Who do I call first after a car accident in Sydney?

Call 000 if anyone is hurt or in danger. If not, make the scene safe, collect the other driver's details, and then call your insurer or an accident manager such as MotorClaim on 1300 255 588.

Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in NSW?

Not if no one is hurt and no vehicle needs towing. If a vehicle is towed and police didn't attend, report the crash within 24 hours on 131 444.

Do I have to claim through my own insurer if it wasn't my fault?

Not always. If the other driver caused the accident you may be able to claim from them or their insurer. Your own policy and circumstances matter, so check before you decide.

What if the other driver has no insurance?

You may still have options, such as a letter of demand, Local Court Small Claims or a claim under your own policy's uninsured motorist cover. Call us and we will explain which fit your situation.

Not your fault car accident in Sydney: who to call

Checked against official sources on 2026-11-08

1. Get safe, then call the right number

Anyone hurt, trapped or in danger: call 000.
No injuries and the car is blocking traffic: if it is safe, switch on your hazard lights, photograph the scene first if you can and move the car.
If the car can't be driven, you choose the tow company and where the car goes. Check the Towing Authorisation Form before you sign.

2. Collect what you will need later

The other driver's name, phone, registration and insurer. A photo of their licence or rego is enough.
Photos: both cars from a few steps back, close-ups of the damage, the road, signs and lights.
Names and numbers of any witnesses.

3. Tell your insurer, but you may not have to claim on your policy

Your policy usually requires you to report the accident. If the other driver caused it, you can often claim from them or their insurer instead of using your own cover. Your insurer decides how it treats the claim on your record, so ask before you lodge.

4. If the other driver stalls

If they stop replying, dispute fault or turn out to be uninsured, don't just wait. Keep every message and quote, then get help early. Delay is what turns a simple claim into a long one.

If you were hurt

See a doctor and keep your records. Questions about injury compensation are for an independent lawyer or Legal Aid NSW. We only deal with the vehicle side.

5. Call us if you want it taken off your plate

MotorClaim chases the other driver, deals with the insurers and arranges towing, repairs and, where you're eligible, a replacement car. Call 1300 255 588 any time.

Common questions

Who do I call first after a car accident in Sydney?: Call 000 if anyone is hurt or in danger. If not, make the scene safe, collect the other driver's details, and then call your insurer or an accident manager such as MotorClaim on 1300 255 588.
Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in NSW?: Not if no one is hurt and no vehicle needs towing. If a vehicle is towed and police didn't attend, report the crash within 24 hours on 131 444.
Do I have to claim through my own insurer if it wasn't my fault?: Not always. If the other driver caused the accident you may be able to claim from them or their insurer. Your own policy and circumstances matter, so check before you decide.
What if the other driver has no insurance?: You may still have options, such as a letter of demand, Local Court Small Claims or a claim under your own policy's uninsured motorist cover. Call us and we will explain which fit your situation.

Sources

General information only, not legal advice. Your situation depends on the facts and the terms you sign.