An accident is stressful, and what you do in the first hour matters.
Staying calm and methodical protects your safety, your claim and your livelihood.
This guide walks through the steps from the roadside to lodging your claim.
Key takeaways
- Safety first: check for injuries and make the scene safe before anything else.
- Document everything at the scene while details are fresh.
- Do not admit fault; stick to the facts when exchanging details.
- Lodge your claim promptly and lean on your broker to manage the process.
At the scene: stay safe and document
Your first priority is people, not paperwork.
Once everyone is safe and emergency services are called if needed, start gathering information.
- Check for injuries and call 000 if anyone is hurt.
- Move to a safe position and switch on hazard lights where it is safe to do so.
- Photograph the vehicles, damage, road conditions and surroundings.
- Exchange names, contact and insurance details with other drivers.
- Note the location, time, and contact details of any witnesses.
Stick to the facts when exchanging details. Do not admit fault at the scene, as liability is for the insurers to determine.
Reporting the accident
Some accidents must be reported to police, such as those involving injury or significant property damage.
Report the incident to your broker or insurer as soon as you reasonably can.
Early notification keeps the claim moving and means assessors and repairers can be organised sooner.
Lodging and managing your claim
When you lodge, the documentation you gathered at the scene does most of the work.
A good broker takes the process off your plate so you can get back to running the business.
- Provide your photos, notes and the other party's details.
- Keep a record of any costs, such as towing or a replacement vehicle.
- Let your broker deal with the insurer, assessors and any disputes.
- Push back on lowball offers; this is where broker advocacy earns its keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Exchange details and stick to the facts, but leave the question of liability to the insurers. Admitting fault at the scene can complicate your claim even when the full picture is not yet clear.
As soon as you reasonably can. Prompt notification helps assessors and repairers get moving and reduces the chance of disputes over delays.
This is exactly where a broker helps. We deal directly with the insurer, push back on lowball offers and keep the process moving so you get a fair outcome.
