What to do after a non-fault accident

Most people make the same expensive mistake in the first hour: they ring their own insurer. Here is what to do instead.

At the scene

1. Stop and make the scene safe. Hazard lights on. If anyone is injured or the road is blocked, call 999.
2. Exchange details. Name, address, phone number, registration and insurance details of the other driver. You are legally required to give yours.
3. Photograph everything. Both vehicles, all damage, the position of the cars, the road layout, road markings and any skid marks. More photos than you think you need.
4. Get witnesses. A name and phone number from anyone who saw it is worth a great deal if liability is later disputed.
5. Note the conditions. Time, weather, light, and whether either vehicle's lights were on.
6. Do not admit fault. Not at the scene, not in a text afterwards. Liability is decided on evidence, and an apology can be used against you.

Before you ring your insurer

If the accident clearly was not your fault, calling your own insurer first can cost you money in three ways.

You may pay an excess you do not owe

Claim on your own policy and you pay your excess up front. It should be recovered later from the other side, but that can take months, and sometimes it is not recovered in full.

Your no-claims discount may be affected

Until liability is formally settled, many insurers record the claim against your policy. Years of protected discount can be interrupted while that is resolved.

Your renewal may rise anyway

Insurers price on claims history, not just blame. A logged non-fault claim can still increase your premium at renewal.

The alternative

An accident management company deals with the at-fault driver's insurer directly on your behalf. Costs are recovered from them, so there is no excess for you to find, and your own policy is left alone.

• Recovery arranged from the scene
• A like-for-like courtesy car, free for the duration of the repair
• Repair carried out and billed to the at-fault insurer
• One named handler dealing with the paperwork

What we need from you

When you ring, have the other driver's registration and insurance details to hand if you were able to get them, plus your own vehicle details and where the car is now. That is enough to start.