clipper with paper accident report printed

Do You Have To Report An Accident Even If You Are Not Claiming?

November 27, 2024

Imagine this: you're involved in a minor car accident, a little fender bender. No one seems hurt, and the damage appears minimal. You exchange details with the other driver and decide to handle things amicably without involving insurance companies. But then a nagging question pops into your head: do you have to report the accident even if you're not claiming? Let's clear up any confusion and explore the ins and outs of accident reporting in the UK.

Are You Legally Required to Report an Accident?

In the UK, the law requires you to report any road traffic accident to the police if it involves:

  • Injury to any person
  • Damage to another vehicle or property (other than the vehicles involved)
  • An incident where the other driver fails to stop or provide their details

If your accident meets any of these criteria, you must report it to the police as soon as possible and, in any case, within 24 hours. Failure to do so could result in fines, penalty points, or even prosecution.

Consequences of Failing to Report an Accident

Failing to report an accident when legally required can have serious consequences. You could face:

  • A fine of up to £5,000
  • Penalty points on your driving licence
  • Prosecution in court, potentially leading to a driving ban

It's always better to err on the side of caution and report the accident, even if you're unsure whether it meets the legal reporting requirements.

Do You Need to Report the Accident to Your Insurer If You Are Not Claiming?

Now, here's where things get a bit trickier. While you might not be legally obligated to report an accident to your insurer if you're not making a claim, it's often still a good idea.

What Insurers Expect After an Accident

Most insurance policies require you to inform your insurer of any accidents, regardless of whether you intend to claim. This is because it allows them to assess the situation and be aware of any potential future claims that might arise.

Why It’s Important to Inform Your Insurer

Even if you believe the accident is minor and won't result in a claim, it's wise to inform your insurer. There are a few reasons for this:

  • The other driver might change their mind: The other driver might initially agree to settle things amicably but later decide to make a claim against your insurance.
  • Hidden damage: There could be hidden damage to your vehicle or the other vehicle that isn't immediately apparent.
  • Protecting yourself: Informing your insurer creates a record of the accident, which can protect you in case of future disputes or complications.

How Reporting an Accident Affects Your Insurance

woman driver checking damages after a car accident while holding her mobile phone on her ear

Many drivers worry that reporting an accident, even without claiming, will increase their insurance premiums. Let's address this concern.

Will Reporting Increase Your Premiums?

Reporting an accident where you're not at fault and not making a claim is unlikely to significantly affect your premiums. However, if you were at fault, even a minor incident could lead to an increase at your next renewal.

What Happens If You Don’t Report?

Failing to report an accident, especially if the other party makes a claim, could lead to your insurer invalidating your policy. This could leave you with significant financial liabilities and difficulties obtaining insurance in the future.

Exceptions and Special Situations

There are a few exceptions and special situations to consider when it comes to accident reporting.

Minor Incidents and Reporting Requirements

For very minor incidents where there's no damage to any third-party property and only minor damage to the vehicles involved, you might not be legally required to report the accident to the police. However, it's still advisable to inform your insurer.

No-Fault Accidents and Reporting

If you're involved in a non fault accident, it's still important to gather information and potentially report the incident to your insurer, even if you're not at fault. This protects your interests and ensures you have a record of the event.

Steps to Take After an Accident Even If Not Claiming

Whether you're reporting the accident or not, there are a few essential steps to take after any incident:

Collect Information

Exchange details with the other driver, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information as well.

Notify Authorities

If the accident meets the legal reporting criteria, notify the police within 24 hours. If necessary, seek medical attention for any injuries. You can find out more about how long do you have to report an accident to your insurance provider online.

Final Thoughts 

While it might seem tempting to avoid reporting a minor accident if you're not claiming, it's often in your best interest to inform both the police (if required) and your insurance provider. This protects you from potential legal issues, future disputes, and ensures you have a record of the incident. If you have any further questions or need clarification on accident reporting, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to provide guidance and support to help you navigate any road traffic accident situation.