Claims how-to
What to do immediately after a car accident in South Africa
By Sipho Dlamini · 7 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Emergency number
- 10111 (police) or 112 from a mobile
- Report to SAPS within
- 24 hours if injury, death, or you did not stop
- What to never admit
- Fault or liability at the scene
- Claim window
- Tell your insurer as soon as possible, ideally same day
After a car accident in South Africa, stop your vehicle, check for injuries, switch on hazards and call 10111 if anyone is hurt or a vehicle is blocking traffic. Swap details with the other driver, photograph everything, and report the accident to the SAPS within 24 hours if there are injuries, a death, or you do not stop at the scene.
Staying calm and methodical at the scene protects both your safety and your insurance claim. The notes and photos you take in the first few minutes are often the difference between a smooth claim and a disputed one.
This guide walks through the steps in order, what the law actually requires, and the mistakes that delay or sink claims.
Step 1: Stop, stay safe and check for injuries
By law you must stop after any accident. Switch on hazard lights, and if it is safe, move vehicles out of the flow of traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, phone 10111 (or 112 from a cellphone) for police and an ambulance. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
If the cars are drivable and nobody is hurt, you may move them to the side so you do not cause a second crash, but take a quick photo of the positions first.
Step 2: Exchange details with the other driver
Calmly get the following from every other driver involved:
- Full name and ID number
- Cellphone number and address
- Vehicle registration, make, model and colour
- Driver's licence details
- Their insurer and policy number if they will share it
Give them the same in return. Stay polite. Do not argue about who is to blame - that is for the insurers and, if needed, the courts to decide.
Step 3: Photograph and record everything
Take wide and close photos of:
- All vehicle damage, including the other car
- Number plates
- The road, skid marks, traffic lights and signs
- The overall scene from a few angles
Note the date, time, exact location, weather and road conditions. Get names and numbers of any witnesses. A short voice note describing what happened while it is fresh can help later.
Step 4: Report the accident to the SAPS
You must report the accident at a police station within 24 hours if there is injury, a death, or if you did not stop at the scene. Even for a minor bump, getting a case number (an Accident Report or AR number) is wise because most insurers ask for it.
Do not admit liability in your police statement. Stick to the facts of what you saw and did. The officer will give you a reference number you will need for your claim.
Step 5: Notify your insurer and lodge the claim
Phone your insurer or broker as soon as you can, ideally the same day. Have your policy number, the SAPS case number, the other driver's details and your photos ready. Ask what documents they need and whether towing and a courtesy car are covered.
Lodging quickly matters - many policies require prompt notification and late reporting is a common reason claims get queried.
AARTO, fines and the legal side
AARTO (the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences system) deals with traffic fines and demerit points, not with your insurance claim. If you are fined or charged after an accident, deal with that process separately. A traffic infringement does not automatically mean your insurer will reject the claim, but driving while unlicensed, drunk or reckless can void cover.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Driving off without stopping (this is a criminal offence)
- Admitting fault at the scene
- Forgetting to get the other driver's details
- Not taking photos
- Settling privately in cash then trying to claim later
- Waiting days to tell your insurer
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to report a minor accident to the police in South Africa?
If there are injuries, a death, or you did not stop, you must report within 24 hours. For a minor scrape with no injuries it is not always legally required, but most insurers want a SAPS case number, so reporting is the safer choice.
What is the 24 hour rule after an accident?
If an accident causes injury or death, or a driver fails to stop, the accident must be reported at a police station within 24 hours. This gives you the Accident Report (AR) number that insurers usually ask for.
Should I admit fault at the scene?
No. Stick to facts and do not accept blame, even to be polite. Liability is decided by the insurers and, if disputed, the courts. Admitting fault can complicate or weaken your position.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
You can still claim on your own comprehensive policy. If you only have third party cover and the other driver caused the crash, you may have to claim against them directly, which can be slow if they cannot pay.
Can I move my car after an accident?
If nobody is seriously injured and the cars are drivable, you may move them out of traffic to stay safe. Photograph the original positions first so there is a record of how the crash happened.
How soon must I tell my insurer?
As soon as reasonably possible, ideally the same day. Most policies require prompt notification, and delays are a common reason claims get queried or delayed.
Do I need a case number to claim?
Not always, but most South African insurers ask for a SAPS case or AR number, especially for theft, hijacking or accidents with injuries. It is easier to get it within 24 hours than weeks later.
