Even a minor crash is a shock. You are dealing with possible injuries, a damaged car and a pile of decisions, often at the roadside. This guide sets out what to do straight away, what information to collect, how accident recovery works, and what it costs. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not replace your insurer's instructions.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Safety comes first. Stop, switch on your hazard lights and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, or the vehicles are blocking the road in a dangerous way, call 999. Where it is safe and the car can move, take it out of the traffic. If it cannot move, get everyone out and well away from the carriageway, behind a barrier or up on the verge.
- Hazard lights on, engine off and handbrake on.
- Everyone out on the side away from traffic, and away from the vehicle.
- Call 999 if there are injuries, danger or a blocked road.
- Do not argue about fault at the scene, and do not admit liability.
What details should I collect at the scene?
Good records make an insurance claim much smoother. If it is safe, collect:
- The other driver's name, address, phone number and insurer, and the registration of every vehicle involved.
- Photos of the damage, the positions of the vehicles, the road layout and any road signs or markings.
- The names and numbers of any witnesses.
- The time, date and exact location, including the postcode or the nearest junction.
If you do not exchange details at the scene, you are generally expected to report the accident to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours. Check the latest official guidance if you are unsure.
Should I use my insurer's accident recovery or book my own?
Check your policy before you book anything. Many policies include recovery after an accident, and your insurer may arrange it for you or want to approve it. If it does, give the recovery company the destination your insurer names. If your policy does not cover recovery, or you need a truck quickly, you can book privately. Langford Recovery Group does not provide insurance, so we cannot say what your policy covers. We arrange recovery through independent Recovery Operators and give you the price before you commit, so you have a clear receipt to keep.
How does accident vehicle recovery work?
A car that has been in a collision is not always safe to drive, even if it starts. Damaged steering, suspension, tyres or brakes, leaking fluids and warning lights all point to recovery rather than driving. In these cases the vehicle is normally loaded onto a flatbed recovery truck and carried, which avoids more damage and keeps it in the condition your insurer expects to see. Our accident recovery page explains the service in more detail.
- Tell us where it is. Give the pickup location and where the vehicle needs to go, such as a garage, a body shop or your home.
- Describe the damage. Say whether the wheels turn, whether fluids are leaking, and whether the car sits low or is hard to reach.
- See your price. You see the cost before you commit, and pay a 50% deposit to book.
- Your driver gets in touch. They contact you when they arrive, load the vehicle and take it to your chosen destination.
How much does accident recovery cost?
Pricing depends on where the vehicle is collected. Within the M25 it is a £99 call-out plus £2.50 per loaded mile, plus VAT. Outside the M25 it is a £150 call-out plus £3.00 per loaded mile, plus VAT.
| Collected | Call-out | Per loaded mile |
|---|---|---|
| Inside the M25 | £99 | £2.50 |
| Outside the M25 | £150 | £3.00 |
All prices exclude VAT at 20%. A weekend job, or one before 7am or after 7pm, adds a £10 surcharge. The price is based on the details you give us and may change if the real situation is different, for example if the vehicle is more badly damaged than described or is in a hard-to-reach place. Arrival times are estimates only, because traffic, weather and operator availability change.
What if the car is too damaged to drive, or is a write-off?
A vehicle your insurer considers beyond economic repair may need to go to a storage or salvage site rather than a garage. Ask your insurer where it should be taken, then give us that address. A car that cannot start or move is a non-runner, and our non-runner transport page explains how those are handled. If it only needs moving to a repairer you have chosen, our vehicle transport service can do that as a planned job.
What should I do in the days after an accident?
Tell your insurer as soon as you can, even if you do not plan to claim, because most policies expect prompt notice. Keep every receipt, including the recovery invoice, any storage fees and repair estimates. Take more photos in daylight once the car is at a garage, as damage often looks different when it is cleaned and lit properly. Hidden damage to the chassis, suspension or electrics is common after a collision, so ask for a full inspection rather than a quick look. If you feel pain or stiffness in the following days, see a doctor, because some injuries only show up later. Finally, do not sign off a settlement until you are sure the repair or payment covers everything.
Where do you arrange accident recovery?
We arrange accident recovery across the UK, day and night. London is covered in our 24/7 vehicle recovery in London guide, and you can see local pages for London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Southampton, Newcastle, Nottingham, Norwich, Exeter, Carlisle and Kent. If your location is not listed, see areas we cover or call us. If your car simply broke down rather than crashed, read what to do when your car breaks down.
Need a truck after a collision? See my price or call 07886 658982. WhatsApp is available too.