What Should I Do After a Non-Fault Accident?
After a non-fault accident, the most important things to do are: check for injuries, exchange details, gather evidence at the scene, report the accident to your insurer, and get advice before agreeing to anything with the other driver's insurer.
The moments after a crash are stressful, and it's easy to forget something important or say the wrong thing under pressure. This guide walks through what to do — and what to avoid — in the order it typically matters.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Make the Scene Safe
Before anything else, check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call 999 if anyone needs medical attention. If it's safe to do so, move vehicles out of the flow of traffic and switch on hazard lights. Never leave the scene without exchanging details, even for a minor bump — doing so can be a criminal offence.
Step 2: Exchange Details With the Other Driver
You'll need the other driver's:
Full name and address
Vehicle registration number
Insurance provider and policy number (if they have it to hand)
Contact number
Give the same information in return. If the other driver refuses to share details, or leaves the scene, note down as much as you can — registration, vehicle make and colour, direction of travel — and report it to the police as soon as possible. This becomes relevant if you later need to claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau; see our guide on what happens if the other driver isn't insured.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
Where it's safe to do so:
Take photos of both vehicles, the damage, the road layout, and any relevant road signs or markings.
Note the time, date, and weather conditions.
Get witness details — a name and phone number is enough; you don't need a full statement there and then.
Check for CCTV or dashcam footage nearby, including from your own or the other vehicle.
This evidence can matter significantly later on, particularly if liability is disputed.
Step 4: Report It to the Police If Necessary
You're legally required to report an accident to the police within 24 hours if you weren't able to exchange details at the scene, or if anyone was injured. Even where it's not required, a police reference number can strengthen your position, especially in hit-and-run or uninsured driver situations.
Step 5: Notify Your Own Insurer
Most policies require you to report any accident, even if you don't intend to claim on your own cover and the other driver has accepted fault. This isn't the same as making a fault claim against your own policy — it's simply notification. Failing to report an accident can invalidate your cover later, even in situations that had nothing to do with the incident itself.
Step 6: Get Advice Before Accepting Anything
It's common for the at-fault driver's insurer to make contact quickly, sometimes offering a fast settlement or a courtesy car. It's worth pausing before agreeing to anything. You're entitled to:
A like-for-like replacement vehicle while yours is repaired or a total loss claim is settled, arranged independently through credit hire if you prefer — see our guide on what credit hire is and whether you're entitled to one.
Repairs at an approved repairer of your choosing, not necessarily the one the other insurer suggests.
The full value of your losses, not just the first figure offered.
Step 7: Keep Records as Your Claim Progresses
Keep a simple file — photos, correspondence, receipts for any out-of-pocket costs (taxis, parking, medical treatment), and notes of who you've spoken to and when. This makes the claims process considerably smoother if things take time to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. As the non-fault party, you're generally entitled to choose your own repairer, provided the costs are reasonable.
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You don't need to determine liability yourself at the scene — stick to the facts, exchange details, and gather evidence. Liability is assessed afterwards based on the evidence available.
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As soon as practical. There are legal time limits for bringing a claim — see our guide on the time limit for a car accident claim— and starting early also means evidence and witness recollections are freshest.
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Possibly, in some respects, though not necessarily your no-claims discount. Our guide on whether making a claim affects your insurance explains the distinction.
This guide provides general information for England and Wales and does not constitute legal advice. Every accident is different — for guidance specific to your situation, get in touch with our team at Back on the Road UK.