What to do if you’re in a car accident

Last updated: September 2026

Key takeaways

• Check for injuries and call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency
• Keep yourself and others as safe as possible around traffic
• Exchange driver contact, licence and vehicle details
• Record what happened and take photos if it is safe to do so
• Check local reporting requirements, then contact your insurer if needed

Being involved in a car accident can leave you with a lot to think about at once. Start with the essentials: stop, check whether anyone is hurt and if it’s safe to do so, move away from traffic or other immediate hazards.

Once any immediate safety concerns are under control, you can focus on the practical next steps. If you’re insured with Real Car Insurance, knowing where to find your policy details can help you work through what comes next.

Here’s a simple car accident checklist to help you work through what to do after a car accident.

1. Stop and check for injuries

Stop your vehicle and check yourself, your passengers and other people involved.

Call Triple Zero (000) if anyone needs urgent medical help, there is an immediate danger, or you need emergency police, fire or ambulance assistance. Follow the emergency operator’s instructions.

Avoid putting yourself at risk by walking or standing in active traffic.

2. Get to a safer position if you can

If no one is seriously injured and it is safe to do so, you may be able to move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic. Requirements can depend on the circumstances and where the accident happened.

NSW Police, for example, tells drivers to keep safe and move away from traffic, while South Australia Police advises that a vehicle may be moved to a safe location when no one has been killed or seriously injured, and it is safe to do so.

3. Check whether you need to contact police

When to call police after a car accident depends partly on your state or territory and what happened.

Call 000 for an emergency. For non-urgent crashes, police attendance and reporting rules vary. Queensland, NSW and the ACT, for example, have different criteria covering matters such as injuries, traffic hazards, suspected alcohol or drug involvement, vehicles that cannot be moved and drivers who do not exchange details. ACT requirements also include reporting collisions within 24 hours.

Check the current requirements with the police or road authority in the state or territory where the accident occurred.

4. Exchange details with the other driver

A practical list of what details to exchange after a car accident includes:

• full name, address and phone number
• vehicle make and model
• vehicle registration number
• driver licence details (if it’s easier, you could take clear photos of the front and back of their licence)
• vehicle owner details, if different from the driver
• insurer details, where available

The exact information you are legally required to provide may vary by jurisdiction, so check your local rules.

5. Record useful information at the scene

If it is safe, note the date, time and exact location, the vehicles involved and what you remember happening.

If your car is towed from the scene, keep the towing provider’s details and a copy of any form you sign.

You could also record road, weather and light conditions, nearby traffic signs or signals, witness contact details and any police reference number. These are among the types of information authorities may request in a collision report.

Photos can also help you keep a clear record. Only if it is safe to do so, consider photographing vehicle damage, registration plates and the wider scene. Never step into traffic or another unsafe location just to take a photo.

6. What to do after leaving the scene

Once you are somewhere safe:

• complete any police report required in your state or territory
• keep your notes, photos and reference numbers together
• seek medical advice if you feel unwell or are concerned about an injury
• check your policy and insurer’s instructions if you plan to make a car accident insurance claim.

If you’re insured with Real Car Insurance, you can visit the Car Insurance claims page to find out how to make a claim and what information you may need.

Keep reading: Navigate common questions about car insurance

7. Be prepared before an accident happens

A little preparation can make an unexpected situation easier to manage. Keep your insurer and policy information somewhere accessible, make sure your phone has an emergency contact set up and consider keeping a basic first aid kit and charger in your car.

It can also be useful to understand your car insurance cover and features before you need to use them, including any limits, exclusions or excesses that may apply.

If you use an optional roadside service, save its contact details too. Roadside Assistance is a separate optional service designed for common breakdown-related motoring problems.

Explore your options

Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you feel more prepared if the unexpected happens. Keep safety as your first priority, follow any reporting requirements that apply and keep a clear record of the accident and relevant details.

It can also be a good time to review your current car insurance and consider what cover may suit your needs in the future. Learn more about Real Car Insurance.

Frequently asked questions

What information should I get after a car accident?

Record the other driver’s name, contact details, registration and relevant vehicle details. Driver licence and insurer information can also be useful. Note the time, location and what happened, and collect witness details where possible.

Do I need to call police after a minor car accident?

Not necessarily. Police attendance and reporting requirements vary across Australia and depend on factors such as injuries, hazards, towing and whether drivers exchange details. Check the police or road authority requirements for the state or territory where the accident happened.

Should I move my car after an accident?

If no one is seriously injured and it is safe and permitted to do so, moving the vehicle away from active traffic may reduce further risk. Circumstances and local requirements vary, so follow any directions from police or emergency services.

Should I take photos after a car accident?

Photos can help you keep a record of vehicle damage and the surrounding scene. Only take them when it is safe. Avoid standing in traffic or putting yourself or anyone else at risk to get a particular photo.

When should I contact my car insurer after an accident?

Deal with immediate safety and any required police reporting first. Then check your policy and insurer’s claims instructions and contact them as appropriate. Real Insurance customers can currently lodge a claim online through My Account or call 13 19 48.