Can I drive my car after an accident?
You can only drive your car after an accident if it’s roadworthy, safe, and legal to operate. In the UK, that means it must have no dangerous defects and meet all MOT standards—even after a minor collision.
Whether it’s a light scrape in a car park or a more serious impact at a junction, your first instinct might be to carry on driving. But what you do next affects your legal position, your insurance cover, and your safety on the road.
Even damage that looks cosmetic could hide problems—like compromised brakes, cracked lights, fluid leaks, or weakened steering components. Driving a car that’s no longer roadworthy could invalidate your car insurance and land you with points or a fine if you’re stopped by police.
This guide walks you through the checks, the legal considerations, and the insurance risks of driving post-collision. You’ll learn how to spot safety issues, when to call your insurer, and what to do if you’re unsure whether it’s safe—or legal—to drive.
What does the law say about driving after an accident in the UK?
UK law requires you to stop, exchange details, and ensure your vehicle remains roadworthy before driving it again. Driving a car in a dangerous condition is a criminal offence—even after a minor accident.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, you’re legally obliged to stop at the scene of an accident if there’s injury, damage to another vehicle, or damage to property. You must exchange your name, address, and insurance details with the other party. If you don’t, you must report the incident to the police within 24 hours.
But what many drivers overlook is this: even if you’re not at fault and your car “seems fine,” it’s your responsibility to make sure the vehicle is safe to drive. If you continue driving with:
- A dislodged bumper
- Broken lights
- Leaking fluids
- Damaged steering, suspension, or braking systems
…you could be fined, receive penalty points, or even face prosecution for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition. That applies whether you’re heading home or just moving the car.
Do not drive if your car has:
- Warning lights on the dash
- Cracked or smashed headlights
- Misaligned wheels or dragging suspension
- Leaking coolant, oil, or brake fluid
If you’re unsure, treat the car as off-road until inspected.
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Get QuotesHow do you know if your car is safe to drive after an accident?
You should only drive your car after an accident if you’re confident it has no safety-critical damage. If there’s any doubt, have it inspected by a professional before taking it on the road.
Some damage is obvious. A shredded tyre, deployed airbag, or collapsed suspension is a clear no-go. But other issues aren’t so easy to spot. Internal damage to your steering column, alignment problems, or brake line fractures may not show up until you’re already on the move—and by then, it’s too late.
Do a walk-around check before you consider driving:
- Are all four tyres fully inflated and undamaged?
- Do all lights, indicators, and brake lights work?
- Is the steering straight, or pulling to one side?
- Is the bonnet, boot, and fuel cap securely closed?
- Are there any warning lights illuminated on the dashboard?
Even cosmetic damage can mask a serious problem. A dent near the wheel arch might have pushed something into the suspension. A cracked headlight can mean reduced visibility—and make you unroadworthy under MOT rules.
Quick inspection checklist:
- All lights functional
- No fluids leaking under the car
- Brakes feel normal—not soft or spongy
- No unusual noises, rattles, or warning lights
- Steering and wheels aligned properly
If you’re not 100% sure, don’t guess. Call your insurer or a recovery service. It’s better to be cautious than to drive something unsafe.
Can driving a damaged car invalidate my insurance?
Yes. If you drive a car after an accident and it’s later deemed unroadworthy, your insurer may refuse to pay out—or cancel your cover entirely.
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, it’s your responsibility to make sure the vehicle is safe to use. Most insurance policies include a clause that requires your car to be kept in a roadworthy condition. If you’re involved in another incident and it turns out the car had unsafe damage from the earlier crash, your claim could be denied.
This risk isn’t just theoretical.
A driver has a low-speed rear-end shunt and continues driving with a cracked brake light and slight wheel alignment issue. Days later, they’re involved in another incident. The insurer investigates and finds that the car was unsafe to drive post-accident—result: claim rejected.
Your insurer might also view continued use of the vehicle as a failure to mitigate further damage—a technical way of saying you made things worse. That could reduce or void any payout, even if they do honour the claim.
If in doubt, call your insurer immediately after the crash. Some policies require the car to be assessed before it can be driven again.
Important:
- Driving a car that fails to meet MOT standards after a crash could also lead to police penalties
- Some insurers will automatically void your cover if the vehicle is used against their post-accident instructions
What if the accident wasn’t your fault? can you still drive?
Even if the crash wasn’t your fault, you can only drive your car if it’s still roadworthy. Fault doesn’t affect legal safety standards—or your responsibility to follow them.
It’s easy to assume that being the victim gives you more leeway. It doesn’t. If your vehicle is damaged—even slightly—you must inspect it thoroughly and follow the same rules as anyone else. That means checking it’s safe, notifying your insurer, and waiting for an assessment if advised.
Your insurer may send an engineer to assess the vehicle’s damage, especially if you’re claiming against the other party. If they instruct you not to drive the car until it’s been inspected, ignore that at your peril—doing so could invalidate your claim.
In some cases, you may be offered a courtesy car while your vehicle is being examined or repaired. But this depends on your policy and whether you’re claiming through your own insurer or the other party’s.
So yes, you can still drive if you’re not at fault—but only if the car is safe, legal, and your insurer hasn’t told you otherwise.
Do you need to tell the DVLA or MOT centre after a crash?
You only need to inform the DVLA if your car is written off, scrapped, or sold following the accident. You don’t need to tell them about minor damage or routine repairs.
If your insurer writes off the car, they’ll usually contact the DVLA on your behalf—but it’s still your legal responsibility to make sure the record is updated. This is especially important if you decide to keep the car and repair it yourself, sell it, or take it off the road.
You can update your V5C logbook and notify the DVLA using their online services. If the car is no longer in use, you may also be entitled to a tax refund.
If the vehicle is categorised as a write-off (Category S or N), you don’t need a new MOT to drive it again, but the car must be repaired to a roadworthy standard. Driving it in unsafe condition can still lead to fines, penalty points, or insurance issues.
You don’t need to inform your MOT centre directly, but if the damage affects any safety-critical systems—brakes, lights, suspension, tyres—you should arrange for a full safety inspection before driving again.
DVLA action summary:
- Update your V5C if the car is scrapped, written off, or sold
- Apply for a tax refund if the car is off the road
- Declare SORN if the vehicle won’t be driven
- Keep documentation if the car is declared a write-off (Cat S or N)
Related Read: What are car insurance write-off categories (Cat A, B, S & N)?
What should you do before driving your car again?
Before you drive your car after an accident, you should inspect it for obvious damage, check it drives as expected, and get a professional assessment if anything feels off. Even minor issues can become dangerous at speed.
Not all post-accident problems are visible. Your bumper may pop back into place, but the steering or suspension could be out of line. A cracked light might work in daylight but get you pulled over at night. That’s why a careful pre-drive check is essential.
Before driving:
- Walk around the car and inspect each panel, wheel, and light
- Turn the engine on and check for warning lights
- Test brakes, clutch, and steering in a safe off-road area (like a driveway or quiet side street)
- Ensure the bonnet, boot, and doors all close and lock properly
- Listen for new rattles, pulling, or steering issues as you move off
If your insurer has advised against driving—or is sending an assessor—wait for their instruction before moving the vehicle. Driving prematurely could invalidate your cover or complicate a claim.
If anything doesn’t feel right, don’t risk it. Arrange a professional inspection from a garage or request recovery. A quick test isn’t worth compromising your safety or your insurance.
Final thoughts
Whether the damage looks serious or not, never assume your car is safe to drive after an accident. If there’s even the slightest doubt—don’t risk it.
In the UK, the responsibility to make sure your car is roadworthy falls squarely on you. That applies regardless of who caused the crash, how fast you were going, or whether the damage seems cosmetic. A cracked headlight or misaligned wheel can be enough to invalidate your insurance—or worse, put lives at risk.
If your insurer tells you not to drive, follow their instructions. If you’re not sure whether the vehicle is safe, get a professional to check it before you turn the key. And if you do decide to drive, make sure you’ve documented everything first—photos, details, and visible condition—so you’re protected if the situation escalates later.
Driving after an accident isn’t just about whether the car moves—it’s about whether it should.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, if the bumper is securely attached and doesn’t pose a safety risk. But if it’s loose, obstructs your lights or tyres, or might fall off—it’s not legal or safe to drive.
You could be fined, receive penalty points, or even be prosecuted for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition under the Road Traffic Act.
Yes. Faulty or damaged lights breach MOT standards. Even a small crack that affects brightness or colour can make the car unroadworthy.
Yes. Most UK insurers require you to report any accident, regardless of fault or intention to claim. Not reporting can invalidate your policy.
Only if it’s safe and roadworthy. If there’s any doubt—call your insurer or breakdown service before attempting to drive.
Not always. But if any damage affects systems covered by the MOT (brakes, suspension, emissions), a safety check or fresh test may be wise.
Only if the car is roadworthy and your insurer hasn’t advised against it. If they’ve told you to wait, driving could affect your claim.
If it causes further damage, your insurer may reduce or reject the payout—especially if the car should have been recovered, not driven.