A small bump does not automatically require a police report. It is sensible to still tell your insurer about an accident in accordance with your cover terms, even if you do not intend to make a claim.
does the insurer need a police report number?
- Not for every minor accident.
- If police are involved, keep any incident or reference number they give you.
- It can be useful if the circumstances are disputed, the other driver cannot be traced, someone is injured or there is an allegation of an offence.
When must an accident be reported?
If an accident on a road or other public place causes injury or damage, the driver must stop and provide the required details to someone who has reasonable grounds to ask for them. These include the driver's name and address and the vehicle registration number.
- The owner's name and address must also be supplied if the driver is not the car owner.
- If those details are not given at the scene, the accident must be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within 24 hours.
- Where another person is injured, there are extra requirements concerning evidence of insurance.
- Contact the police rather than relying on assumptions about whether the incident is “minor” if you are in any doubt after an injury collision.
Do you need the police for every minor collision?
No.
What if the other driver leaves or refuses details?
If the other driver fails to stop, refuses to provide the required information or leaves before details may be exchanged, report the incident to the police. Make a note of the registration number, car description, location, direction of travel and anything else you may remember.
If you suspect the other car is uninsured, GOV.UK also advises telling the police. Your insurance provider can explain what information it needs and whether any other route for compensation may apply.
What should you record at the scene?
Even after a very small collision, write down the basic facts while they are fresh. Take photographs if it is safe to do so.
- Useful information includes the position of the vehicles, visible damage, registration numbers, the road layout, weather conditions and contact details for any witnesses.
- Avoid arguing about blame at the roadside.
- A factual record is much more useful to the insurers later.
- Exchange names and addresses and, where possible, insurance details.
What to do after a minor bump
The deciding factor is not how expensive the damage looks.
Useful official information
For rules, complaints or database checks, these official sources are useful:
A scrape can still need reporting if the required details were not exchanged, while a more costly collision might not require a separate police report if everyone has complied with the legal requirements and no other reporting condition applies. For rules, complaints or database checks, these official sources are useful:
- Stop somewhere safe if possible.
- Check whether anyone is injured.
- Exchange the legally required details.
- Photograph the vehicles and surroundings if it is safe.
- Report the matter to the police when the legal reporting requirements apply.
- Tell your insurer promptly, even if you hope to settle the damage without making an claim.
- GOV.UK: what to do after a road accident
