What to do after a holiday
car accident?
Your holiday wasn’t meant to include insurance calls.
The kids are tired, checkout is looming, and your calendar at home is already stacked. A minor non-fault bump can feel huge when you’re far from home. You don’t need jargon you need a Holiday Accident Claim plan you can follow right now.
There is a calm, proven sequence. We’ll show you what to do first, where a claim is handled if the crash is abroad, the evidence that avoids arguments, and how to stay mobile without costly surprises. Each step links to official guidance so you can act with confidence.
Why This Matters today ?
Many UK residents travel in peak months and a portion experience incidents abroad. Where a crash happens often decides where proceedings are handled, which shapes your next steps. See GOV.UK’s cross-border driving guidance for the official baseline.
Many UK residents travel in peak months and a portion experience incidents abroad. Where a crash happens often decides where proceedings are handled, which shapes your next steps. See GOV.UK’s cross-border driving guidance for the official baseline.
If you’ve had a Holiday Accident Claim situation, act in this order: make the scene safe → swap details (including insurer + policy number) → take close/wide photos + witness contacts → get a police reference if applicable → notify your insurer → if it’s a rental, call the hire desk before repairs. Abroad, expect process to follow the country of the crash (see GOV.UK)
Here are the 5 important things You Should know…..
1. The 60-second order of
calls
Start with safety
Move to a safe spot if you can, switch on hazards, and keep everyone clear of live lanes. It’s okay to breathe for ten seconds. A composed start protects people and preserves your Holiday Accident Claim from preventable mistakes.
Swap essentials
Exchange names, phone numbers, insurer + policy number, and registration plates. Photograph driving licences and plates where appropriate. Keep your description factual—no admissions, no on-the-spot deals. Simple, neutral notes are your friend.
Capture proof
Take wide and close photos, road signs, skid marks, weather, and any damage. Record date/time and GPS if your device allows. If required locally, ask for a brief police reference. GOV.UK’s “Driving in the EU” page outlines baseline steps for UK drivers abroad: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu.
If it’s a hire car
Call the rental desk before agreeing to repairs or services. They may have specific partners or instructions. Keep the rental contract number handy in your notes so you can reference it quickly.
If the car’s undriveable
In England, you can arrange secure recovery & storage to avoid roadside fines or unsafe parking. Helpful, non-pushy next step: https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/recovery-storage
2. Who actually handles the
claim?
The key principle
If your crash is in the EU/EEA, claims and legal proceedings are usually handled in the country of the accident. You can still speak to your UK insurer, but you should expect foreign-law steps and timelines. See GOV.UK for the official baseline.
Practical implications (plain English):
Local process applies. Evidence quality matters more because documents may be read in another language and system.
UK representatives. Some EU insurers have UK agents, but the underlying rules remain local.
Non-EU travel. Some countries still require a Green Card; double-check rules before you go.
Digital convenience from 2025
From 1 January 2025, UK motorists can present a digital Green Card on a mobile device where a card is required. That removes the need to carry a printed copy, but the underlying requirement varies by country. Source: MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) news update.
Helpful, non-promotional step
if you’ll be off the road for checks, review replacement vehicle options (like-for-like where need is evidenced): https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/replacement-vehicles
3. The evidence pack that
prevents arguments
Why evidence wins ?
Your proof is the fastest way to reduce disputes and move a Holiday Accident Claim forward. Keep it simple, systematic, and time-stamped.
Use the European Accident Statement (EAS) The EAS is a standardised form used across Europe to record the facts at the scene. It helps both insurers align information and is not an admission of liability. Guidance: EU “Your Europe” — ; example PDF (Allianz)
Two-minute checklist (save this on your phone):
EAS or notes with both drivers’ details; keep it factual and legible
Photos: plates, close-ups of damage, wide scene, traffic signs, weather, road surface
Witnesses: names, phone/email, a one-line summary of what they saw
Numbers: other driver’s insurer + policy, your claim reference, police ref if given
Receipts & timeline: taxis, towing, parking; note date/time and keep them together
If your car isn’t roadworthy
After you complete the essentials, consider a tow to secure storage so you’re not blocking or risking extra fees: https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/recovery-storage
4. Staying mobile without
nasty surprises
Your three common routes
You’ll usually choose between a courtesy car from your own insurer, a third-party route (sometimes abroad if liability is clear), or credit hire in the UK. Credit hire can help, but it carries risks if “need” isn’t proven or terms aren’t met. Read neutral guidance before you sign. FOS consumer info:
Compare the options (at-a-glance list):
Courtesy car (own insurer): steady admin; may not be like-for-like; manage expectations early
Third-party route (abroad): can be quick if liability is clear; local networks/language apply
Credit hire (UK): can provide like-for-like when need is evidenced (work/family/mobility); keep a usage log (dates/miles/purpose); read the contract thoroughly
A realistic mindset
If an at-fault insurer delays or disputes payment, some credit-based costs might not be recovered. That’s why we keep the tone neutral and the evidence solid. See the FOS overview on how complaints are assessed
Practical next step in England
Explore replacement vehicle options (cars, taxi-plated, vans, bikes): https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/replacement-vehicles. We aim to arrange like-for-like within 24 hours, subject to checks & availability.
5. GHIC/EHIC vs travel
insurance
Short answer. GHIC/EHIC is not travel insurance
It can give access to medically necessary state healthcare in EU countries at local rates, but it won’t cover repatriation or wider losses. Apply for GHIC on the NHS website and always buy travel insurance as well.
Clear bullets to remember:
GHIC/EHIC can cover: treatment deemed necessary by state providers in the EU (local cost rules apply)
GHIC/EHIC cannot cover: repatriation, private extras, cancellations, baggage
Travel policy should include: medical & repatriation, cancellation, baggage, and any car-related add-ons your insurer offers
Need practical help in
England?
Call: 020 4577 1120 · WhatsApp: 07585 300 600
Start here: https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/contact-us
Or review secure recovery & storage: https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/recovery-storage
Or explore replacement vehicle options: https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/replacement-vehicles
Conclusion
You didn’t plan for paperwork on your holiday. But a clear Holiday Accident Claim plan takes the chaos out: follow the order of calls, build a simple evidence pack, understand jurisdiction, and choose mobility with eyes open. That turns a frantic hour into a confident path forward.
When you want a human guide—without jargon—talk to a coordinator. We’ll help coordinate recovery & secure storage, like-for-like replacements (we aim for 24 hours, subject to checks & availability), and manufacturer-standard repairs with clear expectations. Message us on WhatsApp or call any time: https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/contact-us
Mandatory Disclaimer
Accident Assist Network assists you after a non-fault accident by co-ordinating vehicle recovery, reputable repairs, cash-in-lieu settlements for total-loss vehicles and like-for-like replacement hire—whether for personal use, licensed taxi work or bike—through our network of independent specialist companies across England. Because our role is one of practical facilitation rather than financial advice, we are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our services are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. If the at-fault insurer delays or disputes payment you may become liable for credit services or other charges set out in your contract. Please read every document thoroughly and, if anything is unclear, ask us—or an independent adviser—before signing. We are happy to guide you in the language you feel most comfortable with.
People Also Ask
Do I claim in the UK or in the country where the crash happened?
What’s the fastest way to collect evidence?
Can I get a like-for-like car if I’m not at fault?
Sources Used in this Blog
GOV.UK — Driving in the EU: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu — (Accessed 21 Aug 2025) GOV.UK
GOV.UK — Vehicle insurance: driving abroad (Green Card): https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-abroad — (Accessed 21 Aug 2025) GOV.UK
EU — Your Europe: Accident & European Accident Statement: — (Accessed 21 Aug 2025) European Union
Allianz — EAS PDF: — (Accessed 21 Aug 2025) Allianz Insurance
NHS — Apply for a UK GHIC: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ — (Accessed 21 Aug 2025) nhs.uk
NHSBSA — Where you can use your card: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/get-healthcare-cover-travelling-abroad/where-you-can-use-your-card — (Accessed 21 Aug 2025) NHSBSA
MIB — Digital Green Card from 1 Jan 2025: https://www.mib.org.uk/media-centre/news/2024/december/uk-motorists-can-now-use-a-digital-green-card-to-show-their-vehicle-is-insured-abroad/ — (Accessed 21 Aug 2025) MIB
FOS — Credit hire/repair (consumer): https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/insurance/motor-insurance/credit-hire-credit-repair-services-following-no-fault-accident
