NCi has put together a simple step-by-step guide giving you information on what you should do in the event of being involved in a road traffic accident. These steps should be followed to help you through what can be a difficult time whilst also making sure your claim is settled as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Don’t leave the scene

You should always stop at the scene of an accident if you believe it has caused

• injuries to people or domestic animals

• damage to vehicles or roadside fixtures

Failure to stop for an accident could result in you being subject to criminal prosecution so make sure you stop.

Step 2: Do you need the emergency services?

• If any of the people involved in the accident are in need of urgent medical attention you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance

• If following the accident the road is blocked or damaged you should call 999 and ask for the police

• If someone leaves the scene of an accident without exchanging details you should call 999 and ask for the police

Step 3: Are there any witnesses?

You should attempt to get the names, addresses and vehicle registrations of any witnesses to the accident.

Step 4: Exchange details with other drivers

At the scene of an accident, it is important that all drivers involved exchange details. You should therefore look to obtain the following information from the drivers involved:

 
• Drivers name

• Drivers address

• Drivers contact telephone number

• Drivers license number

• Registration number

• Drivers insurance company and policy number

• Name of the owner of the vehicle, if not the driver, including their address, phone number and insurance details if known

In addition to obtaining information from all others drivers involved in the accident, you should also provide them with information about yourself.

When you exchange information with the other driver and give the facts to the police (should they attend the scene), do not feel obligated to admit responsibility for the accident. The things you say immediately following an accident may be used against you at a later date and whilst you may think you are responsible for the accident, you may later discover that the other driver caused the accident or was equally at fault.

Step 5: Make a sketch plan or take photographs

Try to make a sketch at the scene of the accident and remember to include as many details as you can. You should also look to make notes as to the time of day, weather conditions, road conditions, street lights and the presence or length of skid markets.

With many mobile phones now having cameras, you could also take photos at the scene of the accident but when doing so please make sure you are in a safe position.

Step 6: Additional information

It’s possible that you may think of other details which you feel maybe worth recording at the scene of the accident. For example, if the one of the drivers involved in the accident was using a mobile phone or was distracted in some other way.

Step 7: During Office Hours call the NCi Claims Department on 0191 482 1219

The NCi Claims Department can advise you about your insurance claim, arrange for a replacement car (subject to certain terms & conditions) and help you with any legal issues that arise. If you or any of your passengers have been injured, we may also be able to help you with a claim for compensation.

Injured? Contact NCi Claims Management or call 0191 482 1219 and ask to speak to the NCi Claims Manager Darren Suleman.

Step 8: Outside Office Hours you can report your accident directly to your Insurance Company

Whenever possible you should in the first instance look to report your accident to NCi by calling 0191 482 1219. We realize that you will sometimes have to report an incident outside of our normal office hours. In these circumstances you should consult you policy documents for information on your insurance companies emergency claims helpline number.

Some of these can be found below: