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uk Transport & mobility emergencies

What to do if…
you have been in a minor car collision and are now safely parked

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Stay safe first, check for injuries, then exchange the basic details and make a quick record before you leave.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t drive off without stopping and exchanging the basic details.
  • Don’t admit fault, argue, or agree a cash settlement while you are shaken.
  • Don’t stand in the road, between vehicles, or close to moving traffic to take photos.
  • Don’t let someone photograph unnecessary documents if the basic details can be written down instead.
  • Don’t rely on memory alone; note the other vehicle’s registration number and the key facts now.

What to do now

  1. Keep the scene as safe as you can. Keep hazard lights on and switch off the engine if you are not about to move again. If you are near moving traffic, get to a place of relative safety if you can; use the pavement or safer side of the vehicle, and do not stand between your vehicle and traffic.
  2. Check for injuries, including yourself. Ask whether anyone has pain, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or feels unwell. If anyone is injured, trapped, in danger, or the collision is blocking the road dangerously, call 999 or 112.
  3. Exchange the basic details. Calmly give and ask for:
    • driver name and address
    • vehicle registration number
    • owner name and address, if the driver does not own the vehicle
    • insurance details if requested, especially if anyone is injured
  4. Make a quick record while you are still parked. Take photos only from a safe place:
    • both vehicles and the damage, from wide and close views
    • the road layout, signs, markings, and debris
    • the exact location, date, and time
    • witness name and contact details, if someone stopped and is willing to give them
  5. If the other person will not exchange details, stop the conversation. Move back to safety. If they leave, refuse details, or you feel unsafe, call 101 while you are still at the scene; use 999 if someone is injured, in danger, or a serious offence may be happening.
  6. If you did not give the required details at the scene, arrange a formal police report as soon as possible. The legal deadline is within 24 hours, but that does not mean waiting is safe. Ask the police how to make the formal report. A legally required accident report is not made just by a phone call.
  7. If another person is injured, keep the insurance certificate rule in mind. If you are required to produce your insurance certificate and cannot do it there and then, ask the police what they need from you. You may need to report as soon as possible and produce the certificate at a nominated police station within seven days.
  8. Tell your insurer as soon as you reasonably can. Do this even if you do not plan to claim. Use your notes, photos, and any police reference when you contact them.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide who was at fault right now.
  • You do not need to agree repairs, accept cash, or sign anything at the roadside.
  • You do not need to contact lots of people immediately; focus first on safety, details, records, and your insurer.
  • You do not need to make a full statement from memory while you are shaken; brief notes are enough for now.

Important reassurance

Feeling shaky, tearful, angry, or blank after a small collision is common. For the next few minutes, your job is only to stay safe, swap the basics, and make a simple record.

Scope note

These are first steps for the minutes to couple of hours after a minor collision when you are already safely parked. Injuries, suspected offences, missing details, uninsured drivers, or escalating conflict may need urgent help and later specialist advice.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, insurance, financial, therapeutic, or professional advice. Rules and insurer requirements can depend on the facts, so use official services and your insurer for your specific situation.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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