Accidents can happen when you least expect them. One minute you’re driving as usual, the next you’re dealing with the aftermath of a crash. In those critical moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but knowing what to do can make all the difference.

Whether it’s a minor scrape or major damage, this step-by-step guide will help you handle the situation with confidence. We’ll also cover key considerations if your car is under a finance agreement—such as with Black Horse Finance—so you can avoid delays and protect yourself financially.

Step 1: Put Safety First

The first priority in any accident is safety.

  • Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
  • If anyone is hurt or unconscious, call emergency services immediately.
  • If it’s safe to do so, move the vehicle to a secure location away from traffic.
  • Turn on your hazard lights and, if necessary, place a warning triangle behind your car.

Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Emotions can run high, but it’s important to stay calm and focused. Safety and clear thinking now will help you later during the claims process.

Step 2: Collect Important Information

Accurate information is the backbone of successful car insurance claims. Collect the following at the scene:

  • Full names, phone numbers, and addresses of all drivers involved
  • Insurance details: provider names, policy numbers, and expiry dates
  • Vehicle details: make, model, colour, and registration plates
  • Photos or videos of the damage, position of vehicles, road conditions, and any traffic signs or signals
  • Witness contact information and statements if possible

Avoid speculation—stick to the facts. If the police attend the scene, make a note of the attending officer’s name, badge number, and report reference.

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company

As soon as you’re safe and have gathered your information, contact your insurance company. Many providers require that you report the incident promptly—even if you’re not certain you’ll make a claim.

You’ll need to provide:

  • A brief overview of the accident
  • The names and details of other parties involved
  • Any evidence collected (e.g. images, witness statements, police reports)

Prompt communication helps your insurer begin assessing your case and prevents complications later on. Most companies allow you to report an incident online or via mobile app.

Step 4: File a Car Insurance Claim

Once you’ve notified your insurer and are ready to move forward, you can formally file your claim. Many insurers offer multiple ways to do this: via an app, their website, or over the phone.

When filing your claim, be prepared to:

  • Confirm your policy number and personal details
  • Describe the incident and submit supporting documents
  • Allow an adjuster or engineer to assess the damage if needed

Most comprehensive car insurance policies cover:

  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Damage to third-party property
  • Medical expenses for you or others involved
  • Legal liability and, in some cases, temporary transportation

If you’re unsure what’s included, ask your insurer to clarify your entitlements, excess charges, and how your no-claims bonus might be affected.

Step 5: Know Your Policy Details

Understanding the ins and outs of your policy can save you time, money, and confusion. Before agreeing to repairs or settlements, make sure you:

  • Know your policy excess—the amount you pay out of pocket before cover kicks in
  • Understand any limits or exclusions in your coverage (e.g. specific garages, rental vehicle costs)
  • Check whether making a claim will impact your future premiums or no-claims discount
  • Confirm if optional extras like breakdown cover, legal assistance, or GAP insurance apply in your case

Reading your policy documents—or checking your provider’s app or portal—can help avoid nasty surprises.

Step 6: What to Do If Your Car Is Financed

If your vehicle is financed—particularly through a provider like Black Horse Finance—you’ll need to follow additional steps to stay compliant with your finance agreement.

Why? Because you don’t technically own the vehicle until the final payment is made. The finance company has a vested interest in how the car is repaired or, if necessary, written off.

If You’re Dealing with Black Horse Finance:

In the event of an accident, you may be required to:

  • Notify Black Horse Finance immediately so they can review the situation
  • Use authorised repairers listed in your agreement
  • Provide damage assessments or repair quotes before work begins
  • Seek approval for vehicle write-offs or replacements
  • Ensure insurance payouts are applied correctly to your finance balance if the car is declared a total loss

Failing to involve your finance provider can result in delays—or even breach your agreement.

Note: If your finance deal wasn’t properly explained, didn’t match your needs, or included hidden fees, you may have grounds for a Black Horse mis-selling claim. These claims are separate from your insurance process and are usually handled through legal or financial complaints channels.

Step 7: Keep Everything Documented

Stay organised throughout the claims process by creating a digital or physical folder that contains:

  • Your policy documents and claim reference number
  • Written summaries of phone calls or claim updates
  • Copies of repair quotes and invoices
  • Emails or letters from your insurer and finance provider
  • Any medical records or receipts if injuries were involved
  • Photographs or videos taken at the scene

Good record-keeping can help resolve disputes, speed up your claim, and give you peace of mind.

What If Your Claim Is Rejected or Delayed?

While most insurance claims go smoothly, some may be disputed or declined. If this happens:

  • Ask your insurer for a clear explanation in writing
  • Review your policy to confirm what’s covered
  • Supply any missing documentation or clarify uncertainties
  • If needed, escalate the complaint within your insurer’s process
  • You can also contact the Financial Ombudsman Service for independent advice

Likewise, if you’re facing finance-related issues after an accident—such as difficulty settling the loan or confusion around your finance agreement—you can seek advice from a financial advisor or a claims specialist.

Final Thoughts

Being involved in a car accident is stressful—but knowing what to do in the moments and days afterwards makes a huge difference. From putting safety first to collecting evidence and filing your car insurance claim, the right steps can ensure a smoother recovery process.

If your car is financed through Black Horse Finance or another provider, remember to notify them, follow their guidelines, and make sure any repairs or settlements align with your finance agreement. And if the way your finance deal was originally sold feels unclear, unaffordable, or misleading, a Black Horse Finance claim could help you seek resolution through a separate legal route.

Above all, staying calm, informed, and proactive will put you in the best position to recover your losses—and move forward with confidence.