law<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under UK law, drivers involved in an accident must exchange certain details. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full name and address.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicle registration number (photograph the plate).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The vehicle owner&#8217;s name and address if the vehicle is not yours.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/types-of-car-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Car insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> details, including policy number and insurer name.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evidence to Collect at the Scene<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A smartphone is enough to gather strong evidence. Collect the following before any vehicle moves:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close-up photos of the impact damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wide shots of the road layout, markings and car positions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photos of skid marks, broken glass or weather conditions such as sun glare or wet roads that left you on the marbles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dashcam footage. Save it now, before the loop overwrites it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there are eyewitnesses, ask for their names and contact details on the spot, because witness statements can be valuable proof during an insurance claim.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 3: The Medical Check, Even If You Feel Fine\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling fine after a crash does not mean you are uninjured. Adrenaline acts as a powerful natural painkiller. It numbs pain in the minutes and hours after impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People walk away from collisions all the time thinking they&#8217;re fine, only for the wallop to hit the next morning. Common delayed injuries include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whiplash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soft tissue damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concussion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeing a doctor matters for two reasons. First, your health. Second, the insurance process. Without a visit to a GP, walk-in centre or A&amp;E, there is no official record of the injury. The other driver&#8217;s insurer could argue you were not genuinely hurt. A medical record removes that argument entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 4: Reporting the Car Accident<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the immediate actions are done, two important phone calls remain. One to the police. One to your insurer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reporting to the Police Within 24 Hours<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reporting to the police is required in certain situations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You and the other driver didn&#8217;t manage to swap details at the scene.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other driver scarpered before you got anything (a hit-and-run).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You believe a crime took place, drink-driving being the obvious one.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Failing to report within 24 hours has consequences. The police can refuse to investigate, or your insurer may also refuse to pay out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why the Insurer Must Be Told, Even Without a Claim<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a common myth that staying quiet protects your premium. In reality, most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/car-insurance-for-new-drivers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UK car insurance policies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include a clause requiring you to report any incident. Failing to do so can lead to policy cancellation for &#8220;non-disclosure&#8221;.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When calling the insurer, make two things clear: the report is for information only, and the accident was non-fault. This protects your position without triggering a claim.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Car Damaged Beyond Repair? Sell it as it is\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              If your car is severely damaged by accident, Exchange My Car can help. Compare instant offers, book free collection, and get paid fast. It\u2019s quick, simple, and all online.\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">Sell your car<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 5: Arranging Recovery or Repairs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the immediate aftermath sorted, the car itself needs attention. Got roadside assistance on your policy? Your<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/what-is-breakdown-cover\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breakdown<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider or insurer can sort recovery from there. If the car still drives, take it straight to a garage you trust, or one your insurer recommends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the damage is too severe, the insurer will<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/what-is-a-cat-a-cat-b-cat-s-or-cat-n-write-off-car\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">write the car off<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and usually a settlement offer will follow. The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/vehicle-insurance\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DVLA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> must then be notified of the write-off.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 6: Rights as a Non-Fault Victim<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the accident wasn&#8217;t your fault, your legal rights stretch well beyond what standard car insurance covers. The goal of the law is simple: put you back where you were before the crash, financially and physically.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who Pays for What in a Non-Fault Accident?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a non-fault accident, the other driver&#8217;s insurer is responsible for your losses. You should not be left out of pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Your excess:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You may need to pay this upfront to your own insurer to start repairs. It can then be claimed back from the other side.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Your no claims discount (NCD):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most insurers will step back your NCD initially. Once the other insurer admits liability, your NCD should be reinstated to its previous level.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courtesy Car vs Credit Hire: What You Are Entitled To<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a detail insurers rarely explain clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Standard courtesy car:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Go through your own policy, and you&#8217;ll probably end up in a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/ford-fiesta-vs-vauxhall-corsa\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Doesn&#8217;t matter if what you actually drive is far more Clarkson-spec. It simply keeps you mobile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Credit hire (for non-fault victims):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As a non-fault victim, you may be entitled to a like-for-like replacement vehicle. A specialist credit hire company provides a car that matches yours. Drive an SUV, and you get an SUV. The credit hire company recovers the cost directly from the at-fault driver&#8217;s insurer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 7: Understanding Injury Claims<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injured in the accident? Compensation claims follow a set process, and knowing how it works puts you ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Whiplash Portal (Official Injury Claim)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For most minor road accident injuries, the process is tightly regulated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The \u00a35,000 limit:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Any whiplash injury valued under \u00a35,000 has to go through the government&#8217;s<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.officialinjuryclaim.org.uk\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can use it without a solicitor; that&#8217;s the idea, but many people still get legal help to avoid selling themselves short.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The May 2025 Tariff Change<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compensation payouts for whiplash increased from 31 May 2025, with the government introducing a punchy 15% rise to the fixed tariffs to account for inflation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In practical terms, a six-month whiplash injury now receives a higher fixed payout than before. However, this fixed tariff only applies to whiplash. Non-tariff injuries, such as a broken finger, severe anxiety or tinnitus, are valued separately. These are often worth considerably more.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who is Exempt from the Portal?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vulnerable road users are exempt from the portal. This includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pedestrians<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cyclists<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motorcyclists<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Horse riders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passengers under 18<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For these groups, the fixed tariff rules do not apply. Compensation is calculated based on the severity of pain and suffering instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing what to do is only half of it. What you avoid doing matters just as much, particularly in the hours and days after the crash.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the crumple zones people hit most often:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Accepting a cash settlement at the roadside.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It looks like a quick fix at the time, but roadside cash offers almost always lowball the actual damage. Walk away without a proper assessment, and you&#8217;ve got no paper trail and no recourse when hidden costs show up later.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Posting about the accident on social media.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A photo, an offhand comment, even a vague status update. All of it can be used against you. Insurers and solicitors could check social media profiles during claims, and one post could undercut your entire position.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Giving a recorded statement to the other driver&#8217;s insurer without advice.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The other insurer may contact you directly. Talk to a solicitor before going on record with the other side&#8217;s insurer. One wrong sentence can shift where the blame lands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Losing track of out-of-pocket receipts.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Travel expenses, medication, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/hiring-a-car-abroad\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vehicle hire<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and any other costs linked to the accident should be documented. Without receipts, claiming these back becomes far more difficult.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Accepting the first settlement offer without questioning it.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Insurers often make an early offer to close the case quickly. That first figure rarely reflects the full cost of repairs, hire charges and any personal injury. Take time to review it before agreeing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion: What to Do After a Car Accident<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A car accident is stressful enough without a fight over what you&#8217;re rightfully owed on top of it. The steps above cover the essentials.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/euro-ncap-ratings\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying safe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, locking down evidence and protecting your position from day one is usually the best way to approach any car accident.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One key point to remember: do not face the insurer alone in a non-fault claim. Insurers often try to settle quickly and cheaply. However, you are entitled to proper repairs and a like-for-like replacement vehicle while yours is off the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What should you do after a minor car accident in the UK?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The steps are the same whether it&#8217;s a prang or a pile-up:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop immediately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exchange names, addresses and registration numbers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/what-pictures-to-take-when-selling-a-car\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take photos<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the damage and road position before moving the cars.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not apologise, as it can be read as admitting fault.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Report the incident to your insurer within 24 hours, even without a claim.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there a time limit to report a car accident to insurance?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. You&#8217;ve usually got between 24 and 48 hours to tell your insurer, though the exact window sits in your policy wording. Leave it too late, and your claim could be thrown out. Some insurers go further and cancel the whole policy for non-disclosure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you have to report a minor car accident to the police?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, but only in specific situations. If the details are exchanged and nobody\u2019s hurt, you can pass over the police report. However, you must report the incident within 24 hours if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You weren\u2019t able to get the driver\u2019s details<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somebody got injured<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In case of hit-and-run<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does car insurance work if the accident is not your fault?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other driver&#8217;s insurer is generally responsible for your losses. This covers repairs and your excess, which you claim back. Your no claims discount should be reinstated once liability is admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens if the other driver does not have insurance?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gather evidence and report it to the police. Then take the claim to your own insurer or the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mib.org.uk\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motor Insurers&#8217; Bureau (MIB)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The MIB exists specifically to handle claims involving uninsured and untraceable drivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you claim for whiplash after a minor crash?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whiplash commonly occurs in smaller collisions. Under the current rules, claims valued under \u00a35,000 must go through the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens if you do not stop after an accident?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving off is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, even for a minor scratch. Penalties include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 to 10 penalty points on your licence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A fine of up to \u00a35,000.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to six months in prison for serious cases.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nobody plans for a car accident. You\u2019re just driving, and then suddenly you\u2019re not. Everything after that is a blur, and the mistakes people make in that blur end up costing them. A rushed settlement, a botched insurance claim, or losing out on compensation for a damaged car. This guide covers every stage, from the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":9699,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[1635,1637,1639,1638,1634,1636],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9696"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9696"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9696\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12385,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9696\/revisions\/12385"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9696"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9696"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}