Introduction
A car accident is stressful, and in the moment, many drivers make decisions that hurt their claim or delay recovery. From admitting fault at the scene to forgetting to report details properly, these mistakes can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
Here are the top 7 mistakes drivers make after a car accident in the UK — and how to avoid them with support from Nova Motor Assist.
The most common mistakes after a car accident in the UK include: not reporting FNOL quickly, admitting fault, failing to collect evidence, not contacting the police, ignoring injuries, accepting poor-quality repairs, and not seeking uninsured loss recovery. Avoid these by calling Nova Motor Assist right away.
1. Not Reporting FNOL Quickly
Delaying your First Notification of Loss (FNOL) slows down recovery, hire car arrangements, and repairs. Always report your accident immediately to your insurer or Nova Motor Assist.
2. Admitting Fault at the Scene
It’s natural to apologise, but admitting fault on the spot can damage your claim. Stick to the facts, gather evidence, and let insurers or experts decide liability.
3. Failing to Collect Evidence
Without photos, witness details, or dashcam footage, claims become harder to prove. Always document the scene: vehicle damage, road conditions, and number plates.
4. Not Contacting the Police When Required
If someone is injured, a driver refuses to provide details, or the other driver has no insurance, you must contact the police. Failing to do so could affect your claim.
5. Ignoring Minor Injuries
Even if you feel fine, whiplash or soft tissue injuries may appear later. Report all symptoms and seek medical attention to support your claim.
6. Accepting Delays or Poor-Quality Repairs
Many drivers accept insurer delays or unapproved garages. This often leads to long waiting times or sub-standard repairs. Nova Motor Assist works with approved UK repairers to guarantee quality.
7. Forgetting to Claim Uninsured Losses
Costs like your policy excess, taxi fares, or loss of earnings can be recovered. Many drivers don’t pursue these. Nova Motor Assist records uninsured losses at FNOL and claims them back for you.
How Nova Motor Assist Helps You Avoid These Mistakes
- 24/7 FNOL reporting and claims handling
- Like-for-like replacement vehicles delivered quickly
- Trusted UK repair network with guaranteed quality
- Support with ULR to recover out-of-pocket costs
- Multilingual experts for clear communication
FAQs: Mistakes After a Car Accident UK
Not reporting FNOL quickly is one of the most common mistakes, as it delays recovery, hire cars, and repairs.
No. Never admit liability. Only provide accurate details and evidence.
If you don’t report them, you may struggle to include them in your claim later. Always seek medical advice.
Yes. You are not limited to your insurer’s chosen garage. Nova Motor Assist works with approved repairers.
Yes. Through Uninsured Loss Recovery (ULR), Nova Motor Assist can claim back your excess, lost income, and other expenses.
Conclusion
A car accident is stressful, but avoiding these common mistakes will protect your rights and speed up your recovery.
👉 With Nova Motor Assist, you’ll have expert guidance from FNOL to repairs and recovery, ensuring no detail is missed and no mistake costs you.