What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

Car accidents are stressful. Having a clear checklist in your head (or saved on your phone) can help you act calmly and protect your rights.

At the scene

• •Check for injuries — call 000 if anyone is hurt
• •Move vehicles off the road if it's safe to do so
• •Do NOT admit fault, even if you think you're at fault — let the insurers determine liability
• •Exchange: full name, address, phone number, licence number, registration, and insurer details
• •Take photos: all vehicles, number plates, road conditions, traffic signs, your own vehicle damage
• •Get witness contact details if anyone stopped

After the scene

• •Notify your insurer within 24–72 hours (check your policy — some require immediate notification)
• •Lodge a police report if: anyone was injured, the other driver left the scene, or there's significant property damage and you can't exchange details
• •Keep all receipts for towing, rental cars, or emergency repairs

When to make a claim

For minor damage where the other driver is clearly at fault and cooperative, you may be able to arrange a private settlement without involving insurers. This preserves your NCB.

For everything else — involve your insurer. That's what you pay them for.