Being in a car accident is stressful, even when it’s minor. Knowing exactly what to do in the first few minutes can make the difference between a smooth claim and a drawn-out headache. Here’s a clear, step-by-step checklist to follow whether it’s a minor bump on the North Circular or a more serious collision.
Quick Checklist: What To Do After A Car Accident
- Stop the car and stay calm. It’s a legal requirement to stop if you’re involved in a collision, even a minor one.
- Check for injuries — yours and anyone else involved. Call 999 immediately if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety if possible, especially on busier roads.
- Turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Exchange details with the other driver name, phone number, address, insurance provider, and vehicle registration.
- Take photos of both vehicles, the damage, the road position, and any relevant signage or skid marks.
- Get witness details if anyone saw what happened.
- Report to the police if required (see below).
- Contact your insurer — or your chosen repairer to start the claims process.
- Book a damage assessment before agreeing to any repair.
1. Stop And Stay Calm
Even for a minor bump, you’re legally required to stop. Take a moment before doing anything else check yourself and your passengers are okay, and try to stay calm. Adrenaline makes everything feel more urgent than it usually needs to be.
2. Check For Injuries And Call 999 If Needed
If anyone is injured even if it seems minor call 999. It’s always better to be checked over than to assume you’re fine and find out later you weren’t.
3. Move To Safety (If You Can)
If the vehicles are causing an obstruction and can be safely moved, move them to the side of the road. If not, keep hazard lights on and stay visible.
4. Exchange Details With The Other Driver
You’ll need:
- Full name and address
- Phone number
- Insurance provider and policy number
- Vehicle registration number
Avoid discussing who was at fault at the scene that’s for insurers (or the police, if involved) to determine.
5. Take Photos Of Everything
Photos are one of the most useful things you can do for your claim. Capture:
- Both vehicles from multiple angles
- Close-ups of the damage
- The position of the vehicles on the road
- Any relevant road signs, traffic lights, or skid marks
6. Do You Need To Report It To The Police?
In the UK, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours if:
- Someone is injured
- You didn’t exchange details with the other driver at the scene
- You suspect the other driver was uninsured, or under the influence
For minor bumps where details were exchanged and no one was hurt, police reporting usually isn’t required — but always inform your insurer regardless.
7. Contact Your Insurer (Or Your Repairer)
Once you’re safe, contact your insurer to start the claims process. If you’d rather choose your own repairer instead of your insurer’s recommended garage, you’re generally entitled to do that we’ve written a full guide on your rights here.
8. Get A Proper Damage Assessment Before Agreeing To Anything
Don’t assume the damage is only what’s visible. A proper inspection checks for hidden structural or mechanical damage that a quick glance won’t catch — this matters both for your safety and for making sure your claim covers everything that’s actually wrong with the car.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve followed these steps, the next question is usually: how long is this actually going to take to fix? We’ve written a full breakdown of realistic accident repair timelines here: How Long Does Car Accident Repair Take?
Need Help Right Now?
If you’ve just been in an accident in Wembley, our team can assess the damage, handle your insurance claim, and give you a clear timeline with no pressure and no obligation.
📞 Call us: +44 7301 221976
💬 WhatsApp us: Message us directly
📧 Email: info@ascoachworks.uk
📍 Find us: Unit 2, 90 Water Rd, Queensbury Rd, London HA0 1QG
