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Vehicle Accident Guide: What to Do After a Car Accident in New Zealand

<p>If you've never been in a car crash, lucky you! If you have, you'll know that it can be stressful and hard to think clearly about what to do. Here is a simple rundown on what to do following a car accident while you're still at the scene.<br><br>Our Accident Guide has been developed taking best practice NZ Transport Agency guidelines into account. Visit <a href="https://www.nzta.govt.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">nzta.govt.nz</a> for further information.</p><h2>Quick Checklist</h2><p>Here are the key steps to follow immediately after a car accident in New Zealand:</p><ol><li><p>Stop and, if possible, move to a safe location.</p></li><li><p>Check for injuries.</p></li><li><p>Call <a href="tel:111" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">111</a> if anyone is injured or unsafe.</p></li><li><p>Exchange details with the other driver(s).</p></li><li><p>Collect evidence and witness details.</p></li><li><p>Arrange towing if the vehicle is undriveable.</p></li></ol><p>If the accident wasn't your fault and the driver who caused it is insured, you may be eligible for an accident replacement vehicle from Right2Drive at no cost to you, while your vehicle is off the road. Click <a href="https://www.right2drive.co.nz/application-your-details" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a> to apply or call <a href="tel:0800004203" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">0800 004 203</a>.</p><h2>Information to Collect</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Circumstances:</strong> Agree on what happened and who caused the accident.</p></li><li><p><strong>Other Driver:</strong> Full name, Driver Licence (take photo), mobile number, email, residential address.</p></li><li><p><strong>Other Driver's Vehicle:</strong> Car registration (take photo), make, model and colour, insurance provider name and policy number.</p></li><li><p><strong>Photographs &amp; Videos:</strong> Video/dashcam accident footage, both vehicles, accident location, weather or road conditions.</p></li><li><p><strong>Witnesses:</strong> Statement (if possible).</p></li></ul><h2>Step-by-Step Guide</h2><h3>Step 1: Stop and Be Safe</h3><ul><li><p>Stop and, if possible, move to a safe location.</p></li><li><p>Turn off your ignition and turn on your hazard lights.</p></li><li><p>Stay calm. Remember, you have this guide to help you.</p></li><li><p>If there is a safety risk, call <a href="tel:111" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">111</a> and request Police.</p></li><li><p>Pin your location on your map app and screenshot it (to help confirm time and location later).</p></li></ul><p><strong>Tip:</strong> You are legally required to stop, assist injured persons, and provide your details to all other involved parties.</p><h3>Step 2: Check for Injuries</h3><p>If anyone is injured, call <a href="tel:111" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">111</a> immediately and request an Ambulance.</p><h3>When Do You Need to Call Police After a Car Accident in New Zealand?</h3><p>Not every car accident needs to be reported to police, but there are several situations where you must call <a href="tel:111" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">111</a> and request Police attendance:</p><ul><li><p>Someone is injured, in danger, or intoxicated.</p></li><li><p>A vehicle requires towing.</p></li><li><p>There is damage to unattended property (e.g. a parked car or fence).</p></li><li><p>A driver fails to provide their details.</p></li><li><p>There is an injury, death, or damage to an unattended vehicle or property.</p></li></ul><p>For full reporting requirements, visit the New Zealand Police website: <a href="police.govt.nz" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-link-auto="">police.govt.nz</a></p><h3>Step 3: Gather Accident Details</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Circumstances:</strong> Discuss how the accident happened and agree (if you can) on who caused it.</p></li><li><p><strong>Photograph Vehicles:</strong> Take photos of the other driver's rego number plate, both vehicles in full, and the accident location (including road signs and traffic lights).</p></li><li><p><strong>Video Evidence:</strong> Capture any video evidence and dashcam footage if available.</p></li><li><p><strong>Witness Statement:</strong> If witnesses saw the accident, ask them for a statement of what happened along with their full name, phone number, email and address.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Tips:</strong> 1. Note and photograph any weather, road conditions or skid marks (helpful for establishing fault). 2. Recording a conversation is legally permitted in New Zealand but let the other people involved know you are recording to avoid any misunderstanding. Find out more <a href="https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/consumer-laws/privacy-act" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.</p><h3>Step 4: Gather the Other Driver's Details</h3><p>Swap information with the other driver(s) from a safe place away from traffic.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Full Name &amp; Driver Licence:</strong> Collect their full name, residential address and driver licence details.</p></li><li><p><strong>Contact Details:</strong> Mobile number (consider calling to confirm it is correct) and preferably an email address.</p></li><li><p><strong>Vehicle &amp; Insurance Info:</strong> Their car registration, insurance provider name and policy number, plus make, model and colour.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Tip:</strong> It may be easier to take a photo of their licence (front and back). If there are any driving conditions listed (e.g. must wear glasses), note whether the driver is complying.</p><h3>Step 5: Towing Your Vehicle</h3><p>If your vehicle is undriveable or unroadworthy, you will need to arrange a towing service. Be mindful of towing distance, as costs can vary considerably.</p><h3>Step 6: Getting Your Replacement Vehicle</h3><p>Work out how you're going to get to a safe and convenient location. You may phone family or a friend, or order a taxi or rideshare.<br><br>If the accident was caused by another insured driver, you are most likely eligible for an accident replacement vehicle from Right2Drive. There will be no cost to you as the hire costs are covered by the other driver's insurer. You'd have access to a vehicle suitable to your needs for as long as your vehicle is being repaired, or until it is declared a write-off and you receive payment.<br><br>Click <a href="https://www.right2drive.co.nz/application-your-details" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a> or call <a href="tel:0800004203" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">0800 004 203</a> to apply for an accident replacement vehicle while your vehicle is off the road, at no cost to you.<br><br>If your vehicle needs to be towed, phone Right2Drive on <a href="tel:0800004203" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">0800 004 203</a> before the vehicle is towed. The tow truck driver may offer to do this for you, which is also fine. You may be able to get a lift with the tow truck driver to where your vehicle is being towed. Right2Drive may be able to deliver your replacement vehicle there for you, or possibly to the accident scene.<br><br>If you caused the accident or the driver who caused it isn't insured, you will need to arrange your own car hire, which you'll need to pay for.</p><h2>Be Prepared Before an Accident</h2><p>Now that we've walked through a step-by-step guide to a vehicle accident, here is how you can proactively be prepared.</p><ul><li><p>Always carry your driver licence when driving (physical or digital).</p></li><li><p>Ensure your phone has battery when driving (carry a working charging cable) and the screen is legible.</p></li><li><p>Download a reliable map app such as <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@-37.8103136,144.9623552,14z?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYwMy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Google Maps</a> | <a href="https://maps.apple.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Apple Maps</a> | <a href="https://www.waze.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Waze</a>.</p></li><li><p>If you have comprehensive insurance, print a copy and keep it in your glove box. Know what your policy covers for accidents and towing.</p></li><li><p>If you have Roadside Assistance, keep your membership card handy or printed details in your vehicle. Understand what your membership covers for an accident tow.</p></li><li><p>Save Right2Drive's number: <a href="tel:0800004203" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">0800 004 203 </a>or download our Accident Guide Contact V-Card to save to your smart phone. It includes our contact details, a quick check list, a list of details for you to gather at the accident scene, and a hyperlink to this detailed Accident Guide.</p></li></ul><p><em>Please note: you'll need to save it as a contact on your device to view all information and details. vCards are most user-friendly on a mobile phone. For the best experience, we recommend opening this link on your device.</em></p><div class="__editor_html"><a href="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/right2drive/64ed7d03-988d-451d-9d53-96c16bdc7b63/right2drive-nz-accident-guide.vcf?version=0" download="right2drive-nz-accident-guide.vcf" style="text-decoration:underline;">Download my contact card</a>
</div><h2>What to Do Post Accident</h2><p>Here's a quick overview of what to do after you've left the accident.</p><ol><li><p>Dial <a href="tel:555" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">555</a> to report the accident or report <a href="https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">online.</a></p></li><li><p>Decide how to claim — depending on who caused the accident.</p></li><li><p>Notify your insurer (if you have comprehensive insurance).</p></li><li><p>Pay the vehicle $ excess (or receive confirmation that the insurer will waive the excess).</p></li><li><p>Get your vehicle assessed.</p></li><li><p>Repair or Write-off confirmation &amp; next steps.</p></li><li><p>Book an accident replacement hire car for while your car is off the road.</p></li><li><p>Recover against the At-Fault driver (if it wasn't your fault).</p></li><li><p>Track the claim.</p></li></ol><p>Click <a href="https://www.right2drive.co.nz/articles/what-to-do-after-the-accident-has-happened-and-youve-left-the-accident-scene-nz" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a> for a more detailed step-by-step guideline on how to go about this.</p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2><p>Quick answers to the questions New Zealand drivers ask most often after a car accident.</p><h3>Am I legally required to stop after a car accident in New Zealand?</h3><p>Yes. Under New Zealand law, drivers involved in a car accident are legally required to stop, find out whether anyone has been injured, assist them, and provide their details to all other parties involved. Failing to stop is a serious offence and may be treated as a hit-and-run.</p><h3>What details should I exchange after a car accident?</h3><p>At a minimum, exchange your full name, residential address, mobile number, driver licence details, vehicle registration, and the name of your insurer along with your policy number. Taking a photo of the other driver's licence (front and back) and number plate is the fastest way to make sure you have everything correct.</p><h3>Do I need to report a minor car accident to police in New Zealand?</h3><p>Not always. You are required by law to report the accident to police if there is an injury, death, or damage to an unattended vehicle or property. If you are unsure, it is safer to report than not. Visit <a href="police.govt.nz" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-link-auto="">police.govt.nz</a> for the current rules.</p><h3>When do I need to call police after a car accident?</h3><p>Call <a href="tel:111" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">111</a> and request police if anyone is injured, in danger, or intoxicated, if a vehicle needs to be towed, if unattended property has been damaged (such as a parked car or fence), or if any driver refuses to share their details. If you're unsure, it's always safer to call than not.</p><h3>Can I get a free replacement car if the accident wasn't my fault?</h3><p>If the at-fault driver is insured, you may be eligible for an accident replacement vehicle from Right2Drive at no cost to you. The hire costs are recovered from the at-fault driver's insurer, and you keep the replacement vehicle for as long as your car is being repaired or until it is declared a write-off. Call <a href="tel:0800004203" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">0800 004 203</a> or <a href="https://www.right2drive.co.nz/application-your-details" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">apply</a> online to check eligibility.</p><h3>What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?</h3><p>If the other driver is uninsured, getting your repairs paid for becomes harder. Here's how to approach it.</p><ol><li><p>Collect their details thoroughly — full name, address, date of birth, licence number, rego and a working mobile (call it on the spot to confirm), plus a photo of the front and back of their licence.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>If They Refuse to Provide Details, Call <a href="tel:111" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">111</a> — a police record strengthens your position later.</p></li><li><p>From there, your recovery options depend on your own cover:</p></li></ol><ul><li><p>Comprehensive insurance lets you claim through your insurer (you'll usually pay the excess up front and they may recover it for you).</p></li><li><p>Third party property policies may include an uninsured motorist extension up to a set limit and if you are uninsured yourself, you can pursue the at-fault driver directly via a Letter of Demand or the Disputes Tribunal.</p></li></ul><p>A replacement vehicle through Right2Drive's standard no-cost service generally isn't available when the at-fault driver is uninsured, but it's still worth calling <a href="tel:0800004203" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">0800 004 203</a> to talk through your options.<br><br>Click <a href="https://www.right2drive.co.nz/articles/what-if-the-other-driver-doesnt-have-insurance-nz" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a> for a more detailed guide.</p><h3>What should I do if the other driver drives off after the accident?</h3><p>Don't chase the vehicle. Stay at the scene and immediately note the registration number, make, model, colour and direction of travel. Look for witnesses and nearby CCTV, take photos of any damage or debris, and report the incident to police as soon as possible. You'll need a police event number for any insurance claim. Visit police.govt.nz to report.<br><br>Click <a href="https://www.right2drive.co.nz/articles/what-to-do-if-the-other-driver-leaves-the-scene-nz" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a> for more detail about what to do.</p><h3>What should I avoid saying at the scene of a car accident?</h3><p>Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about who was at fault or apologising in a way that sounds like an admission of fault. Don't agree to settle privately, don't share extra details about your insurance policy beyond your insurer's name and policy number, and don't sign anything you haven't read carefully. Establishing fault is your insurer's job, not yours.<br><br>You can download our full NZ guide here: <a href="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/right2drive/5c6c8cfa-0fdd-4ff4-bcc7-4c88a160bd0e/nz-r2d088-accident-guide-v2.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">NZ R2D088 Accident Guide_v2.pdf</a></p>

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