What to do after a car accident in Basildon

First, make the scene safe

Most of the accidents we see in Basildon happen in the same handful of places: the A127 between the Fortune of War and Nevendon, the Cranes Farm Road roundabouts at rush hour, the A13 slip roads towards Pitsea, and the car parks around Eastgate and Festival Leisure Park.

Wherever it happened, the first minutes matter more than anything else.

Stop. Leaving the scene of an injury or damage accident is a criminal offence, even if the damage looks minor.

Hazards on, engine off. If you are on the A127 or A13 and the car is drivable, get onto the hard shoulder or the nearest slip road rather than standing in a live lane.

Check everyone. Any complaint of neck, head or chest pain means an ambulance, not a lift home.

2. Call the police only when you need to

Dial 999 if anyone is hurt, the road is blocked, or you believe the other driver is drunk, uninsured or trying to leave. Otherwise report it on 101 within 24 hours if details were not exchanged at the scene.

3. Collect the details properly

You need the other driver's name, address and telephone number, their registration, the make, model and colour of the vehicle, and their insurer if they will give it. Note the time, the road, the weather and the direction each vehicle was travelling.

If there are witnesses, take a number there and then. Nobody ever tracks down a witness afterwards.

4. Photograph more than you think you need

Take wide shots that show both vehicles and their positions, then close ups of every damaged area on both cars. Photograph the number plates, any skid marks, the road markings and any nearby CCTV or shop cameras. Photographs win disputed claims, memory does not.

5. You choose the repairer, not the insurer

This is the part most drivers do not know. Your insurer will steer you towards their own approved network because it suits their contracts. You are entitled to have your car repaired at the bodyshop of your choice, and choosing a local independent centre does not invalidate your policy.

If you want your car repaired in Basildon rather than sent out of county, say so clearly when you report the claim.

6. If it was not your fault

On a non fault claim you should not be out of pocket. We handle the claim for you, arrange recovery if the car is not drivable, and get you a like for like courtesy car. On eligible non fault repairs the group covers up to £500 of your excess, subject to the terms of your policy and eligibility checks.

7. Get the damage assessed quickly

Hidden damage behind a bumper skin, a bent radiator support or a knocked out ADAS sensor will not show on a phone photograph. Bring the car to Cranes Close and we will look at it properly, free, and give you a written estimate.

Call Pro Touch Accident Repair Centre on 07759 275968, even if you have not decided what to do yet. There is no obligation and no charge for advice.