What To Do After a Car Accident in London (Step-by-Step)

London traffic is relentless, and accidents are unfortunately a part of city driving. When the worst happens, your mind naturally races with questions about repairs, insurance, and how you’ll get around tomorrow. If the accident wasn’t your fault, there is a clear process to protect your position and get you moving again.

Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you stay safe, protect your claim, and get back on the road as smoothly as possible.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

The very first thing to do is pause and stay calm. Do not try to drive away after the accident. Switch off your engine and turn on your hazard lights immediately, this reduces the risk of further damage or a secondary accident.

Next, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 999 immediately. Even in minor accidents, move to a safe pavement or verge. London traffic moves fast, and staying inside a stationary car on a busy road like the A12 or the North Circular is dangerous.

Step 2: Exchange Details & Gather Evidence

Once everyone is safe, contact your car accident claim management company and start collecting the evidence while the details are fresh.

Make sure to gather:

• The exact location and time of the accident
• Names, addresses, and registration numbers of all drivers
• Insurance details of the other driver (if available)
• Clear photos and videos of vehicle damage, road layout, skid marks, and signage
• Contact details of any witnesses
• Dashcam footage, if you have it

This information is critical. Strong evidence speeds up the claims process and reduces disputes over liability.

Step 3: Don’t Admit Fault at the Scene

It’s natural to apologise, but never admit fault. Avoid saying anything that could be taken as admission of guilt. Keep all conversations brief and factual, focusing only on exchanging names and insurance information.

Do not discuss blame at the roadside. Let the experts and the insurance investigators determine who was at fault based on the evidence.

Step 4: Arrange Roadside Recovery if Needed

If your car isn’t driveable, it needs to be recovered safely. Leaving a damaged vehicle on the road is unsafe and often illegal.

In non-fault accidents, a claims management specialist can arrange authorised roadside recovery across London. They ensure your car is transported securely from the accident scene to a secure storage or repair centre. The cost is recovered from the at fault party, subject to liablity being accepted.

Step 5: Get a Replacement Vehicle

A replacement vehicle is often essential to maintain your daily routine. In most non-fault cases, you are entitled to a like-for-like replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired or assessed. The replacement vehicle should be similar in size, type, and usability to your own car, whether that’s a small runaround, a family vehicle, or a business car. In many cases, the vehicle can be delivered directly to your home or workplace, within 24 hours. For more information, you can read our Replacement Car After a Non-Fault Accident in London guide.

There is usually no upfront payment required, as the cost is recovered from the at-fault party’s insurer, provided liability is accepted. This allows you to stay mobile and avoid additional expenses while your claim is being processed.

Step 6: Let a Claims Specialist Handle the Rest

Once your immediate needs are covered, let a accident claim specialist manage the claim on your behalf.

They act as your single point of contact, and they will handle:

• All the communications with insurers and assessors
• Submit the Documentation and evidence
• Schedule your car repair and arrange a replacement vehicle for you.

Your claims specialist takes care of the burden of long calls, complex paperwork, and liability disputes, so you can focus on getting back to your routine. Their expertise also increases the likelihood of a full, fair settlement, especially for non-fault accidents.

Do I Need to Call My Insurance First?

Many drivers assume their first call must be to their insurer. In non-fault accidents, this isn’t always required right away.

Speaking to a reputable claims management company first can help:

• Avoid paying an upfront excess
• Reduce the risk to your No Claims Bonus
• Ensure accurate information is recorded from the start

They can notify the relevant insurers on your behalf and manage the process correctly. For furthure information you can read our guide on, Accident Management vs Insurance Company.

How Simple Claims Helps After an Accident in London

London accidents come with added complications, congestion charges, restricted streets, heavy traffic, and limited recovery access. Simple Claims manages these challenges daily.

For non-fault accidents, Simple Claims can assist with:

• Vehicle recovery, repairs, and storage
• Replacement vehicles during the repair period
• Claim handling and communication with insurers
• Recovering costs from the at-fault party’s insurer, subject to liability
  

The ultimate goal is to ensure you are fully compensated without any financial disadvantage caused by someone else’s mistake.

If you’ve been involved in a non-fault accident in London, contacting Simple Claims early can make the process faster, clearer, and far less stressful.