How do the police deal with motor vehicle accidents?

If you’ve been in a car accident recently, you may have a lot of questions about what to do next. It is always important that you inform the appropriate emergency services of the accident if necessary. In this guide, we will explain how the police deal with car accidents and when you need to talk to the police.

Failing to report a car accident to the police

In accidents where damage occurs to a vehicle or both vehicles, they do not have to be reported to the police immediately, unless, of course, emergency services are required at the scene. However, they need to be reported within 24 hours and the police usually wish to see insurance details, a driver’s licence and MOT certificate.

If the driver has stopped and exchanged details with the other driver after an accident, there is no need to make a police report. However, in cases where contact details have not been exchanged, failing to report an accident is a criminal offence and you could be fined and/or prosecuted. You could end up with points on a licence, a fine of up to £5,000, disqualification, or in serious cases, a prison sentence of up to six months.

When should I call 999?

• Someone is in danger
• Someone has been seriously injured
• You believe a serious offence has been committed
• The collision has caused a blockage/dangerous obstruction of the road

How to report a collision?

You can report a collision online or at a police station:

Report it online

Once you have submitted your form, download a copy for your records and make a note of the form reference number.

Report it at a police station

You are not required to take any documents with you - all details can be found electronically.

What happens after reporting a collision?

Once you’ve reported the accident, your report will be assessed and you'll only be contacted if something further is needed from you (for example, a witness statement, for you to attend court etc.). You can use the reference number as a police reference for insurance purposes.

If you have made an allegation, the following may happen:

• The allegation will not be pursued and the reporter won't be contacted.
• Action will be taken and a Notice of Intended Prosecution issued to the alleged perpetrator (which will happen without the reporting person being contacted).
• Only in the unlikely event of the matter going to court will the reporting person need to be contacted.

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