What to do after a minor car accident

First, make sure everyone is safe

A minor bump can still leave you shaken. Before anything else, take a breath and check that you and your passengers are unhurt. If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately. Even if everyone feels fine, it's worth asking the other driver if they or their passengers need medical help.

Switch off your engine, turn on your hazard warning lights, and if it's safe to do so, move your car to a place where it won't block traffic or put anyone in danger — a nearby layby, side street, or car park. If you can't move the vehicles, stay inside unless it's unsafe, and keep your seatbelt on. On a motorway, get out on the left-hand side and wait behind the barrier if you can.

Exchange the right details

You are legally required to exchange certain information with the other driver, even if there's no damage you can see. Give and ask for:

• Full name and address — not just a first name or nickname.
• Phone number and, if possible, an email address.
• Insurance company and policy number — for both the driver and the registered owner if different.
• Vehicle registration, make, model and colour.

If the driver isn't the owner, ask for the owner's details too. It's also useful to note how many people were in their car and whether they had any passengers. Stay calm and polite, but do not admit fault or say sorry in a way that sounds like you're accepting blame. Liability is for insurers to sort out, not for you to decide at the roadside.

Gather evidence while you're still at the scene

Photos are your best friend after a minor accident. Use your phone to capture:

• Wide shots of the scene from several angles, showing road markings, junctions, and the position of both cars.
• Close-ups of the damage to every vehicle involved — including your own.
• Number plates, and any dashcam footage if you have it.
• The weather, lighting, and traffic conditions at the time.

Write down the exact location — road name, junction, nearest landmark, or a precise map reference — and the time and date. If there are witnesses who saw what happened, ask for their names and contact details. They can be surprisingly helpful later. It's also worth making a quick sketch of the vehicles' positions, just for your own records.

When you need to call the police

For a truly minor bump with no injuries and both drivers willing to exchange details, you don't usually need to call the police at the scene. But you must report it to the police within 24 hours if you didn't exchange details, or if the other driver left without giving theirs.

Call 999 if anyone is injured, the road is blocked, there's a risk of fire, or another driver is aggressive or leaves the scene. You should also report it if you suspect the other driver has no insurance, is under the influence of drink or drugs, or if there's damage to property like a wall, lamp post, or parked car. In those cases, don't try to handle it yourself — let the police guide you.

Tell your insurer as soon as possible

Even if you don't plan to claim, contact your insurer as soon as you can — most policies require you to report any incident within 24 hours. Give them a clear, factual account of what happened, without guessing who was at fault. They'll ask for photos, witness details, and the other driver's information. Keep a note of the claim reference, the names of anyone you speak to, and the dates.

Don't accept a cash settlement at the roadside. What looks like a small scuff could hide cracked sensors, bent suspension, or costly paintwork. Your insurer can arrange a proper repair, and if you have legal cover, use it. Finally, don't post about the accident on social media — even a casual comment could be used against you later.