Motoring guides

What to Do After a Car Accident

Stay safe, get the right details and report it properly. Your insurance claim depends on it.

Updated 26 September 2026 · TrackerPrices SA

Quick answer: Stop, make the scene safe, help anyone injured and call 10177 or 112 if needed. Exchange details with the other drivers, take photos, and report the accident at a police station within 24 hours to get an accident report (AR) number for your insurer.

At the scene

Stop and switch on hazard lights. Stay safe from traffic.
Call for help if anyone is injured: 10177 (ambulance) or 112 from a cellphone.
Do not move injured people unless they are in danger.
Do not admit fault.

Details to collect

Names, ID numbers, phone numbers and addresses of the other drivers.
Vehicle registration numbers, makes and models.
Insurance details.
Names and numbers of witnesses.
Photos of the vehicles, damage, road and number plates. Dash cam footage helps a lot.

Report to the police

Report the accident at a police station within 24 hours, especially if someone was injured or you could not exchange details. You will receive an accident report (AR) number, which your insurer will ask for.

Tow trucks and your insurer

Call your insurer’s claims or roadside number before accepting a tow. Unauthorised tow trucks can take cars to yards that charge high storage fees. See roadside assistance.

If it might be a set-up

Staged “bump” accidents are sometimes used for hijackings. If something feels wrong, stay in the car with doors locked and drive to a police station or busy area before stopping. Read hijacking prevention.

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