When someone hits your car, it is easy to feel pressured into quick decisions, especially if you believe you are not to blame. In the UK, the actions you take in the first hour can make a real difference to how smoothly your non-fault accident is handled, from evidence and insurance reporting through to safe, proper repairs. This guide explains what to do next if someone has hit your car in the UK, with practical steps you can follow at the roadside and in the days after.

1) Check safety first and avoid further risk

Your first priority is safety. If the vehicles are creating a danger, and it is safe to do so, move to a safer position. Put your hazard lights on and assess whether anyone is injured.

  • If anyone is injured, call 999.
  • If the road is blocked or there is a danger to other drivers, call the police using 999 for emergencies or 101 for non-emergencies, depending on the situation.
  • Do not stand in live traffic lanes to take photos or exchange details.

Even if the damage looks minor, treat the scene seriously. Low-speed impacts can still cause hidden damage to bumpers, sensors, lights, and mountings.

2) Exchange details properly (and do not rely on a quick photo)

After a collision, you should exchange details with the other driver. This is a key part of protecting your position when you later report the incident as an insurance claim after an accident.

Try to collect:

  • Full name, address, and contact number
  • Vehicle registration
  • Make and model
  • Insurance provider and policy number (if available)
  • The address where the vehicle is normally kept (useful if it differs from their home address)

If the other driver says they are not the owner, ask for the owner’s details as well. If you feel uncomfortable, stay calm and keep the discussion factual. Do not argue about blame at the roadside.

3) Record evidence while it is fresh

Good evidence helps insurers and repairers understand what happened, particularly where there is a dispute later. Use your phone to record the scene clearly.

Photos and video to capture

  • Both vehicles in position (if safe), showing road layout and markings
  • Close-ups of damage on both vehicles
  • Number plates
  • Any debris, skid marks, or broken parts on the road
  • Weather, lighting, and any relevant signage

Also make a short note for yourself as soon as you can, including time, location, direction of travel, and what you recall happening. If there are witnesses, ask for their name and number. A brief, neutral witness account can be helpful.

4) Consider whether the police should be informed

Not every minor collision requires police attendance. However, you should contact the police if:

  • The other driver leaves the scene without giving details
  • You suspect drink or drug driving
  • There is aggressive behaviour or you feel unsafe
  • The collision causes a significant obstruction or danger

If the other driver fails to provide details, you must report the incident to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within 24 hours.

5) Notify your insurer, even if you think it is clearly not your fault

Many policies require you to report incidents. This can be true even if you do not intend to claim. Check your policy wording and do not delay.

When you speak to your insurer, keep to the facts. Explain that you believe it is a non-fault accident and that you have evidence. Ask what they need from you and how repairs will be managed.

You may also be contacted by third parties. Be cautious about agreeing to anything on the spot. If you are unsure, take time to understand what is being offered and how it affects your claim, your excess, and your choice of repair route.

6) Decide how your vehicle will be repaired

After you have reported the collision, you will usually have options for repair. What is best depends on your circumstances, the extent of the damage, and how your insurer intends to manage the process.

In many non-fault situations, the cost of repairs is ultimately recovered from the at-fault insurer, but the route taken can affect timescales and administration. If your car is not safe to drive, you should not continue using it. Safety issues can include misaligned bumpers, loose panels, exposed wiring, coolant leaks, or warning lights.

If you would like a clear view of the damage before decisions are made, we can inspect the vehicle and provide a written assessment. You can arrange this through our free repair estimate service. This can be particularly useful where damage appears minor but may involve brackets, impact bars, parking sensors, or ADAS-related components behind the bumper.

7) Keep an eye on common pressure points

When someone has hit your car, it can feel like you need to accept the quickest solution available. It is worth taking a moment to understand a few areas that commonly cause problems later.

Your excess and upfront payments

Depending on how the claim is handled, you may be asked to pay an excess if you claim through your own insurer. In some circumstances, that cost may be recoverable later, but it is not automatic. Ask how and when recovery is pursued and what evidence is required.

Replacement vehicle arrangements

If your vehicle is not usable, you may need a replacement vehicle. The terms matter. Ask who is providing it, who is paying initially, and what your responsibilities are (for example, fuel, insurance, and return conditions). If costs are being recovered from the at-fault insurer, cooperation and accurate information are important.

Repair quality and hidden damage

Modern vehicles often have sensors, cameras, and radar equipment in bumpers and windscreens. A minor impact can affect fitment or calibration requirements. If warning lights appear or driver assistance features behave differently after the collision, treat it as a sign that the damage may be more than cosmetic.

8) What to do over the next 48 hours

Once you are home and safe, these practical steps help keep things on track:

  • Write down a clear timeline while it is still fresh.
  • Save photos and back them up.
  • Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket costs that relate directly to the incident (for example, temporary recovery or essential travel).
  • If your car is driveable but you notice changes in steering, braking, or warning lights, stop using it and arrange an inspection.

If you are based in or around Caversham or Abingdon, local roads and commuting routes can be busy at peak times. Collisions often happen in slow traffic or at junctions, where fault can still be disputed. Clear evidence and prompt reporting reduce the scope for confusion later.

Bringing it together: a calm next step if you are not at fault

If someone hit your car, you do not need to solve everything at the roadside. Focus on safety, exchange details, and gather solid evidence. Then report the incident promptly and make repair decisions based on clear information, not pressure.

If you would like guidance on the non-fault repair process and what happens next, we can talk you through the practical steps and the typical documentation needed. You can start here: non-fault accident repairs support.