Do young drivers know what to do after a car accident?
We often talk about heading to the ‘bank of mum and dad’ when we’re needing help money wise, but it turns out finances aren’t the only thing Gen Z are having to ask their parents for help with.
In a bid to find out just how much the younger generation know when facing a road traffic accident, we at Group 1 surveyed 18-27 year olds to reveal whether they’re having to call mum and dad for help, and give some tips on what to do after a minor car accident in the UK.
Mum and dad to the rescue
Our survey found that just a quarter (26%) of Gen Zs’ wouldn’t be likely to ask their parents for help if they were in a road traffic accident, and would know what to do by themselves.
In fact, just 19% of Gen Z women said they would know what to do after a car accident and wouldn’t call their parents for help, meanwhile a third (33%) of Gen Z men said they wouldn’t ring mum or dad to ask for advice.
It makes sense to head to our parents as the first port of call for help. If it’s your first time experiencing a road traffic accident, it can feel overwhelming and stressful - and if you’re not familiar with your insurance policy or the next steps to take, sometimes it’ll be easier to go to a parent rather than anyone else!
For those who don’t know what to do when facing a minor car accident, we’ve put together a step by step guide you can use, just in case your parent’s phone is going straight to voicemail.

What to do immediately after a road traffic accident
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Stop your car
If you’re in a road traffic collision - you must pull over as soon as you are able to safely do so. If you leave the scene of your accident, you can be charged with a hit and run, so make sure you’re stopping as soon as possible.
You should then turn off your engine and switch on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of any obstructions.
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Check for injuries
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 999 for any urgent medical care that’s needed. Make sure you keep calm, and listen to any instructions from medical professionals.
If there are no injuries for any parties, make note of this incase it comes up later in any claims. If you’re unsure of anything, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor just in case - injuries aren’t always immediately visible!
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Exchange details
You must share your name and address with everyone involved if the accident causes any damage to your vehicle or injuries.
You and any other drivers should exchange:
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Names
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Addresses
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Contact numbers
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Registration details
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Vehicle owner names
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Insurance details
Be sure to take down any details of other passengers or witnesses. Try to remain calm when speaking to everyone, don’t apologise or admit fault and also don’t point the finger at anyone else. Although it’s understandable to feel tense in a stressful situation like this, getting into a fight with other drivers won’t help your case. Leave it up to the police or insurers to decide who is at fault.
If you have trouble getting details from anyone involved in the accident, or they have left the scene of the road traffic collision without giving details, call the police on 101 straight away while you are still at the scene. Try to note down a registration number or any other details on the car if you’re able to before they get away.
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Take photos and notes
The situation may feel overwhelming so it’s important to make note of any details following a road traffic accident.
Pay attention to the time and date, and the driving conditions such as weather, lighting and road quality. Note down the make, model, colour and number plate of any vehicles involved in the accident, as well as the damage caused to your vehicle.
Take pictures of the cars, positioning and damage - this will come in handy for any insurance claims.
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Call your insurance
Ideally, instead of phoning mum or dad, you should then ring your insurance company as soon as you can.
They will most likely ask you for your policy number or some information to identify you, the registration numbers of any cars involved, the driver’s details and their insurer’s details.
They’ll need all these details to see whether you’re covered under any car insurance repairs, be sure you’re heading to an approved repairer for your car work.
How do I report a minor car accident?
You may be thinking, “Okay, do I need to report a minor car accident to the police?”
For a minor car accident, if you’ve exchanged details, nobody is injured, and there are no allegations of driving offences, you do not need to report the road traffic accident to the police.
However, if you weren’t able to exchange details with the drivers involved, if anyone was injured, or if you think the other person committed a driving offence or does not have insurance, you must call the police.
Be sure to tell the police within 24 hours of your collision, if you don’t you risk being fined or having points added to your licence.
