How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurer?
Most UK insurance providers expect you to report a car accident within 24 hours—even if you don’t plan to make a claim.
Some policies allow 48 hours, but delaying any longer could put your cover at risk.
It’s a detail that catches many drivers off guard. The accident is minor, nobody was hurt, and both parties seem to agree on what happened—so the temptation is to leave it alone. But from an insurer’s perspective, early notification isn’t optional. It’s a requirement.
Every policy includes a clause that defines how soon you must inform your insurer after a collision. Miss that window—even by a day—and your claim could be denied, or worse, your policy could be voided entirely. And if the other party later makes a claim you didn’t expect, you’ll be on the back foot with no formal report to support your version of events.
This article explains how accident reporting works in the UK—what the law requires, what your insurer expects, and what happens if you don’t act in time. Whether you’re involved in a serious crash or a parking bump, knowing the deadlines could save you from losing your cover when you need it most.
What are the legal obligations after a car accident in the UK?
Legally, you must stop after any accident involving damage or injury, and you’re required to exchange details with all parties involved.
If that’s not possible at the scene, you must report the incident to the police within 24 hours.
This obligation comes from Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. It applies even if the damage seems minor or nobody appears injured. Driving away without providing your name, address, and insurance details can be classed as failing to stop or report an accident—a criminal offence punishable by penalty points, fines, or even disqualification.
You must also report the incident to the police within 24 hours if you didn’t exchange details at the scene—for example, if the other party left or there was damage to property with no one present (like a parked car or fence).
Even if no one is injured, these rules apply. And if someone is hurt, you’re legally required to produce your insurance certificate at the scene, or within 7 days at a police station.
These legal duties are separate from insurance policy terms—but failing to meet them can impact any future claim and potentially result in prosecution.
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Get QuotesWhat are the insurance policy requirements when reporting an accident?
Most UK insurers require you to report any accident within 24 to 48 hours—even if you’re not planning to make a claim.
This includes minor collisions, no-fault incidents, or crashes involving uninsured drivers.
Every car insurance policy includes a notification clause. It’s usually buried in the small print, but it’s binding. If you fail to report the incident within the timeframe set out in your policy, you may find that your insurer:
- Rejects your claim entirely
- Cancels or voids your cover
- Increases your excess or premium due to “non-disclosure”
Even if you don’t want to claim, your insurer still wants to log the event in case the other party reports it later. If their insurer contacts yours and you haven’t mentioned the incident, you’re already at a disadvantage.
Some insurers are flexible if you miss the deadline by a few hours—but that’s not guaranteed. And if the delay stretches beyond a day or two, especially with no good reason, you risk breaching your contract.
The safest move? Notify your insurer immediately after any accident, even if it seems minor. Let them record the facts, assess your risk, and guide next steps—because silence can cost you more than damage ever did.
What happens if you don’t report an accident promptly?
Failing to report an accident promptly can lead to denied claims, increased premiums, policy cancellation, or even legal consequences.
The longer the delay, the harder it is to defend your position.
Insurers treat delayed reporting seriously. It raises red flags about whether details are being withheld or altered. If you’re involved in an accident—even a minor one—and don’t notify your provider within their stated window (often 24 to 48 hours), you could find:
- Your claim is rejected outright
- Your policy is voided for “failure to disclose”
- Your premium is hiked at renewal for non-disclosure
- Your insurer refuses to defend you if the other party later makes a claim
It’s not just about paperwork. If another driver files a report and you haven’t, you’ll have no official version of events to back you up. That weakens your position—even if you weren’t at fault.
In serious cases, not reporting could breach your duty under the Road Traffic Act—particularly if injury or third-party damage was involved and no details were exchanged.
Real-world example? A driver fails to report a low-speed collision, thinking it’s sorted. A week later, the other party claims whiplash. With no insurer record and no prompt response, that driver ends up paying excess—and sometimes more.
Reporting quickly protects you, even if you’re not claiming.
Do you need to report minor accidents or if you’re not making a claim?
Yes, you still need to report an accident to your insurer even if it’s minor or you don’t plan to make a claim.
Most insurance policies make this a contractual requirement.
It’s easy to think a low-speed bump or scratched bumper doesn’t matter—especially if you and the other driver agree to “sort it privately.” But if anything changes—if the other party makes a claim days or weeks later—you’ll be on the back foot if your insurer wasn’t informed from the outset.
Insurers don’t expect you to make a claim for every scrape. But they do expect transparency. If you fail to report an incident and someone later alleges injury or damage, your insurer might refuse to support you—on the basis that you breached policy terms.
There’s also the question of future renewals. If you don’t report an incident now, but it comes up in a third-party claim later, your “no claims” status may be revoked, or your honesty questioned when applying elsewhere.
What steps should you take when reporting an accident to your insurer?
To report an accident properly, you’ll need to provide key details quickly, clearly, and accurately.
The way you handle this first contact can shape how your claim—or your cover—plays out.
Here’s what to do:
- Gather essential details at the scene:
– Names, addresses, and insurance info for all parties
– Registration numbers
– Time, date, and location
– Photos of damage, road layout, and weather conditions
– Any witness names and contact information - Decide how you’ll report the accident:
– Most insurers allow you to notify them via phone, mobile app, or online portal
– Some offer 24/7 helplines—ideal for immediate logging, even outside business hours - Stick to the facts:
– Avoid admitting fault
– Be honest and consistent about what happened
– Don’t speculate—just provide what you know - Submit supporting documents if needed:
– Dashcam footage
– Repair estimates
– Police reference numbers (if applicable)
Your insurer will usually give you a reference number and confirm next steps—whether that means booking repairs, waiting for third-party contact, or simply logging the report.
A fast, clear report keeps things on your side—and shows your insurer you’ve taken responsibility, even when you’re not at fault.
Final thoughts
Reporting an accident isn’t just a formality. It’s part of your contract—and your defence.
Whether the incident was your fault, theirs, or no one’s, what you do in the hours after it happens can shape the outcome months down the line. A short call, a quick online form, even just a logged note with your insurer—it’s not about claiming, it’s about protecting your position.
Too many drivers get caught out by waiting, assuming it’s “not worth the hassle.” Until it is. Until the other driver changes their mind. Until you’re questioned. Until you’re denied cover because you didn’t tick the box that said, “Tell us straight away.”
The process is straightforward. The consequences of ignoring it are not.
So don’t delay. If it’s happened—report it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most insurers require you to report an accident within 24 to 48 hours—even if you’re not making a claim.
You risk claim denial, increased premiums, or even policy cancellation. It can also weaken your legal position if a dispute arises later.
Yes. Almost all insurance policies require you to report every accident, regardless of how small or who was at fault.
Yes. Informing your insurer protects you in case the other party later files a claim you weren’t expecting.
You’ll need details of the other driver(s), photos of the scene, registration numbers, the time and place of the incident, and any witness details.
Yes. Failing to report an accident in the required timeframe could breach your policy terms and invalidate cover.
Reporting doesn’t always affect your premium—but making a claim, or being found at fault, likely will. Failure to report can cause even more serious consequences.
No. Most insurers now offer online portals or mobile apps where you can log an incident quickly and securely.