📋 Step-By-Step Guide · England & Wales

What To Do After a Non-Fault Accident UK

The accident wasn't your fault — but the next few steps matter enormously. Follow this guide to protect your rights, preserve your claim and get a free replacement vehicle as quickly as possible.

7 Steps to Take

Exactly What To Do After a Non-Fault Accident

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Step 1 — Stop and Move to Safety

You are legally required to stop after any road accident in England and Wales. Switch on your hazard lights, move to the side of the road if safe to do so, and turn off your engine. If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately.

⚖️ Legal note: Failing to stop after an accident is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
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Step 2 — Exchange Details with the Other Driver

You must exchange the following with the other driver: full name, address, phone number, vehicle registration number, and insurance details. If they refuse or leave the scene, note the registration and report it to the police within 24 hours.

💡 Tip: Take a photo of their licence plate, insurance certificate and driving licence if they're willing to show it.
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Step 3 — Photograph Everything at the Scene

Use your phone to photograph: both vehicles from all angles, all visible damage, the road layout and any skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, weather, and any CCTV cameras nearby. Get witness names and numbers if possible.

💡 Tip: More photos are always better. Evidence from the scene is crucial to establishing liability.
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Step 4 — Do NOT Admit Fault or Apologise

Even a simple "sorry" at the scene can be interpreted as an admission of liability and used against you. Remain calm and polite but do not speculate about fault, make admissions, or accept any blame — even if you feel partly responsible.

⚠️ Important: This applies to conversations with the other driver, witnesses, and even your own insurer until liability is established.
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Step 5 — Notify Your Own Insurer (But Don't Claim Through Them)

You must notify your own insurer that an accident occurred — this is a policy requirement. However, you do not have to make a claim through your own insurance. Instead, Road Claim manages your claim directly against the at-fault driver's insurer, meaning no excess, no premium increase, no impact on your no-claims bonus.

⚖️ Your right: You are entitled to instruct your own claims management company rather than using the at-fault insurer's preferred provider.
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Step 6 — Arrange Your Free Replacement Vehicle

If the accident was not your fault, you are legally entitled to a free like-for-like replacement vehicle at no cost. Road Claim arranges this within 24 hours through our partner network. Do not accept a basic courtesy car from the at-fault insurer without checking you're getting a like-for-like vehicle.

💡 PCO/taxi drivers: You must receive a licensed PCO vehicle — not a standard car — to continue working legally. See our taxi accident claim page.

Step 7 — Submit Your Claim with Road Claim

Fill in our 2-minute claim form. A specialist calls you within 1 hour (Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm) to take full accident details and kick off your claim. You'll also receive a £75 sign-up bonus on eligible claim registration. The service is completely free — all costs are recovered from the at-fault insurer.

💡 Remember: Act as quickly as possible. Evidence is freshest immediately after the accident, and early action gives the strongest claim.

⚠️ Watch Out: What NOT to Do After a Non-Fault Accident

Many drivers unknowingly damage their claim by: accepting the first settlement offer from the at-fault insurer (usually below what you're entitled to); using their own insurance when they don't need to; failing to get a like-for-like replacement vehicle; or missing the 3-year claim window. Road Claim protects you from all of these.

Your Claim Type

Non-Fault Claim Guides by Vehicle Type

Get specific guidance for your vehicle type after a non-fault accident.

FAQ

After a Non-Fault Accident — Common Questions

Do I need to call the police after a non-fault accident?
You must report the accident to police within 24 hours if anyone was injured or if you couldn't exchange details with the other driver. For minor collisions where details were exchanged, a police call is not legally required but may still be advisable.
Should I use my own insurance after a non-fault accident?
You must notify your insurer, but you do not have to claim through them. Road Claim manages the claim directly against the at-fault driver's insurer — no excess, no premium impact, no no-claims bonus loss.
How long do I have to make a non-fault accident claim?
In England and Wales you generally have 3 years from the accident date. However, acting quickly means fresher evidence and a stronger claim. Contact Road Claim as soon as possible.
What if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
You may still be able to claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). Contact Road Claim and we will advise you on your options in your specific situation.
Am I entitled to a free replacement vehicle?
Yes. If the accident was not your fault, you are entitled to a like-for-like replacement vehicle at no cost. Road Claim arranges this within 24 hours. See our free replacement vehicle page.
What about local claims — London, Birmingham, Manchester?
Road Claim covers all of England and Wales including London, Birmingham and Manchester.
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