What to do after a car accident in the UK
What To Do After a Car Accident in the UK — A Step-By-Step Guide
Car accidents are stressful, whether it’s a minor bump or a serious collision. Knowing what to do in the moments after an accident can protect your safety, help your insurance claim, and ensure your vehicle is repaired properly by an insurance-approved bodyshop like Custom Paintworx in Derby.
Here’s a simple guide on what to do after a car accident in the UK.
✅ 1. Stop — It’s the Law
No matter how minor the accident may seem, you must stop if you’re involved in a road traffic collision. Failing to stop is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
✅ 2. Check for Injuries
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 999 immediately.
If the accident involves a pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle and someone is injured, you are legally required to report the incident to the police within 24 hours.
✅ 3. Make the Scene Safe
Turn on your hazard lights.
If safe to do so, move vehicles to the side of the road.
If you have a reflective warning triangle, place it approximately 45 metres behind your vehicle (not on motorways).
✅ 4. Exchange Details
By law, you must provide:
Your name and address
Vehicle registration number
Insurance details (if requested)
Also collect details from the other driver:
Name, phone number and address
Insurance provider and policy number
Make, model and colour of vehicle
Tip: Never admit fault at the roadside — let insurers handle that part.
✅ 5. Gather Evidence
The more evidence you have, the easier your claim will be.
Take photos of:
All vehicles involved
Damage close-up and from a distance
Any skid marks, road signs, or hazards
The surrounding area (junctions, traffic signals, weather)
If there are witnesses, ask for the name and contact number.
✅ 6. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Report the accident as soon as possible — even if you don’t plan to make a claim.
You are not obligated to use your insurer’s “approved repairer.”
You have the legal right to choose your own bodyshop.
That’s where we come in…
🚗 Get Your Car Repaired by an Insurance-Approved Bodyshop in Derby
At Custom Paintworx, we are:
✅ Insurance-approved
✅ Specialists in body repairs, paintwork, accident damage, and alloy refurbishment
✅ Local to Derby & Derbyshire
✅ Known for high-quality workmanship and fast turnaround times
Instead of waiting weeks for the insurer’s chosen repair centre, you can choose us and get back on the road faster.
👉 Get your free vehicle repair quote here:
➡️ https://custompaintworx.co.uk/vehicle-bodywork-quote-derby/
Simply upload photos of the damage, and we’ll get back to you quickly.
✅ 7. Keep Records
Hold on to any paperwork such as:
Repair estimates
Invoices
Taxi or alternative transport receipts
Your insurer may reimburse you depending on your cover.
Final Thoughts
A car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do helps protect your safety and makes the claims process smoother. Remember:
Stop and check everyone is safe
Exchange details and gather evidence
Contact your insurance provider
You can choose your own repair bodyshop
If your vehicle needs repairing, Custom Paintworx is here to help — insurance approved, trusted, and local.
👉 Start your quote now:
➡️ https://custompaintworx.co.uk/vehicle-bodywork-quote-derby/