Quick answer: After a crash in NSW, make sure everyone is safe, exchange details with the other driver, take photos, and only call police if someone is hurt, a driver is affected by alcohol or drugs, or someone won’t exchange details. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to a replacement car while yours is repaired, at no cost to you.
1. Stop and make sure everyone is safe
You must always stop after a crash. Turn on your hazard lights, check yourself and your passengers, and move to a safe spot if you can. If anyone is injured or trapped, call 000 straight away.
2. Exchange details with the other driver
Under the NSW Road Rules you must exchange details with the other people involved. It is an offence not to. Get and give:
- Driver’s name and address (check their licence)
- Vehicle owner’s name and address, if different
- Registration number
- Phone number, make, model and colour of the car
- Their insurance company and policy details
Don’t argue about or admit fault at the scene. Simply record what happened.
3. Collect evidence
- Photos of both cars, the damage, number plates and the road layout
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Dashcam footage, if you have it (save it before it records over)
- The time, date and exact location
4. Know when to call the police
NSW Police attend crashes where someone is killed, injured or trapped, a driver appears to be affected by alcohol or drugs, or someone fails to stop and exchange details. For minor crashes where nobody is hurt and details are exchanged, you can leave the scene. If a vehicle was towed, report the crash to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 as soon as possible. You’ll get a report number for your claim.
5. Arrange towing if your car can’t be driven
Call your insurer or a towing company of your choice. If you weren’t at fault, call Turn Right on 1300 946 064 and we can help arrange towing and repairs too.
6. Get a replacement car if you weren’t at fault
In Australia, the at-fault driver is generally responsible for the not-at-fault driver’s reasonable losses, which can include the cost of a comparable hire car while your car is off the road. Many drivers don’t know this and go without a car for weeks.
With Turn Right you don’t pay for the hire car. We deliver a like-for-like vehicle, often in as little as 2 hours, and recover the cost from the at-fault driver’s insurer. Apply for an accident replacement car.
7. Lodge your claim
Contact the at-fault driver’s insurer (or your own) with the details and evidence you collected. Keep copies of everything, including receipts for any costs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to call the police after a minor crash in NSW?
No, not if nobody is hurt, no one is affected by alcohol or drugs, and all drivers exchange details. If a car was towed, report it to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
What if the other driver won’t give their details?
Write down their number plate and call police. Failing to exchange details is an offence.
Can I get a hire car if my own insurance doesn’t include one?
Yes. If you weren’t at fault, your claim for a replacement car is against the at-fault party, not your own policy.
This article is general information only and isn’t legal advice. For injuries or disputes, speak to a lawyer.