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The law defines a reportable road traffic collision as a collision involving a mechanically-propelled vehicle on a road or other public area which causes:
*You may also report collisions or incidents involving deer, but this is not a legal requirement.
If you're having trouble getting these details from someone involved or they have left without giving details, call the police on 101 while you're still at the scene of the collision.
You don't need to report a collision to the police if you've exchanged details, nobody was injured and there are no allegations of driving offences.
You must report the collision to the police if you were unable to exchange details at the scene, if anyone was injured, or if you suspect that the other person may have committed a driving offence.
Many forces have online reporting for road traffic incidents.
Find out which force you need to report to and if they have an online service
Your report will be assessed and you'll only be contacted if something further is needed from you, like a witness statement or for you to attend court.
If you report a collision without an injury and or any allegation of bad driving, you're unlikely to be contacted again by the police.
You should inform your insurance company and follow their advice. You can use the reference number as a police reference for insurance purposes.
If you have made an allegation, then your report will be assessed by the police and either:
You must report the collision no matter who was at fault.
If you don't stop at the scene or report an incident you could be committing an offence and be charged.
The penalties include:
The court can also disqualify you from driving.