What to do after a minor car accident

Stay calm and make the scene safe

A minor car accident is still a shock, even if no one is hurt. Your first job is to breathe, then think about safety. If you can, move your car to a safe place off the road — a side street, a lay-by or a car park. In London, that might mean pulling into a bus stop (but not blocking it) or a quiet residential road. Turn on your hazard warning lights. If it is dark or visibility is poor, keep your sidelights on. Do not stand between the cars or in a live lane. If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately. If there is no injury but the road is blocked, call 101 for non-emergency police advice. Never assume the other driver will do the right thing. Take charge of your own safety first.

If your car cannot be moved, or you are on a motorway or a red route, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and call for help. Do not attempt to direct traffic. London traffic moves quickly, and a minor prang can become a serious incident if you step into the road without looking. Once you are safe, check on the other people involved. Be polite but do not apologise or admit fault — that can affect insurance claims later.

Exchange details correctly and legally

UK law requires you to exchange certain details after an accident that causes damage or injury. You must give your name, address, and the registration number of your vehicle. You should also provide your insurance details. If you do not exchange details at the scene, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours. In London, you can do this at a local police station or by calling 101. Ask the other driver for the same information. Write it down or photograph their insurance certificate if they have it.

• Your full name and address
• Your vehicle registration number
• Your insurance company and policy number
• The other driver's same details
• The make, model and colour of both cars

Do not rely on memory. If the other driver is aggressive or refuses to cooperate, do not argue. Note their number plate and car make, then step away and call the police. If they drive off without stopping, that is a hit-and-run. Report it to the police immediately. Try to remember their vehicle colour, model, and any distinctive marks. A dashcam can be invaluable here — many London drivers have one, and footage can settle disputes quickly.

Document everything with photographs and notes

Photographs are your best evidence. Use your phone to take wide shots showing the position of both cars, the road layout, and any street signs or road markings. Then take close-ups of the damage on each vehicle, including number plates. Capture the weather and lighting conditions. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers — but only if it is safe to do so. Do not post anything on social media. That can be used against you later.

Write down the time, date, and exact location. In London, note the nearest junction, bus stop, or landmark. If a bus or taxi is involved, record the company name and vehicle number. If a cyclist or pedestrian is involved, exchange details in the same way. Keep a small notebook and pen in your glovebox — it is old-fashioned but reliable. Also save your insurer's emergency phone number in your phone. After the incident, take a few minutes to write a clear account of what happened while it is fresh.

Report the incident to your insurer promptly

Even if you do not plan to make a claim, you must tell your insurer about the accident. Most policies require you to report it within 24 hours. If you delay, they may refuse to cover you later. Call your insurer from the scene if it is safe, or as soon as you get home. Give them the other driver's details, your photographs, and your notes. Do not admit fault to anyone — let the insurers work it out. If the other driver's insurer contacts you directly, refer them to your own insurer.

Your premium may rise even if the accident was not your fault, especially in London where insurance costs are already high. But not reporting is far worse. You could lose your no-claims bonus and face a large bill if the other party makes a claim against you. If you have legal expenses cover, check whether it includes help with recovery of your excess. Be honest and thorough. A minor accident handled correctly will not ruin your driving record.

What to do if the other driver is uninsured or leaves the scene

If the other driver has no insurance, or you cannot exchange details because they drive off, report it to the police within 24 hours. You will need a crime reference number for your insurer. There is an official scheme that can compensate victims of uninsured or hit-and-run drivers, but you must report the incident to the police first. Do not try to negotiate with an uninsured driver on the spot. You cannot trust them to pay for repairs, and you may put yourself at risk.

In London, uninsured drivers are a real problem, especially in outer boroughs. If you have dashcam footage, save it immediately. Do not delete it. If the police ask for it, provide a copy. Also tell your insurer that the other driver failed to stop. They will guide you through the claims process. Keep a record of the crime reference number and any police officer's name. This makes the process smoother.

Looking after your car and insurance in London afterwards

Once the dust settles, get your car checked by a trusted garage. Even a light bump can damage parking sensors, radar units, or the air conditioning condenser. In London, stop-start traffic and tight parking mean minor damage is common. Use a garage recommended by your insurer, or ask friends for a local recommendation. Keep all receipts and photographs of the repair. If you plan to sell your car later, a documented repair is better than an unexplained mark.

Finally, review your insurance policy. After a minor accident, your premium may change at renewal. Shop around, but be honest about the incident. Consider adding dashcam cover or legal expenses if you do not have them. And remember: maintenance prevents accidents. Check your tyres, brakes, and lights regularly, especially before winter. A well-maintained car is safer and cheaper to insure. Drive carefully, and if you do have a bump, follow these steps. You will get through it.