Feel seen.
You’ve had a shock, the road is loud, and your mind is racing. You’re worried about your licence, your no-claims, and how you’ll work tomorrow. This guide gives you a calm plan for a Non Fault crash—what to do first, what the law expects, and how to protect your options without wasting time.
Practical and human.
You’ll get a 24-hour timeline, a short direct answer, and checklists you can save. We’ll keep it UK-specific for information, plain-English, and unbiased. When we mention services, we’ll speak about England only, so you know what’s truly available if you need help.
Why timing matters.
UK law says you must report within 24 hours if you couldn’t exchange details at the scene (https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/if-youre-in-an-accident). Many CCTV systems delete footage around 30 days, so request it quickly (https://www.gov.uk/request-cctv-footage-of-yourself; CCTV/Dashcam guidance: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/advice-for-small-organisations/cctv-and-dashcams/). Provisional DfT data show 1,633 fatalities and 128,375 total casualties in 2024, reminding us why clear steps matter (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-provisional-results-2024)
Quick table: who does what
in hour one
| Moment | What to do | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| At scene | Stop, make safe, exchange details | Legal duty | GOV.UK |
| If details not exchanged | Report within 24h | Compliance & record | Met Police |
| 10–60 minutes | Photos, dashcam, CCTV requests | Evidence before deletion | GOV.UK |
| Same day | Tell your insurer promptly | Policies require notice | ABI |
After a Non Fault crash in the UK, make safe and exchange details. If you couldn’t swap details, report to police within 24 hours. Photograph the scene, save dashcam, and request CCTV quickly. Tell your insurer promptly, then choose a route: own insurer, third-party, credit-hire, or MIB if uninsured/untraced. (Sources above.) MIB+3GOV.UK+3Met Police+3
The first 10 minutes: make
safe & follow the law
Stop, check, and exchange
Stop the vehicle, switch on hazards, and check for injuries. Exchange your name, address, and registration, plus the owner’s details if different. That’s a legal duty in the UK (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/section/170; GOV.UK summary: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/if-youre-in-an-accident). Legislation.gov.uk+1
When to report within 24 hours
If you couldn’t exchange details at the scene—or there’s injury, certain animals, or suspected offences—report to the police within 24 hours (Met Police portal: https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-beta-2.1/report-a-road-traffic-incident/; general guidance: https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/collisions/). Met Police+1
Capture basics before traffic clears
Take wide and close photos of positions, damage, road markings, and signs. Save dashcam files now. Ask witnesses for names and phone numbers. This early bundle can decide liability in a No Fault accident later if the other side disputes events.
10–60 minutes: capture
evidence before it disappears
CCTV and dashcam — act quickly
Note camera locations (shops, buses, doorbells, councils) and request footage as a Subject Access Request. Many systems auto-delete around 30 days, and controllers usually have up to a month to respond (https://www.gov.uk/request-cctv-footage-of-yourself; ICO CCTV/Dashcam hub: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/advice-for-small-organisations/cctv-and-dashcams/). GOV.UK+1
Riders & couriers: extra evidence
If you’re on a bike, save helmet-cam clips, app time stamps, and delivery logs. Photograph any damaged kit. These records help prove timing, location, and loss patterns during a Non fault accident claim.
Organise files so you can find them
Create a folder with date-time in the name. Add a simple text note of weather, lighting, and plate details. Keep images unedited; make copies for sharing.
Day 0–1: notify insurance &
choose the right route
Tell your insurer promptly
Even if you plan a Non fault accident claim through another route, most policies require you to notify your own insurer quickly—often within a stated window—so they can log and advise (ABI guidance: Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/insurance/types-of-insurance/vehicle-insurance/vehicle-insurance-making-a-claim-if-you-re-in-an-accident/).
Your main claim routes (neutral pros/cons)
| Route | Speed back on road | Out-of-pocket risk | NCD risk | Admin effort | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Own insurer (comprehensive) | High | Excess upfront | Can step back until recovery confirmed | Medium | Check approved repairers; keep reference numbers. ABI |
| Third-party direct | Medium | Low | Lower if liability accepted fast | Medium | Works best when the other insurer accepts liability quickly. |
| Credit-hire/management | High | Contractual if liability disputed | Lower if recovered | Medium–High | Citizens Advice recognises this option; read terms carefully. Citizens Advice |
| MIB (uninsured/untraced) | Low | May be slower | N/A to your policy | High | Use MIB routes for uninsured or untraced drivers: MIB |
NCD realities & records
A No Fault accident doesn’t always keep your no-claims discount untouched immediately. It often depends on recovery from the other side and your policy terms, so keep all references, receipts, and evidence.
If you’re taxi/PHV in London
protect your licence & income
Report and check licence obligations
For licensed PHV/taxi drivers, keep your operator in the loop and check current TfL licence conditions. Historical FOI references point to reporting accidents within set timeframes (e.g., 14 days or 72 hours in specific circumstances); always verify the latest rules here: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/ and FOI notes like https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information/foi-request-detail?referenceId=FOI-0474-2021 and https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information/foi-request-detail?referenceId=FOI-0965-1718. Transport for London+2Transport for London+2
Like-for-like that’s actually compliant
When your work depends on your vehicle, the replacement must be licenced/plate-appropriate and ULEZ-compliant. Keep your documents ready so you can prove eligibility during a Non fault accident claim.
Keep working safely
Record any operator notifications, job cancellations, and downtime. If you use a replacement, double-check plates, insurance, and equipment before accepting rides.
24-hour timeline at a glance
0–10 minutes — Make safe, exchange details, photograph positions and damage, note witnesses and nearby CCTV . GOV.UK+1
10–60 minutes — Save dashcam, submit quick CCTV requests to shops/council, back up phone photos to cloud.
Day 0–1 — Notify your insurer promptly, pick a route that suits your situation, and organise your records. If the other driver is uninsured or untraced, consider MIB . MIB
Need practical help in
England?
Call: 020 4577 1120 · WhatsApp: 07585 300 600
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.
Conclusion — keep calm,
follow the timeline
A No Fault accident is upsetting, but you’re not powerless. In the first day, small moves—reporting when required, saving footage, and notifying your insurer—protect your future Non fault accident claim and your ability to keep moving.
If you’re in England and need recovery, secure storage, reputable repairs, or a like-for-like vehicle after a Non Fault crash, you can talk to a trustworthy friend: https://www.accidentassistnetwork.co.uk — we’ll explain options in five languages. One call; we’ll help you sort it.
FAQS
Yes. Most policies require prompt notice even if you pursue a Non fault accident claim via another route. Call, state the basics, and keep the reference number.
If details weren’t exchanged, or if there’s injury, certain animals, or suspected offences, report within 24 hours.
Many systems delete around 30 days. Make a Subject Access Request to the camera owner with date, time and ID. Start with shops/councils near the scene.
Use MIB routes: uninsured and untraced driver schemes. These can be slower and technical, so keep evidence organised.
Not always permanently. Your NCD can be stepped back until costs are recovered from the at-fault side, depending on the policy. Keep records and ask your insurer for specific rules
