Date published: 04/04/24 All content in this article is intended to be general in nature and does not constitute and is not intended to be financial or professional advice.

How exactly do we measure what a ‘minor car accident’ is compared to a more serious one?

In a minor accident there are no severe injuries and only minor damage to the cars involved.

This is in comparison to a serious car accident. A serious car accident might involve severe injuries and damage to one or both cars.

1. Assess for injury and safety

You’re probably going to feel pretty shaken up – but don’t worry, that’s normal. Try to take a few deep breaths and calm your nerves as much as possible. The first thing you’ll want to do is check yourself for any injuries. How do you feel? Do you have any pain, bleeding or anything else out of the ordinary? Once you’ve assessed that you’re okay, it’s time to check on everyone else involved in the incident.

To do this, you might have to pull over onto the side of the road – but only if it’s safe to do so. If you can safely leave your car and go to the other vehicle, you can do so now. Check on the other driver and their passengers and make sure nobody needs urgent medical attention. If there is, your first port of call is ringing 000 immediately.

2. Take a moment

Once you’ve established that everyone is okay, you’ll want to keep calming those nerves. Continue to breathe deeply and try not to panic. Although it might be hard to do, your best option for staying safe and making a move to smooth things out here is keeping your cool.

3. Decide if you need to call the police

Police will attend and investigate major car crashes. In some states it is mandatory for police to be notified of all crashes, even minor ones. If in doubt, you should always report an accident.

If your car is unmovable from the middle of the road or there are potential hazards present, inform the police so they can direct traffic. Another reason to call the police is if a driver is refusing to exchange details, or if anyone is behaving aggressively.

4. Exchange details

Now that you’ve got all your ducks in a row and the extremely urgent tasks have been carried out, it’s time to exchange details with the other folks involved in the accident. This is extremely important when it comes to making a claim on your insurance. You’ll want to get their name, phone number, address, registration details and insurer details. If they won’t cooperate and you believe they are at fault, simply record their registration details and make a report to the police as soon as you can.

No matter what happens, it’s important to try not to get into any heated discussions about who was at fault. This isn’t helpful and can cause a ruckus you don’t need.

5. Document accident details

Another great thing to do here is record as many details of the incident as you can. Start by writing down the time, date and location of the incident and get details from any witnesses. You’ll also want to record the details of your witnesses, too. It’s a good idea to take photos of the damage to the cars, as well as anything else you might deem important to make an insurance claim down the line.

6. Contact insurance provider

Alright! As soon as you can, get in contact with your insurance provider and make a claim for your minor accident. Depending on your insurance provider, you may be able to lodge a claim online, or on the phone. Even if you choose not to make a claim, it’s important that you still let your insurer know. This is because the other driver may decide to make a claim against you.

Across the states, there are a few variations on how to report an incident. If someone is injured, you’ll need to contact the state-based commission to figure out your insurance procedures. In Victoria, you’ll have to contact the Transport Accident Commission, whereas, in South Australia, you’ll need to fill out a Vehicle Collision Report (VCR). New South Wales folk, you’ll need to lodge an Accident Notification Form (ANF). Just remember, no matter what state you’re in, fleeing the scene of a car accident is a criminal offence. It’s important you stay in a safe place and assist with anything you can, including providing your details and any extra information.

Before you drive home, you’ll need to make sure your car is in a condition to drive. First, you’ll want to check for damage to the car’s safety systems. Has an airbag been deployed, or have the pretensioners on the seatbelts fired? If they have, and they don’t seem to be working properly anymore, don’t drive away. Call a tow truck.

Next, you’ll need to check the safety lights on the dashboard. If they’re still on when the engine isn’t running, don’t drive home. You’ll also need to make sure there’s no damage to the wheels or suspension, as well as any flat tyres or smashed windscreens. Be sure to check for liquid leaking out from under your car. No matter how minor you feel the accident was, if you have any doubts, you’ll need to call a tow truck and find another way home. Sorry, pal!

Nearly there! After you’ve made a claim, your insurance provider should be in regular communication with you. They’ll either accept or reject your claim or ask you for more information.

Your insurer will contact other drivers, their insurers and anyone who witnessed the incident. For a rejected claim, you’ll receive this in writing. And if they accept your claim, they’ll give you all the details to get you back on track.

This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (“your personal circumstances”). Before using this advice to decide whether to purchase a product, you should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination are available from rollininsurance.com.au. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 AFSL 227681 trading as Rollin’ Insurance.