What to do when you have a car accident in London and how to protect your insurance

If you’re involved in a car accident in London, here are the key steps you should take:
- Safety first: Ensure the safety of yourself, passengers, and others involved. Move to a safe location if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and use a warning triangle if necessary.
- Emergency services: If there are injuries or significant damage, call the emergency services (police, ambulance) immediately.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other parties involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance policy details. Note down the vehicle registration numbers and make/model of the vehicles involved.
- Gather evidence: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and any relevant road conditions. This evidence can support your insurance claim.
- Witness statements: If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details and request a brief statement about what they saw.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Follow their instructions regarding the information they require and the claims process.
- Report it to the police: In some cases, you may need to report the accident to the police. This is required if there are injuries, significant damage, or the other party doesn’t stop or exchange information.
- Seek medical attention: If you or anyone else involved is injured, seek medical attention either at the scene or at a hospital.
- Keep records: Maintain a record of all relevant information, including the accident details, conversations with the other party, and any expenses incurred.
- Legal advice: If necessary, consider seeking legal advice, especially if there are disputes or complex issues involved.
Remember, this is general guidance, and specific circumstances may require different actions. It’s essential to consult relevant UK laws and regulations or contact the appropriate authorities or legal professionals for specific advice.
How to protect yourself and win a non-fault accident claim?
Did you know approximately 1 million UK drivers are driving without insurance or an incorrect insurance policy? On top of that, many accidents involving lane discipline or roundabouts are often disputed, so we have provided some valuable tips to protect yourself from the third party disputing liability or even changing their mind after the accident.
It’s not uncommon for the third party who has caused the accident to say sorry and apologise at the scene of the accident and then change their mind later after speaking to others, so here is what you can do to prove you weren’t at fault and more:
- Get a dashcam now. If you don’t have one, buy one today. They are as cheap as £50 to buy now, and labour to fit them is in the region of £30-40. Don’t forget to buy an SD card with sufficient memory; we recommend 64GB upwards.
- If the third party has apologised and admitted it was their fault, try to get this in writing at the accident. Consider sending them a statement text of what has just happened, and if they are happy to cooperate, ask them to reply whilst you are with them so you have proof for later on in case they change their mind.
- Cooperate but be cautious: Be cooperative when dealing with insurance adjusters, but avoid admitting fault or accepting blame for the accident. Stick to the facts and provide only necessary information.
- Obtain multiple repair estimates: Get estimates from different auto repair shops if your vehicle requires repairs. This will help you ensure fair compensation for the damage.
- Keep a record of expenses: Document all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, property damage, car rental fees, and any other costs you incur. This information will help calculate your claim’s value.
- Follow legal procedures and deadlines: Adhere to all legal requirements and deadlines associated with your claim. You must complete important deadlines to avoid jeopardising your case.
- Driving instructors in London often experience their learners stalling at traffic lights and junctions. If you are a driving instructor, it’s worth getting a forward and rear-facing dash cam as, in some instances, the third party has been known to say the learner has rolled back or put the car into reverse.