Nov 15, 2023
No one expects to be involved in an accident. But it can happen in the blink of an eye – whether it’s your fault or someone else's. Even a small bump or a big crash gets adrenaline pumping and shock can set in, so things can be a bit of a blur. Whatever the circumstances, if you are involved in a car accident, there are certain steps you may want to take to stay safe, follow the law and get the car insurance claim process started.
Immediately after the accident
Take a few deep breaths and try to remain as calm as possible - it’s normal to be shaken after an accident.
Stop the car as soon as possible and turn the engine off – it's an offence not to do so.
Switch the hazard lights on.
If you’re able to and it is safe to do so, move to the side of the road or footpath. If your car is causing a hazard where it is, pull it to the side of the road if it is safe to do so.
Check for any injuries to yourself or your passengers.
If it’s a minor collision and there are no injuries, make a note of it just in case the other people later try to claim for an injury.
Don’t apologise or admit responsibility for the accident until you’re completely aware of what happened - this can protect you from liability if it wasn’t your fault.
When should I call the Police?
Call the police and an ambulance immediately if anyone is hurt or if the road is blocked
The other driver or drivers leave the scene without giving details.
If you think the other driver has no insurance or is under the influence of drink or drugs.
If you suspect that the other driver caused the collision deliberately.
Tell the police about the accident within 24 hours – if you don't you may be given a fine, points on your licence, or a disqualification from driving.
Exchange motoring details
Share your name and address with everyone involved if the accident caused damage or injury - the law says your must do this.
Exchange car insurance details with the other driver(s).
Try to find out if the other driver is the registered owner of the vehicle, if they are not, find out who the owner is and get that information too (it could be a company car).
Gather registration numbers of all vehicles. This is vital as most other information can be gathered later once the registration numbers are correct.
What should I record at the scene of the accident?
The make, model, colour, and number plate of the vehicles involved in the accident or take pictures of them. The registration number is vital as most other information can be gathered later once the registration numbers are correct.
The time and date of the crash.
The driving conditions, including the weather, lighting, and road quality.
Name and contact details for any witnesses
What sort of damage was caused to the vehicles and where - take pictures of the damage if you can, the positions of the cars involved and pictures of the scene.
Any injuries to drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. If no one else is involved in the accident, for example you caused damage to private property or a parked car, you should leave your details – for instance a note where the owner can see it. If you don’t do this, you could be in serious trouble.
Notifying your car insurance provider and making a claim.
If you have been involved in an accident, contact your car insurance provider as soon as possible. If you choose not to make a claim, you still must let your car insurance provider know about the accident, as the other driver may try to make a claim without you knowing.
At its4women, our claims service is based in Ireland and we only use quality garages for repairs.
If you have to make a claim, please contact our Claims Team on the following numbers:
Motor Claim: 028 907 22804
Windscreen Helpline: 0800 363 636
Available 24/7 for extra peace of mind
Accidents are sometimes hard to avoid regardless of how carefully you drive. Keeping a checklist with post-accident steps in the car can help you make protect you from unnecessary worries and allow you to focus on working with your car insurance company to get your vehicle repaired as smoothly and as quickly as possible.
Learn more submitting a new claim and explore the different levels of car insurance cover we offer at its4women.