{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Your Go-To Guide for Navigating Minor Car Accidents in Australia","text":"\u003Cp\u003ELearn the ropes and be prepared for anything the road throws your way. Your go-to resource for handling minor Aussie road mishaps – because car accidents happen, but so does being prepared.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Your Go-To Guide for Navigating Minor Car Accidents in Australia","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1705154431546/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident.png","alt":"Your Go-To Guide for Navigating Minor Car Accidents in Australia","width":3840,"height":2160},"date":"2024-01-17T14:11:00.000Z","tags":[{"name":"Drive Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/drive-well"},{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Your Go-To Guide for Navigating Minor Car Accidents in Australia","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"brand1","model":{"title":"What to do if you have a minor car accident","text":"\u003Cp\u003EWhat do you need to do after a minor bingle? Here are the rules you should follow.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/_jcr_content/root/main/section/item.shellimg.png/1705154525005/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident-banner.png","width":3840,"height":960},"date":"2024-01-17T14:11:00.000Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/item"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/author_copy_copy_cop_653834171","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on Jan. 17, 2024"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/author_copy_copy_cop_653834171.shellimg.png/1705740832217/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBeing involved in a car accident is an overwhelming experience. Aside from the shock of the accident, you might not know what you need to do next. Here are some \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/warnings-and-hazards/crashes\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Esimple steps\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to follow if you find yourself in this situation.\u003C/p\u003E\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/text_1195566371","model":{"title":"1. Stop","text":"\u003Cp\u003EThe big one. Failing to stop after a motor-vehicle collision in Australia is an offense, so even if it's just a small scrape, don't just drive away. As well as being required by law to stop after a collision, all drivers involved must exchange details – we'll come to that later.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/text_1524445280","model":{"title":"2. Make the area safe","text":"\u003Cp\u003EOnce the dust has settled, you need to make sure all parties are safe. If you and your passengers are safe, and it's safe to do so, exit your vehicle and check those in the other vehicle are all right. If any of the cars are blocking traffic but can be moved, move them to a safe location, switch the engines off and turn on the hazard lights to alert motorists.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/text_763250812","model":{"title":"3. Assess the situation","text":"\u003Cp\u003EIn the event of injuries or fatalities – the definition of a 'major' collision – you must immediately call triple zero. The national emergency phone operator will call police and other required services.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ESome of the other circumstances that fall into the major-collision category and require \u003Ca href=\"https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/crime_prevention/road_safety/crash_reporting_faqs#q1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Epolice attendance\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/a\u003E include suspecting a driver is affected by alcohol or drugs, someone is trapped in a vehicle, a bus or truck needs to be towed, or any of the involved parties failed to stop.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIf none of these situations apply it's a minor collision and you and the other driver/s can work out the details between yourselves.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/text_101757269","model":{"title":"4. Gather key details","text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy law, drivers involved in a collision must exchange details such as name and address (plus, if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, the name and address of the owner), vehicle registration numbers and any other information needed to identify a vehicle such as make, model and colour.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EBut if you intend to claim with your insurer, for the best legal protection in a dispute you'll want more details. If you can, get the other driver's phone number and insurance policy details too. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact details. Note down the time and location of the collision. With your smartphone, take photos of the location and vehicle damage from multiple angles, as well as any property damage. Note down any CCTV cameras in the area as the footage could be significant in a dispute.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EMost importantly, don't get into an argument about where fault for the collision lies, that's for the insurers to untangle.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/text_657230992","model":{"title":"5. Contact your insurer","text":"\u003Cp\u003EAs soon as convenient, contact your insurer and inform them of the collision. They'll walk you through the process of providing the necessary information so they can assess your claim.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EHow things develop from there will depend on your insurance status that of the other driver/s and who was at fault. But if you have a typical comprehensive policy, weren't at fault and have supplied all the necessary details about the other driver/s, you likely won't be asked to pay your excess. If the accident was your fault or you can't supply that key information, expect to take the excess hit.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you don't have insurance and the collision was your fault, the other driver's insurer will send you a letter of demand with a quote for repairing their car. In that scenario, seeking legal advice is recommended.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EUltimately, always practice road safety to avoid these road accidents by not exceeding the speed limit and travelling three or four seconds behind the vehicle in front so you have time to stop to avoid an accident. Always drive within your comfort zone, avoid distractions and make sure your phone is away. Abiding by the law and following these few simple precautions will help you avoid accidents and safely get to your destination.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Drive Well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Fdrive-well"},{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/page_tags_copy_copy_"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":4,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_1223450276/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"title":"You may also be interested in"}},{"organism":"Author.Info","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_1223450276/author_copy_copy_cop","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on Nov. 13 2023\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Ask an expert: 5 tips on the best way to teach a learner driver","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/five-tips-on-the-best-way-to-teach-a-learner-driver.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_1223450276/author_copy_copy_cop.shellimg.png/1705154628881/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"Author.Info","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_1223450276/author_copy_copy_cop_1767487568","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on Oct. 11, 2023\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Signs your car needs servicing","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/signs-your-car-needs-servicing.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_1223450276/author_copy_copy_cop_1767487568.shellimg.png/1705154681164/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"Author.Info","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_1223450276/author_copy_copy_cop_684923397","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on Oct. 11, 2023\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Fuel types explained","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/fuel-types-explained.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_1223450276/author_copy_copy_cop_684923397.shellimg.png/1705154727989/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_1223450276","model":{}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EDisclaimer\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EViva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"Container.XF","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section/experience_fragment_","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main/section","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/main","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Footer","children":[{"organism":"Breadcrumb.Large","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Your Go-To Guide for Navigating Minor Car Accidents in Australia","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"Your Go-To Guide for Navigating Minor Car Accidents in Australia","text":"Learn the ropes and be prepared for anything the road throws your way. Your go-to resource for handling minor Aussie road mishaps – because car accidents happen, but so does being prepared.","date":"2024-01-17T14:11:00.000Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"Your Go-To Guide for Navigating Minor Car Accidents in Australia | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-minor-car-accident"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. 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