New survey data from Hippo Leasing has found that almost half of drivers admitted they would hit another car and not tell the owner about the incident. This could leave them facing up to 10 points on their license and an unlimited fine for failing to stop after an accident or failing to report an accident.
People in the UK Google ‘How many points for hitting a parked car’ 140 times per month and ‘I hit a parked car and didn’t leave a note’ 90 times per month according to search data.
Tom Preston, Managing Director at Hippo Leasing said: “You could be punished with an unlimited fine and up to 10 penalty points on your license for failing to stop or report an accident such as hitting a car.
“If you have been involved in an accident and the other driver leaves the scene without giving you their details, you may be able to claim through the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB).”
Of the 46% of Brits who said they would hit a car without telling the owner - 13% said they have scratched a car and left without making the driver aware, another 13% said they would scratch a car without making the driver aware and 20% of respondents said it would depend on the size of the scratch.
According to the Road Traffic Act 1988, section 170, if you are a driver involved in a road traffic accident which causes injury to another person or damage to another vehicle, property or animal, then you must stop at the scene of that accident to provide your details.
If you’re unlucky enough to be involved in a car accident, Tom Preston at Hippo Leasing has 6 steps you should follow to handle it quickly and smoothly.
1. Stop, switch off your engine and turn on the hazard lights
Remember failing to stop at the scene of an accident is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, even if it is a minor accident. Switch off your car’s engine and turn on the hazard lights to alert other road users to your presence.
2. Check for any injuries, call emergency services on 999 or 101
Take a moment to look around, after evaluating the severity of the accident. If anyone has been injured you should call the police or ambulance service on 999 as soon as possible. If there are no injuries and you need an emergency response team, then call the police on 101 instead.
The police should be called if the accident is blocking the road or if you feel there was foul play involved, for example, you suspect the victim of a “crash for cash” scam.
If you and your passengers can leave the vehicle, you should never sit inside whilst waiting for the police. Your vehicle could still be at risk of further collisions as it is now a road collision hazard. Instead, find a safe location away from the road to wait for the police.
3. Give your details after an accident
When you are involved in an accident you must give your details to those involved, these include your name, address and contact details.
When exchanging details with another person, avoid apologising or accepting blame for the accident until you know precisely what happened as it could count against you later on. Even if there aren’t any other people involved in the accident and you crash into something on or near the road such as a parked car, you should leave your details on the windscreen.
You should report car accidents to the police within 24 hours, failure to do so could result in a fine, penalty points or even disqualification.
4. Collect details after an accident
If you are giving your details to another driver, remember to take their details too. Where possible, if there are eyewitnesses, you should take their names, addresses and contact details too.
The drivers who are involved in the car accident should provide you with their insurance details, and establish whether they are the registered keeper of the vehicle. If they aren’t, try to find out who are and get the details of the owners.
If someone has left the scene of the car accident without giving their details call 999 straightaway.
5. Collect other information
You should try to collect as much information as possible from the accident as it could be used as evidence later down the line. Important information can include;
Time, date and place of the accident, including weather conditions, road conditions and lighting
Registration numbers of all vehicles involved including colour, make and model
Photos of the scene should include damages on your vehicle, those involved in the accident and the positioning of vehicles
A sketch showing the positions of the vehicles involved
Make note of any CCTV cameras you spot around the accident
List of damages to vehicles and any injuries sustained by drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
6. Contact your insurer
Following the incident, you should contact your insurer and inform them, if your car is sufficiently damaged to begin the process of making a claim.
You should supply them with all the details you have gathered such as other drivers, witnesses and the information you have collected. Following this your insurer will let you know the next steps.
