What to do after a car accident

You don't need to call the police for every incident, however you should contact them if:

• you feel unsafe
• the accident is causing a traffic hazard
• you believe alcohol or drugs may be involved.

Most importantly, call an ambulance on 000 if you or anyone else is injured.

It's important to get the names and contact details of everyone involved at the scene of the accident. Once you provide us with their details, we'll communicate with them on your behalf.

You can provide us with their details online when you make a claim.

Take photos of the accident if you can. Pictures of damaged vehicles or property, the location of the incident, number plates and the other driver's licence details will all be useful for your claim.

You should only drive your car, motorcycle or scooter if it's in a condition that's safe for you and any passengers. Don't drive your vehicle if:

• the lights or brakes aren't working
• it's difficult to get in or out
• the bodywork is damaged and could cause injury or interfere with driving
• there are leaking fluids or signs of engine damage.

If your vehicle isn't safe to drive (after an incident we cover) and your policy covers towing, call us 24/7 on 132 132 and we'll arrange a tow for you.

To see what's covered by your policy, read the Policy Disclosure Statement (PDS) on our policy booklets page.

We refer to the road rules to help us determine who may be responsible for an accident and whether negligence contributed to the event.

When we review who's responsible for an accident we'll ask for all drivers involved in the accident for their version of the incident.

The decision can also be helped by any diagrams and photos that you or the other drivers may have, any witness statements and the map location of the accident.

For assistance in determining who was at-fault and how to claim, contact the insurance regulatory authority in your state:

• New South Wales: State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
• Australian Capital Territory: Motor Accident Injuries Commission (within the ACT Department of Treasury)
• Tasmania: Motor Accident Insurance Board (MAIB)
• Queensland: Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC)
• South Australia: CTP Insurance Regulator
• Western Australia: Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA)
• Victoria: Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
• Northern Territory: Motor Accidents Compensation Commission

If you receive demands from another insurance company or another driver involved, you can contact us to lodge a claim and we can act on your behalf in dealing with the other party.

• If you were injured in a motor incident that was caused by a vehicle and you didn't get any details, or if the vehicle isn't insured, you may still be able to claim. You'll need to contact the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) CTP Assist on 1300 656 919.
• For vehicles registered in another state, you'll need to contact the relevant CTP regulatory authority in that state to find out details of the CTP insurer.
• If you're not sure which vehicle caused the accident, you can call the SIRA CTP Assist on 1300 656 919.

You don't need to make a claim yourself. Just make sure you tell them you're insured with NRMA Insurance and give them your details including:

• your registration details
• the state and territory where your vehicle is registered
• your full name, address and contact details
• if applicable - the vehicle owner's contact details.