Being involved in a car accident is stressful and unsettling. Knowing the right steps to take can help you manage the situation calmly, protect your legal rights, and prevent unnecessary financial loss. This guide walks you through what to do immediately after an accident and how to handle minor incidents efficiently.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Your first priority after an accident is to stay calm. Panic or anger can escalate tension and cloud judgment. Take a deep breath and focus on assessing the situation objectively.

Next, check for injuries:

  • Are you or your passengers hurt?
  • Is the other driver or their passengers injured?

If there are injuries, call for emergency medical help immediately.

2. Ensure Safety and Vehicle Positioning

Do not move the vehicles unless it is necessary to:

  • Extract injured persons, or
  • Clear the road for safety reasons.

For minor bumps, move the vehicles to a safe spot if possible, while keeping the scene documented.

3. Exchange Information

Collect all relevant details from the other party:

  • Name of driver and passengers
  • NRIC/Identification number
  • Contact number
  • Vehicle registration number
  • Insurance company and policy number

Important: Do not admit fault or argue. Stay silent if pressured, as any admission can impact insurance claims.

4. Document the Accident

Take photographs of:

  • Damage to all vehicles
  • Accident site and road conditions
  • Tire skid marks or other relevant evidence

This documentation will support insurance claims or police reports if needed.

5. Notify Authorities and Your Insurer

  • If personal injury occurs: File a police report within 24 hours.
  • If no injury occurs: Submit a Non-Injury Motor Accident Report through your insurer.
  • Always inform your insurer immediately after an accident. They will guide you on the necessary paperwork and claims procedure.

6. Handling Minor Accidents With a Private Settlement Form

For minor accidents (typically damages under $1,000) with no bodily injuries, a private settlement can save you money and prevent unnecessary insurance claims.

Why Consider Private Settlement

  • Avoid NCD loss: Making a claim may reduce your No-Claim Discount (NCD).
  • Prevent premium increases: Insurance claims often trigger a loading on your renewal premium.
  • Example: A $1,500 repair with $600 excess results in a $900 claim. This may increase premiums over the next 3 years by more than your claim payout.

Steps to Use a Private Settlement Form

  1. Agree with the other driver that damages are minor.
  2. Fill in the private settlement form including:
    • Location, date, and time of incident
    • Terms of the agreement
    • Details of all drivers involved
    • Signature of witnesses
  3. Take photographs of all vehicle damages.
  4. Both parties sign the form to make it legally binding.
  5. Submit a copy to your insurer within 24 hours, as required by the Motor Claims Framework (MCF).

Tip: Keep at least 6 copies of the form in your car – enough for all parties in case of chain collisions and for your own records.

7. When to Make an Insurance Claim

While private settlements are ideal for small damages, insurance claims are necessary for large or costly accidents, especially when:

  • Personal injuries occur
  • Vehicle damage exceeds your comfort threshold or exceeds your excess
  • There is a dispute with the other party

Insurance protects you from financial loss from major accidents, but for minor incidents, private settlement may be the smarter option.

In Summary

Knowing what to do after a car accident helps reduce stress, protect your finances, and stay compliant with the law. Remember:

  1. Stay calm and ensure safety
  2. Check for injuries and call emergency help if needed
  3. Exchange information without admitting fault
  4. Document the accident thoroughly
  5. Notify the police (if necessary) and your insurer immediately
  6. Use a private settlement form for minor damages to avoid NCD loss
  7. Make insurance claims only when necessary
  8. Get your car insurance policy documents ready

Being prepared with knowledge, a camera, and a few private settlement forms in your car can make a difficult situation much more manageable.