Stop, breathe, and make the scene safe

A minor bump can still leave you shaken. The first job is not to argue or inspect damage, but to make sure nobody is hurt and no one is put in further danger. If you can, pull over to a safe place — a lay-by, a side street, or a car park. On the A2 near Gravesend or the M2, never stay in a live lane. If your car is driveable, move it off the carriageway. If it is not, switch on your hazard warning lights and, if it is safe, get yourself and any passengers behind the barrier or up the embankment. In the UK you should not use a warning triangle on a motorway. On ordinary roads, place one at least 45 metres behind your car if it is safe to do so.

Check everyone for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 999. If the collision is minor and no one is injured, call 101 only if the other driver fails to stop or you cannot exchange details. Kent Police deal with collisions across the county, and they will ask for location, vehicle details and whether the road is blocked. Stay calm, keep your voice level and avoid admitting fault — even a quick “sorry” can be used against you later.

Exchange details and collect evidence

You must exchange certain details by law after a collision that causes damage or injury. Give your name, address and telephone number, plus the registered keeper’s details if you are not the owner. Share your insurance company and policy number, and the vehicle’s make, model, colour and registration. Ask for the same from the other driver. If they refuse or give suspicious information, note their registration number and call 101 as soon as it is safe.

While you are there, take photographs. Use your phone and capture:

• the position of both cars before they are moved, if it is safe;
• close-ups of damage on every vehicle involved;
• the road layout, lane markings, traffic lights and any give-way signs;
• number plates, insurance documents and MOT certificates if shown;
• the weather, lighting and any skid marks or debris.

Ask witnesses for their names and contact details. In Gravesend, busy spots like the A226, Perry Street and the approach to the Dartford Crossing can be full of drivers in a hurry, so a witness may not wait. If someone stops, get their details quickly. Dashcam footage is gold — save it before it loops over. If you have a passenger, ask them to film the scene and note the time.

Know when to call the police and when not to

You do not need to call the police for every minor scrape. But you must report it to the police within 24 hours if you did not exchange details at the scene, if anyone was injured, or if you damaged property such as a wall, fence, parked car or street sign. Failing to stop or report can lead to a fine, penalty points or worse. If the other driver leaves without giving details, that is a fail-to-stop collision — report it. If you suspect the other driver is uninsured, drunk or aggressive, call 999 if it is an emergency, otherwise 101.

For collisions on the M2, M20 or A2, keep well away from traffic. Kent’s motorways and major A-roads can be unforgiving, especially in rain or darkness. If your car is stranded, use the emergency roadside telephone if available, or call your breakdown provider. Do not stand between your car and oncoming traffic.

Report to your insurer — even if you are not claiming

Tell your insurer about the accident as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours. Many policies require prompt notification even if you decide not to make a claim. Use your policy documents or app to find the claims line. Have your policy number, the other driver’s details, photographs and any witness information ready. Be honest and stick to the facts: where you were, what happened, and what damage you can see. Do not guess about injuries or costs.

If you are claiming, your insurer will guide you on approved repairers. If you are not claiming, say so clearly, but still report it. This protects you if the other party later makes a claim against you. Keep a note of the claim reference and the name of anyone you speak to. In Kent, some insurers have local repair networks, but you can ask about your right to choose a garage. Check whether your policy includes a courtesy car while yours is being fixed.

Check your car and keep a record

After a minor collision, damage is not always obvious. A bumper may look fine but hide a cracked mounting, a displaced parking sensor or a damaged radiator. Check the lights, indicators, tyres, wheels and fluid levels. Look for leaks under the car and listen for new rattles or scraping. If the steering feels off or the car pulls to one side, get the wheel alignment checked — Kent’s potholed lanes and busy roundabouts can make this worse. For your own maintenance, keep tyre pressures, oil and coolant topped up, especially before longer trips on the M2 or A2.

Write everything down: date, time, location, weather, road conditions, what was said and who was there. Keep receipts for repairs, recovery and hire cars. If you need to make a claim later, this record will save you time and stress. A minor accident is unsettling, but a calm, methodical approach — safety first, details second, insurer third — gets you back on the road with the least fuss.