
Did you know that driving is the most dangerous thing most of us will ever do in our lifetimes? It’s important to know what steps to take after an accident to protect yourself, other drivers, your finances, and your car insurance policy.
- Stay at the scene
A car accident is stressful, and you may be tempted to flee the scene.
South African law states that if any injured occurred or any property was destroyed, you may not leave the scene until after the police arrive. Fleeing may result in a fine of R180,000, nine years imprisonment, or both.
- Help anyone who is hurt
If someone is injured, call the emergency services or SAPS immediately. Don’t remove someone from a vehicle or administer first aid unless you are qualified.
- Don’t say sorry
Apologising can be construed as an admission of fault, which can impact the police report and your insurance claim.
Be polite and check whether anyone is injured but avoid discussing what happened. If asked directly, it’s okay to simply say, "I don’t know".
- Write down the details
Get the details of everyone involved, including their:
- Full name and last name
- Phone number
- Physical address
- ID number
- Car registration number
- Get your car towed
If you’re a dotsure.co.za car insurance policyholder with a Smart-box installed, it will automatically send us a crash notification, and we will assist with towing within a certain number of km’s*.
If you aren’t a dotsure.co.za client, you may need to call a towing company. Be aware of fees -“ it could cost close to R10,000.
Looking for a car insurer that really cares? Sign up with dotsure.co.za on Name Your Price™ today! Get a free online quote in 5 minutes.
*T&Cs apply. Risk profile and policy dependent.
**As rated on Hellopeter.com
Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925).
Picture: Supplied

Did you know that driving is the most dangerous thing most of us will ever do in our lifetimes? It’s important to know what steps to take after an accident to protect yourself, other drivers, your finances, and your car insurance policy.
- Stay at the scene
A car accident is stressful, and you may be tempted to flee the scene.
South African law states that if any injured occurred or any property was destroyed, you may not leave the scene until after the police arrive. Fleeing may result in a fine of R180,000, nine years imprisonment, or both.
- Help anyone who is hurt
If someone is injured, call the emergency services or SAPS immediately. Don’t remove someone from a vehicle or administer first aid unless you are qualified.
- Don’t say sorry
Apologising can be construed as an admission of fault, which can impact the police report and your insurance claim.
Be polite and check whether anyone is injured but avoid discussing what happened. If asked directly, it’s okay to simply say, "I don’t know".
- Write down the details
Get the details of everyone involved, including their:
- Full name and last name
- Phone number
- Physical address
- ID number
- Car registration number
- Get your car towed
If you’re a dotsure.co.za car insurance policyholder with a Smart-box installed, it will automatically send us a crash notification, and we will assist with towing within a certain number of km’s*.
If you aren’t a dotsure.co.za client, you may need to call a towing company. Be aware of fees -“ it could cost close to R10,000.
Looking for a car insurer that really cares? Sign up with dotsure.co.za on Name Your Price™ today! Get a free online quote in 5 minutes.
*T&Cs apply. Risk profile and policy dependent.
**As rated on Hellopeter.com
Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925).
Picture: Supplied