Table of Contents

The First 30 Minutes: What to Do at the Scene

In the immediate shock of a collision, it's easy to forget what to do after a non fault accident. Stay calm and follow these practical steps.

Step 1: Prioritise Safety Above All Else

Before you do anything else, ensure everyone is safe. If you're on a busy road, pull over to a safe location if possible. Turn on your engine and switch on your hazard lights.

Gently check on yourself and your passengers. If you’re on a motorway, the official advice from National Highways is to exit your vehicle from the left-hand side and wait behind the safety barrier, far away from moving traffic.

Step 2: Know When to Call 999

You do not need to call the police for every minor incident. However, you should call 999 immediately if:

• Anyone is injured or complains of pain.
• The road is blocked, or the accident has created a dangerous situation.
• The other driver is aggressive, under the influence, or you suspect they are uninsured.
• The other driver refuses to stop or provide their details.

If the incident is non-urgent but requires a police record (e.g., the other driver won't share details), you can call the 101 non-emergency number.

Step 3: Gather Evidence (And Never Admit Fault)

This is the most critical step for ensuring the process is smooth. Stay calm, be polite, but never apologise or say "it was my fault." Simply state the facts as you know them.

You must stop and exchange details with the other driver. If you fail to do so, you could be committing an offence.

Your Essential Evidence Checklist

• Other Driver's Details: Get their full name, address, and phone number.
• Insurance Details: Ask for the name of their insurance company and their policy number.
• Vehicle Details: Note the car's make, model, colour, and registration number.
• Scene Photos: Take pictures of both cars, the damage, the road layout, and any tyre marks.
• Witnesses: If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and number.
• Dashcam Footage: If you have a dashcam, save the file immediately.

The Next 24 Hours: Taking Control of Your Vehicle & Repairs

You’re home, the adrenaline has faded, and now you have a damaged car and a lot of questions. This is where most people make mistakes that cost them time and money.

Here is what to do after a non fault accident to protect yourself and your livelihood.

Step 4: You Must Inform Your Insurer (This Isn't Making a Claim)

This is the most important and least understood step. Yes, you must tell your insurer about the accident. It is a condition of your policy, even if it wasn't your fault and you have no intention of claiming.

However, informing them is not the same as starting a claim with them.

Think of it this way: informing your insurer is like notifying the council your bin is full (for their records). If your house is on fire, you call the fire brigade for immediate, practical help. For a non-fault accident, a specialist coordinator is the "fire brigade" for your vehicle.

The government-backed MoneyHelper service confirms this. On their "How to make a car insurance claim" page, they state: "You must tell your insurer about any accident, even if you don't want to make a claim." This is for "information only."

You are not obligated to use their approved repairer or their courtesy car.

Step 5: Arrange 24/7 Recovery and Secure Storage

If your car isn't drivable, you can't leave it at the side of the road. The at-fault insurer is liable for these costs, but arranging this through them can be slow.

A specialist post-accident service can arrange for 24/7 recovery of your vehicle. This gets your car off the road and moved to a secure storage facility, preventing fines or further damage.

Step 6: Get Your Replacement Vehicle (Your Critical Right)

This is the biggest pain point for most drivers, especially those who rely on their vehicle for work.

The 'Courtesy Car' Trap

When you call your insurer, they may offer you a "courtesy car." This is often a small, 1.0-litre hatchback. This is a huge problem if:

• You're a London Taxi Driver: You need a TfL-plated, PCO-compliant vehicle. A small hatchback is useless.
• You're a Van Driver: You need a van of the same size to continue your delivery or trade work.
• You Drive an EV: You need an EV replacement, especially for ULEZ-compliant journeys.
• You Drive a Prestige Car: You are entitled to a replacement of a similar standard, not a basic model.

Your Right to a 'Like-for-Like' Vehicle

The law is on your side. After a non-fault accident, you are entitled to be put back in the same position you were in before the crash. This includes the right to a "like-for-like" replacement vehicle, paid for by the at-fault driver's insurance.

This is where a specialist coordinator excels. Instead of a "courtesy car," we arrange a true, like-for-like replacement—a plated taxi, a correct-size van, an EV, or a prestige car. For many drivers, this is delivered within 24 hours of the accident, so your life isn't disrupted.

Step 7: Choose Your Vehicle Repairer

Your insurer may try to "direct" you to their "approved network" of garages. These are garages they have a deal with, often to keep costs low.

Your Right to a Manufacturer-Standard Repair

You have the right to choose your own repairer. This is vital if you have a newer car, a prestige vehicle, or want to protect its warranty. You can insist on a manufacturer-approved garage that uses genuine parts.

A post-accident coordinator can manage this entire process for you, booking your car into a high-quality, manufacturer-standard garage and handling the paperwork with the at-fault insurer.

Your Top 3 Questions Answered

This is often the most confusing part of what to do after a non fault accident. Let's clear it up.

Will a non-fault accident affect my no-claims bonus?

Informing your insurer of a non-fault incident should not affect your no-claims bonus. However, if you claim on your own policy (e.g., to use their repairer), your insurer may hold your bonus until they recover their costs from the at-fault party, which can take months.

Do I have to pay my excess on a non-fault claim?

No. You only pay an excess when you make a claim on your own policy. As the other driver was at fault, their insurer is responsible for 100% of the costs. This is one of the main reasons drivers use a specialist coordinator—to ensure they have no upfront costs.

How is a "coordinator" different from a "claims company"?

This is a critical distinction. A "Claims Management Company" (CMC) typically deals with regulated financial or personal injury claims.

We are not a CMC. Accident Assist Network is an independent post-accident services coordinator. We do not handle Personal Injury or provide financial advice. Our sole focus is the practical, physical logistics of the vehicle—recovery, replacement hire, and repair management 1.

Conclusion: Your Path Back to Normal (1 Call, We Sort It All)

The moments after a non-fault accident are stressful, confusing, and filled with worry. But knowing what to do after a non fault accident is about knowing your rights. You have the right to a like-for-like car, the right to choose your repairer, and the right to not be left out of pocket.

You don't have to navigate the confusing calls and insurance-speak alone. The key is to remember you have options beyond just your own insurer—options that are often faster and better suited to your real-world needs.

Service Note & 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.

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