What to do after a minor car accident

If you’ve been in what seems like a minor accident, you might wonder whether any action is necessary. However, even minor incidents shouldn’t be ignored.

Taking immediate steps can help prevent potential complications, ensuring your safety and protecting your interests.

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene

Stop at the scene: Legally, you must stop after any accident, no matter how small.
Check for injuries: Look out for any injuries to yourself or others. If anyone is hurt, call for medical assistance.
Exchange details: Share names, addresses, and insurance information with the other driver.
Gather evidence: Take photos or videos of the damage, the vehicle involved, and the scene.

For a full checklist of what to do and what details to exchange, visit our complete guide of what to do after a car accident >

Do I Need to Report a Minor Accident to the Police?

This can be confusing, but the rules are straightforward.

You do not need to report the accident if you have exchanged details and nobody was injured.

You should report it by calling 101 (the non-emergency number) if:

Someone was injured.
The other driver left the scene without swapping details.
You think the other person may have committed a driving offence (like being on their phone or under the influence).

Only call 999 if someone is seriously injured, in immediate danger, or if the accident has blocked the road.

Should I continue driving after a minor accident?

Deciding whether to keep driving after a minor accident depends on the extent of the damage and the condition of your vehicle.

To stay safe, inspect your vehicle thoroughly, as even minor collisions can cause hidden issues that may impact your safety.

Inspect the exterior:

Leaks: Check under the car for any unusual puddles. Leaking oil, coolant, or transmission fluid could indicate serious internal issues.
Tyres and wheels: Inspect your tyres for any obvious damage like cuts, punctures, or flat spots. Make sure the rims aren’t bent or dented and that the tyres look properly inflated. Also, ensure the wheels are securely attached and nothing seems loose.
Lights and indicators: Test all headlights, brake lights, and indicators to ensure they’re working properly.
Body damage: Check for any loose parts, sharp edges, or damage to the frame that could affect your car’s structure or performance.

Turn on the engine and monitor:

Warning lights: Pay attention to any dashboard warning lights. It’s important not to ignore the ‘check engine’ light and ask a mechanic to inspect your vehicle to determine the cause. A flashing ‘check engine’ light indicates a severe issue, and you should avoid driving until it’s addressed.
Unusual sounds: Listen for grinding, squeaking, or any noises that might signal damage to the brakes, suspension, or exhaust.
Vibrations: Feel for any unusual vibrations or pulling while steering, which could indicate alignment or steering system damage.

Perform a quick functionality test:

Steering: Ensure the steering wheel responds smoothly and doesn’t pull to one side.
Brakes: Test the brakes by pressing the pedal to ensure there’s no unusual resistance or sponginess.
Visibility: Check that windows, mirrors, and windscreen are intact and unobstructed.

By breaking your inspection into these steps, you can assess whether your vehicle is safe to drive or if further professional evaluation is needed.

Need Help Now?

If you're not sure if your car is safe after a non-fault accident, call Auto Claims Assist. We can give you advice and arrange for your car to be recovered if needed.

Why You Must Act, Even for a Small Scratch

Even when the damage seems minor, there are important reasons to take action after a non-fault accident. Addressing the situation promptly can protect your vehicle’s condition and help in case of any disputes.

Here’s why taking action is the right move:

Hidden damage

What may look like a surface scratch or a small dent could hide deeper structural or mechanical issues. Examples of hidden damage include:

Misaligned bumpers: Even a light impact can knock your bumper out of alignment, compromising its ability to absorb impact in future accidents.
Suspension issues: Minor collisions can knock your suspension out of alignment, which affects handling and safety.
Frame damage: Small dents might indicate internal frame damage, which can weaken the structural integrity of your car.
Wheel alignment problems: Even minor incidents can affect the alignment of wheels, leading to uneven tyre wear and poor handling over time.
Cracks in components: Items such as radiators, lights, or the exhaust system might sustain cracks or leaks that worsen if not addressed.

Body damage and the risk of rust

It’s easy to dismiss small scratches, especially in hidden or hard-to-see areas, but these can lead to:

Exposed metal: Scratches that wear away the protective paint layer will leave the metal underneath exposed to moisture.
Rust formation: Over time, rust will begin to form on the exposed areas, weakening the vehicle’s structure and durability.
Spread of rust: If left untreated, rust can spread to other areas of the car, increasing repair costs and compromising safety.

Claims process challenges

Delays can complicate claims: If you don’t document and claim for the accident right away, it can become much harder to resolve issues later if hidden damage or other complications arise. A delay could even impact your ability to make a claim at all.

Peace of mind

Smooth process with a non-fault claims specialist: As a non-fault driver, you shouldn’t have to deal with uncertainty and stress after an accident. Leaving things unresolved can lead to unnecessary worry and future complications. By taking action now, you can ensure you’re fully protected.

Need support?

Auto Claims Assist is here to support you every step of the way.

We handle every aspect of your non-fault claim, so you don’t have to. This includes arranging a comparable replacement vehicle to keep you on the road while your car is being repaired.

Why some people do not take action after a minor accident?

One of the biggest reasons people hesitate after a minor accident is the misconceptions surrounding them. Many assume dealing with it will be too much hassle, lead to increased insurance costs, or simply isn’t necessary for minor damage. Let’s clear up a few common myths:

‘I’ll have to pay my insurance excess.’

That depends on how the claim is handled. If you go through your own insurer, you’ll usually need to pay your excess upfront, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. However, if you make a non-fault claim through Auto Claims Assist for your non-fault accident, the claim isn’t made through your own insurance. That means there’s no excess to pay. All costs are recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurer, so there’s no cost to you.

‘It’s so minor, it doesn’t matter.’

Minor accidents can still have unforeseen consequences. Even light damage can reduce your car’s resale value or develop into more serious issues over time.

‘Claiming is too much hassle.’

It’s a fair concern as some claims processes are slow and confusing. But you don’t have to manage everything yourself. An accident management company, like Auto Claims Assist, can take care of the paperwork, repairs, and communication on your behalf, making the process much easier.

‘I don’t have time to deal with this.’

Your time is valuable, and managing a claim on top of daily responsibilities can feel overwhelming. That’s why many non-fault drivers choose to let an accident management company handle it for them. With Auto Claims Assist, the entire process is managed on your behalf, while you stay informed with regular updates.

‘I’ll be left without a car while mine is repaired’

Understandably, most drivers can’t go days without transport, but being involved in a non-fault accident doesn’t mean you have to. If you make your claim through Auto Claims Assist, we’ll arrange a comparable replacement vehicle while your car is off the road, all at no cost to you.