You first, then the car, then the claim
After a car accident: what to do
A crash is a shock, even a small one. Take a breath. Nothing about the insurance is urgent until everyone is safe; this page takes you through the rest, one step at a time.
1 Make sure everyone is safe
- •Stop, switch off the engine and put your hazard lights on.
- •Check on everyone: you, your passengers and the people in the other car. If anyone is hurt, call 112 from any cell phone, or 10177 for an ambulance.
- •Don't move someone who is badly hurt unless they're in more danger where they are.
- •Put your warning triangle out well behind the car, and get everyone off the road, away from passing traffic.
If something doesn’t feel right (it’s dark, the road is isolated, or someone is pressuring you), stay in the car with the doors locked. If the car can be driven, go to the nearest police station or a busy, well-lit place and report the accident from there. You matter more than anything at the scene.
2 Get help with the car
- •For a tow or help on the road, call Lemonade Assist on 0861 007 945, any time, if it’s on your policy. Have your registration or policy number ready.
- •Only let a tow truck we've sent take the car. Tow trucks that arrive without being called can charge a great deal and hold the car until they're paid, and a tow we haven't arranged may not be covered.
- •Before it's towed, take your valuables and papers out of the car, and note where it's going.
3 Take photos while you're there
Photos taken at the scene settle most questions later and make your claim much quicker. On your phone:
- •The damage on every vehicle, close up and from a few steps back.
- •The whole scene: the road, any traffic lights or signs, skid marks and where the cars ended up.
- •The other vehicle's number plate, and its licence disc on the windscreen, close enough to read.
- •The other driver's licence, both sides, if they agree to it.
4 Swap details, and keep it calm
- •The other driver's name, ID number, cell number and address, and the owner's details if the driver isn't the owner.
- •Their vehicle's make, model, colour and registration, and their insurer if they have one.
- •The names and numbers of anyone who saw it, and of any police or traffic officer who came.
- •Don't admit fault, sign anything or agree to pay at the scene, however friendly or insistent anyone is. Exchange details and leave the rest to us.
5 Report it to the police within 24 hours
Go to a police station within 24 hours and ask for the accident report (AR) number. The law requires a report in many cases (if anyone was hurt, or details couldn’t be exchanged), and your claim needs the AR number either way. Take your licence and ID with you.
6 Then tell us
Once you’re safe and have a moment, start your claim. It takes a few minutes, and you can send the photos straight from your phone. A named claims handler looks after it from there.
Broken down rather than in an accident, or an emergency at home? See emergency help.