It’s scary, but not uncommon. Stay calm, exchange details, and let your insurer know. You might have to pay your excess and miss out on your first-year no-claims bonus.
First crash? Deep breath — here’s what to do
Crashing just after passing your test can feel like a total disaster. But you’re not alone, and it’s not the end of the world. Loads of new drivers have been in your shoes — and there’s a clear way through it.
Here’s what to expect, what steps to take, and how it could affect your insurance.
What to do right after the crash
Stay calm and check everyone’s OK. Put your hazard lights on and move to a safe place if possible. Swap names, addresses and insurance details with anyone involved. Take photos of the damage and the scene. Get witness contact info if you can. Call 999 if someone’s hurt or a vehicle’s blocking traffic.
Need the full checklist? Read our guide to what to do after a car accident
Who do I need to tell?
Even if it’s just a bump, you should let your insurance company know as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. Some insurers have apps or online forms that make it easier.
If you’ve got a black box policy, it might flag the incident automatically.
You might also need to inform the police within 24 hours if:
- Someone is injured
- You couldn’t exchange details at the scene
- There’s property damage and the owner isn’t there
Will I get in trouble if it was my fault?
Not unless you were doing something illegal, like speeding or using your phone. If it was just a mistake — like misjudging a gap — your insurer will handle it.
You won’t lose your driving licence for having a crash, but if you broke any rules, you could get penalty points.
Will I have to pay anything?
If you make a claim and the crash was your fault (or the other driver can’t be found), you’ll usually need to pay an excess — that’s your share of the cost.
Not sure what excess means? Read our guide to voluntary and compulsory excess
You don’t officially earn your no-claims bonus until you complete a full year without a claim — so if you crash in your first year, you’ll usually lose the chance to get it.
Will my insurance go up?
Probably, yes — especially if you were at fault. But it depends on your insurer, your insurance policy, and how serious the crash was.
If you’re on a black box policy, your driving score might drop too. Safe driving afterwards can help bring it back up over time.
Can I still drive after the crash?
It depends on the damage. If your car is still roadworthy — meaning no smashed lights, leaking fluids or structural issues — and you’ve got a valid insurance policy, you can usually keep driving.
But be honest with yourself: if the steering feels off or you’re not confident the car is safe, get it checked before heading back out.
If the crash has knocked your confidence (which is totally normal), it’s OK to take a break. Speak to someone you trust — even your driving instructor — before getting back behind the wheel.
Quick recap
- Crashing as a new driver is stressful but common — don’t panic
- Always exchange details and let your insurer know
- You may have to pay your excess and lose your chance to earn a no-claims bonus
- Black box drivers might see their score drop, but you can recover
- You can usually keep driving if the car is safe — but don’t push yourself if you’re not ready
Want the full breakdown? Read our complete guide to what to do after a car accident