Do I have to use the recovery firm that turns up at the scene?

No. You can choose your own recovery company, and doing so can help you avoid inflated or unclear charges sometimes associated with unsolicited attendance.

Will I have to pay for recovery if it wasn't my fault?

In many cases these costs can ultimately be recovered from the at-fault party's insurer, but this depends on the circumstances and how the claim is handled — check with your insurer.

How quickly do I need to report the accident to police?

If details weren't exchanged at the scene or anyone was injured, you must generally report it within 24 hours.

Non-Fault Accident: What to Do and Who Pays

Safety first, always

If anyone is injured or the road is blocked, call 999. If it's safe to do so and the vehicles are driveable, the Highway Code recommends moving to a safe place off the carriageway before exchanging details, to avoid a secondary collision.

Exchange details and gather evidence

Take names, contact details, registration numbers, insurance details, and photos of both vehicles, the road layout, and any relevant signage or damage. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details too — this can matter later if liability is disputed.

Report it to the police if required

You're legally required to report an accident to the police if you don't exchange details at the scene, if anyone is injured, or if you suspect the other driver may be uninsured or has left without stopping — this must generally be done within 24 hours.

Tell your insurer even if it wasn't your fault

Most policies require you to report any accident, regardless of fault, even if you don't intend to claim. Failing to do so can cause problems later if the other party later disputes what happened.

Recovery after a non-fault accident

If your car isn't driveable, you can arrange recovery yourself and, in many non-fault claims, recover reasonable recovery and storage costs from the at-fault driver's insurer — sometimes directly, sometimes via your own insurer or a credit hire company. Keep every invoice and receipt, as these form part of your claim.

Be cautious of unsolicited 'helpers' at the scene

After a crash, especially on a motorway, you may be approached by third parties offering recovery or claims management services. You are not obliged to use anyone who turns up uninvited — you're entitled to choose your own recovery provider and it's usually safer and cheaper to arrange this yourself or via your insurer.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use the recovery firm that turns up at the scene?: No. You can choose your own recovery company, and doing so can help you avoid inflated or unclear charges sometimes associated with unsolicited attendance.
Will I have to pay for recovery if it wasn't my fault?: In many cases these costs can ultimately be recovered from the at-fault party's insurer, but this depends on the circumstances and how the claim is handled — check with your insurer.
How quickly do I need to report the accident to police?: If details weren't exchanged at the scene or anyone was injured, you must generally report it within 24 hours.

Need help now? We are based in Oldbury and dispatch 24/7 across the West Midlands.

Call 07402 666 687

What to do after a non-fault accident