Whether it is a minor scrape in a supermarket car park or a more serious collision on the motorway, being involved in a car accident is always a stressful experience. It’s easy to panic but knowing exactly what steps to take in those crucial first few minutes can keep everyone safe and make the insurance claims process much smoother down the line.
Recently, the BBC shared a helpful video outlining the vital steps to take if you find yourself in this situation. You can watch the full segment on the BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0njmk28
To help you stay prepared, we’ve broken down the essential advice into a quick, easy-to-remember guide. Most importantly: when the unexpected happens, we are here for you. Don’t leave your claim to chance
1. Stop and Secure the Scene
First and foremost: you must stop. Failing to stop at the scene of an accident is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act.
Pull over to a safe place if possible.
Turn off your engine to reduce the risk of fire.
Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
2. Check for Injuries and Call 999
Take a deep breath and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Once you are safe, check on the other people involved.
You should call the emergency services on 999 immediately if:
Anyone is injured.
The collision is causing a danger to other road users or blocking the road.
You suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if they leave the scene without sharing their details.
3. Exchange Details
You are legally required to exchange details with anyone else involved in the crash. Try to stay calm and avoid getting into an argument about whose fault it was.
Ensure you collect:
Names and addresses of all drivers involved.
Vehicle registration numbers.
The other driver’s insurance details.
Make and model of the other vehicles.
4. Gather Your Evidence
The more evidence you can gather at the scene, the easier it will be for your insurer to process your claim.
Take photos: Photograph the damage to all vehicles involved, the position of the cars on the road, and any relevant weather conditions.
Witnesses: If anyone saw the accident, politely ask for their name and contact number.
Dashcam: If you have a dashcam, make sure you save the footage as soon as it is safe to do so.
5. STOP: Call One Call Claims
One Call Claims is an Accident Management Company and an alternative route to making a claim through your insurer. Their friendly agents will talk to you through all the steps on what to do next.
From vehicle recovery to final settlement, they can handle the entire process for you to help keep it simple.
Call their dedicated claims line when it is safe to do so on 0203 738 7340
Manage Your Claim Online
For a seamless, self-service experience, you can also report and manage your claim directly through our official channels. This allows you to track progress, upload your evidence, and stay informed 24/7.
Log into the One Call Claims Portal:
Download the One Call Insurance App: Have all your policy details and claims reporting tools right in your pocket.
