What to Do After a Car Accident in NZ: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

•

Being involved in a car accident is stressful and overwhelming. Whether it's a minor fender bender or a serious collision, knowing exactly what to do in those crucial moments can protect your safety, legal rights, and insurance claim. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step you need to take after a car accident in New Zealand.

Emergency First: If Anyone is Injured

Call 111 immediately if anyone is injured, the road is blocked, or there's a risk of further accidents. Police must be notified if there are injuries or the accident creates a hazard.

Do not move injured people unless they're in immediate danger. Wait for emergency services to arrive.

Table of Contents

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene

The moments immediately following an accident are critical. Here's exactly what you need to do, in order of priority:

1

Stop Immediately and Check for Injuries

You must stop by law. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offence in New Zealand, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $20,000.

  • Check yourself and passengers for injuries
  • Check the other vehicle's occupants
  • Call 111 immediately if anyone is injured
  • Do not move seriously injured people unless absolutely necessary
2

Make the Scene Safe

Prevent further accidents by securing the area:

  • Turn on your hazard lights immediately
  • If possible, move vehicles to the side of the road (but only if they're drivable and it's safe)
  • Place warning triangles or cones 100m behind the accident if available
  • Keep everyone away from traffic
  • Turn off engines and engage parking brakes
  • If on a motorway or high-speed road, get everyone safely behind a barrier
3

Call Emergency Services if Required

Call 111 immediately if:

  • Anyone is injured (even if injuries seem minor)
  • The road is blocked or there's a traffic hazard
  • Any vehicle is leaking fuel or there's a fire risk
  • The other driver is intoxicated or behaving dangerously
  • The other driver refuses to stop or provide details
  • You suspect the accident was deliberate
4

Exchange Information with Other Drivers

You are legally required to provide and collect certain information. See the detailed list in the next section.

Important: Do NOT admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if you think it was your fault. Simply exchange required information. Determining fault is a job for insurance companies and police, not you.

5

Document Everything

Use your phone to capture comprehensive evidence:

  • Take photos from multiple angles (see detailed guide below)
  • Video the entire scene including road conditions
  • Record damage to all vehicles involved
  • Photograph road signs, markings, and traffic signals
  • Note weather conditions, time of day, and lighting
  • Write down what happened while it's fresh in your memory
6

Get Witness Information

Independent witnesses can be invaluable for your claim:

  • Ask bystanders if they saw what happened
  • Get their full names and contact details (phone and email)
  • Ask if they're willing to provide a statement
  • Note if anyone has dashcam footage
  • Check if nearby businesses have CCTV that may have captured the accident
7

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurer as soon as possible:

  • Call your insurer's claims line (available 24/7 for most companies)
  • Provide initial accident details
  • Ask about your next steps and coverage
  • Inquire about rental vehicle entitlement
  • Most insurers require notification within 48 hours

Learn more about how to claim car insurance in New Zealand.

Complete Information Checklist

The more information you collect, the smoother your insurance claim will be. Use this comprehensive checklist:

From the Other Driver(s)

Personal Details:

  • ☐ Full name
  • ☐ Full address
  • ☐ Phone number (mobile and home)
  • ☐ Email address
  • ☐ Driver's license number
  • ☐ Date of birth (optional but helpful)

Vehicle Details:

  • ☐ Registration number
  • ☐ Make and model
  • ☐ Color
  • ☐ Year of manufacture
  • ☐ Vehicle owner's details (if different from driver)
  • ☐ VIN number (if visible)

Insurance Details:

  • ☐ Insurance company name
  • ☐ Policy number
  • ☐ Policy holder's name
  • ☐ Claims phone number

Witness Details:

  • ☐ Name(s) of witnesses
  • ☐ Phone number(s)
  • ☐ Email address(es)
  • ☐ Brief description of what they saw

Accident Circumstances

  • ☐ Date and exact time of accident
  • ☐ Exact location: Street name, suburb, nearest cross street
  • ☐ Weather conditions: Fine, raining, foggy, etc.
  • ☐ Road conditions: Dry, wet, icy, debris on road
  • ☐ Lighting: Daylight, dusk, dark, street lighting present
  • ☐ Traffic conditions: Light, moderate, heavy traffic
  • ☐ Speed limit in the area
  • ☐ Estimated speeds of vehicles involved
  • ☐ Direction each vehicle was traveling
  • ☐ Police attendance: Did police attend? Officer names and badge numbers
  • ☐ Police report number (if applicable)

How to Document the Accident Scene

Photographic and video evidence is crucial for successful insurance claims. Modern smartphones make this easy - use them to your advantage.

Taking Effective Photos

Take multiple photos from various angles. More is better - you can always delete extras later.

Essential Photos to Capture:

1. Overall Scene (4-6 photos from different angles):

  • Wide shots showing all vehicles and their positions
  • Position of vehicles relative to road markings
  • Traffic signs and signals visible from the scene
  • Skid marks, debris, or fluid spills

2. Your Vehicle (10-15 photos):

  • All four corners and sides
  • Close-ups of every area of damage
  • Very close-ups showing paint transfer, scratches, dents
  • Underbody damage if accessible
  • Interior damage (steering wheel, airbags, seats)
  • License plate clearly visible in at least one photo

3. Other Vehicles (10-15 photos each):

  • Same comprehensive approach as your vehicle
  • License plates clearly visible
  • Registration labels if visible through windscreen

4. Road and Environment (5-8 photos):

  • Road surface conditions
  • Traffic signs and signals in both directions
  • Lane markings and road layout
  • Obstructions or hazards that may have contributed
  • Street name signs

5. Documents and Details (photos for your records):

  • Other driver's license
  • Other driver's insurance card/documents
  • Vehicle registration papers
  • Your own handwritten notes

Video Evidence

If possible, take a video walkthrough of the entire scene. Speak while recording to provide narration:

  • Walk around the perimeter showing all vehicles and their positions
  • Describe what happened in your own words
  • Point out relevant road features, signs, and markings
  • Show the direction of travel for each vehicle
  • Note time, date, and location verbally

Creating a Written Record

As soon as possible (ideally within a few hours), write a detailed account while your memory is fresh:

Your written statement should include:

  • What you were doing before the accident (where you were going, what you were thinking about)
  • Exact sequence of events leading to impact
  • What you saw and heard
  • What actions you took to avoid the accident
  • Impact point and force
  • What happened immediately after impact
  • Conversations with the other driver(s)
  • Any injuries you noticed (even if minor)

Reporting to Police

Understanding when and how to report an accident to police is important for legal compliance and insurance purposes.

When Police Must Be Called (111)

  • • Anyone is injured or killed
  • • The road is blocked or there is an immediate hazard
  • • Either driver appears intoxicated or impaired
  • • The other driver refuses to stop or provide details
  • • You suspect the accident was deliberate
  • • There is aggressive or threatening behavior

When to Report to Police Station (Within 24 Hours)

Visit your local police station or call the non-emergency Police number (105) if:

  • You hit a parked vehicle and cannot locate the owner
  • You damaged property (fence, building, etc.) and cannot find the owner
  • The other driver didn't have insurance or registration
  • You want an official police report for insurance purposes

What Happens When Police Attend

If police attend the scene, they will:

  • Take statements from all drivers and witnesses
  • Assess the scene and take measurements
  • Check licenses, registrations, and insurance
  • Conduct breath tests if there's suspicion of alcohol/drug use
  • Issue traffic infringement notices if applicable
  • Provide you with a police report number for insurance
  • Arrange towing if vehicles are not drivable

Important: Police do not determine fault for insurance purposes. Their role is to investigate for legal offences and ensure safety. Fault determination for insurance claims is done by insurance companies based on their investigation and evidence.

Filing Your Insurance Claim

Once you've gathered all information and ensured everyone's safety, it's time to start the insurance claim process.

Step 1: Contact Your Insurer Promptly

Most insurance policies require you to notify them of any accident as soon as possible, typically within 48 hours:

  • Call your insurer's 24/7 claims line (find the number on your policy or insurance card)
  • Have your policy number ready
  • Provide initial details: date, time, location, other parties involved
  • Ask about immediate assistance (rental car, towing, emergency repairs)
  • Get a claim reference number
  • Ask about next steps and required documentation

Tip: Even if you're not sure whether you'll make a claim, notify your insurer anyway. This doesn't commit you to claiming, but it protects your rights and creates a record.

Step 2: Submit Your Formal Claim

Your insurer will guide you through their specific process, but generally you'll need to provide:

Required Documentation:

  • ☐ Completed claim form (online or paper)
  • ☐ Your written statement of events
  • ☐ All photos and videos of the accident
  • ☐ Other driver's details (name, address, license, insurance)
  • ☐ Witness contact information and statements
  • ☐ Police report number (if applicable)
  • ☐ Repair quotes (if already obtained)
  • ☐ Medical reports (if any injuries)

Step 3: Vehicle Assessment

Your insurer will arrange for your vehicle to be assessed:

  • For minor damage: Photos may be sufficient
  • For moderate damage: Take vehicle to approved assessor or repairer
  • For major damage: Assessor may come to you, or vehicle will be towed

The assessor will determine:

  • Whether the vehicle is repairable or a total loss (write-off)
  • Cost of repairs if repairable
  • Market value if it's a write-off

Step 4: Claim Decision and Settlement

Your insurer will investigate the claim and make a decision:

If claim is accepted:

  • Repairs will be authorized at an approved repairer
  • Or settlement payment will be made if vehicle is written off
  • You'll pay your excess amount
  • Rental car provided if included in your policy

If claim is declined:

  • Insurer will explain the reasons in writing
  • You can request a review or lodge a complaint
  • You may need to pursue the other driver directly

For a detailed guide on the claims process, read our article on how to claim car insurance in New Zealand.

Dealing with the Other Driver's Insurance

If the accident was not your fault, you have two options:

Option 1: Claim Through Your Insurance

Advantages:

  • • Faster process
  • • You deal with your own insurer
  • • Rental car if covered
  • • Your insurer recovers costs from other party

Disadvantages:

  • • Must pay your excess upfront (refunded later)
  • • Claim goes on your record

Option 2: Claim Directly from Other Party

Advantages:

  • • No excess to pay
  • • No claim on your record
  • • Can choose your own repairer

Disadvantages:

  • • Slower process
  • • Deal with unfamiliar insurer
  • • They may dispute fault
  • • No rental car unless you arrange privately

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many accident victims unknowingly damage their claims or legal position. Avoid these common errors:

1. Admitting Fault or Apologizing

Even saying "I'm sorry" can be interpreted as admission of fault. Stick to facts when exchanging information. Never sign any document admitting liability. Let insurance companies determine fault based on evidence.

2. Leaving the Scene Too Quickly

Ensure you've collected all necessary information and taken sufficient photos before leaving. You can't go back later to get more evidence. The scene will have changed and witnesses will be gone.

3. Not Documenting Injuries

Many injuries don't become apparent until hours or days later. See a doctor within 24-48 hours even if you feel fine. Whiplash, concussion, and soft tissue injuries often have delayed symptoms. Document everything with ACC and your GP.

4. Delaying Insurance Notification

Most policies require prompt notification (within 48 hours). Delays can result in claim denial. Even if you're unsure about claiming, notify your insurer to protect your rights.

5. Accepting Cash Settlements

If the other driver offers to pay cash to avoid insurance, be very cautious. Hidden damage often exceeds initial estimates. Once you accept cash and sign a release, you lose the right to claim for additional damage discovered later.

6. Moving Vehicles Before Documenting

While you should move vehicles if they're creating a hazard, try to take photos of their exact positions first. Vehicle positions are crucial evidence for determining fault. If it's safe, photograph before moving.

7. Giving Inconsistent Statements

Stick to your original account of events. Changing your story later - even slightly - raises red flags and can undermine your credibility. Write down what happened immediately while it's fresh in your memory.

8. Posting on Social Media

Avoid posting about the accident on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms. Insurance companies and lawyers often monitor social media. Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted and used against you.

9. Not Keeping Copies of Everything

Make copies of all documents before submitting them to insurers. Keep detailed notes of all conversations including dates, times, and names. Store photos and videos in multiple locations (cloud storage, computer, phone).

10. Driving Away if Vehicle is Unsafe

Even if your car still runs, it may be unsafe to drive. Damaged suspension, steering, or brakes can cause further accidents. Have the vehicle towed if there's any doubt about its safety. Your insurance typically covers towing costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

If you have comprehensive insurance, claim through your own policy - your insurer will pursue the uninsured driver for recovery. With third party insurance, you'll need to pursue the other driver directly through legal channels, which can be difficult and time-consuming.

Do I have to use my insurer's approved repairer?

Most insurance policies allow you to choose your own repairer, but using an approved repairer offers benefits: guaranteed workmanship, faster approval, and potentially no excess payment upfront. If you choose your own repairer, you may need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.

Will my premium increase after an accident?

If you're at fault, yes - expect premium increases of 20-50% for 3-5 years. Not-at-fault accidents shouldn't increase your premium, but you may lose no-claims discounts. Some insurers offer "accident forgiveness" for your first at-fault claim.

What if I hit a parked car and can't find the owner?

You must leave a written note with your contact details in a conspicuous place (under the windscreen wiper). Report the accident to Police within 24 hours. Notify your insurance company. Failing to leave your details is a criminal offence.

How long do I have to file an insurance claim?

Most insurers require notification within 48 hours and formal claims within 30 days, though this varies by policy. However, notify your insurer immediately - delays can result in claim denial. Check your policy for specific timeframes.

What if the other driver is claiming I'm at fault but I disagree?

Stick to your account and provide all evidence to your insurer. Insurance companies will investigate and determine fault based on evidence, not just statements. Police reports, photos, witness statements, and damage patterns all help establish fault objectively.

Can I claim for injuries through my car insurance?

Personal injuries are primarily covered by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) in New Zealand, which provides no-fault injury cover. However, some comprehensive insurance policies include additional personal injury benefits for things ACC doesn't cover, such as non-medical expenses.

For more information about insurance claims, visit our FAQ page or contact us for guidance.

Are You Properly Protected?

Don't wait until after an accident to discover your insurance is inadequate. Compare quotes from New Zealand's top insurers and ensure you have the right coverage.

Get Free Quotes Now Compare Coverage Options

Related Articles

Comprehensive vs Third Party Insurance

Understand which insurance type provides the best protection for your needs and circumstances.

Understanding Car Insurance Excess

Learn how excess works and what you'll need to pay when making a claim after an accident.