What to do after a minor car accident in Victoria

Minor car accidents happen every day on Victorian roads — in fact, over 1,200 crashes are officially recorded each month, and many more go unreported due to their minor nature. From checking for injuries to documenting the scene and arranging repairs, there are important steps you should follow to stay safe and protect your claim.

In this guide, we explain exactly what to do after a minor car accident in Victoria, including how to deal with the police, your insurer, and your vehicle damage, with help from Sheen Panel Service every step of the way.

6 steps to follow after a minor car accident in Victoria

After a minor car accident, it’s important to stay calm and follow the right procedure, especially if you plan to claim car insurance or need repairs.

Below are six essential steps to take immediately after a minor accident in Victoria. Following these steps can help you stay safe, protect your rights, and get back on the road sooner.

Step 1: Check for injuries and ensure safety

Your priority after a minor car accident is to ensure that everyone involved is safe. Even if the crash seems minor, it is important to check for injuries and secure the scene.

• Check yourself for any pain or signs of injury — don’t rush out of the vehicle.
• Assess your passengers and provide first aid if needed.
• Check on the occupants of the other vehicle calmly and respectfully.
• Call 000 for emergency services if anyone has been injured.
• Move your vehicle safely to the side of the road if it’s drivable.
• Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles if you have them.

If you suspect injuries, leaking fluids, or can’t move the vehicle, wait for emergency services and don’t attempt to drive.

Step 2: Don’t admit fault at the scene

It’s important not to admit fault at the scene — even if you feel responsible. Determining who’s at fault is a legal and insurance process, and any comment you make could affect your claim later.

Keep in mind:

• Don’t say “I’m sorry” or speculate about what happened.
• Stay calm and polite when speaking with the other driver.
• Focus on gathering facts, not assigning blame.
• Let your insurer or the police determine who was at fault.

Even well-meaning apologies can be taken as admissions of liability. Stick to the facts and let the professionals handle the rest.

Step 3: Call the police if required

In Victoria, you don’t always need to call the police after a minor accident, but there are some situations where it’s legally required. If someone is injured, a vehicle is blocking traffic, or a party refuses to provide details, you must report the crash.

Call the police if:

• Someone is injured or trapped
• A vehicle is blocking traffic and can’t be moved
• One of the drivers appears intoxicated or aggressive
• Another party won’t share their name, license, or insurance details
• There’s significant property damage or public infrastructure involved

If police attend the scene, they’ll take statements and may issue traffic infringement notices. Otherwise, you may need to report the accident later at a police station or online, depending on your insurer’s requirements.

Step 4: Record the details of the accident

Once the scene is safe, record the details of the crash carefully. Accurate documentation will support your insurance claim and help resolve any arising disputes.

Make sure to collect:

• Full name, licence number, registration, phone, and insurance provider of the other driver
• Contact details of any witnesses or bystanders

Take photos of:

• All vehicles involved (including number plates and damage)
• The surrounding area, including street signs and debris
• Any visible injuries or damage to nearby property

If your vehicle is undrivable, arrange a tow with Sheen. We can also assist with your insurance claim and next steps.

Step 5: Call Sheen for help with towing, repairs and insurance

Unsure what to do next? Call Sheen Panel Service. We’ll help you manage the entire post-accident process from towing your vehicle to starting repairs quickly.

With one call, Sheen can:

• Tow your vehicle to the nearest repair centre
• Help you submit your insurance claim
• Begin quality smash repairs as soon as possible
• Liaise directly with your insurance provider

Contact Sheen today for stress-free support after a minor car accident in Victoria. We’ll take it from here.

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Step 6: Organise repairs and understand your insurance

Once the dust has settled, it’s time to repair your vehicle. Whether it’s a small dent or more significant panel damage, assessing the cost and checking what’s covered under your insurance policy is essential.

Here’s what to consider:

• If the repair cost exceeds your excess, paying out of pocket might be cheaper than skipping the claim.
• If you make a claim, check whether you’ll need to pay up front and be reimbursed later.
• Some insurers require you to use an approved repairer, so review your policy before booking.

Sheen Panel Service can manage everything from quote to completion, restoring your vehicle to pre-accident condition. Book a repair and let our team handle the insurance side too.

Frequently asked questions about minor car accidents

Do I need to report a minor accident to the police in Victoria?

Not always. You only need to report an accident if someone is injured, if a driver refuses to provide their details, or if public infrastructure has been damaged. However, some insurers require a police report even for minor accidents, so checking your policy before lodging a claim is worth checking.

Can I still claim insurance if I was at fault?

Yes — if you have comprehensive cover, most insurers will let you make a claim even if you caused the accident. It’s important not to admit fault at the scene, as this can complicate the claims process. If there's a dispute over who was responsible, it helps to understand how fault is assessed in car accidents, especially when dealing with your insurer.

What happens if someone else was driving my car?

If someone else was behind the wheel when the accident occurred — like a friend or partner — your insurance may or may not cover the damage, depending on whether they were a listed driver. It’s a common concern, and you can learn more about what to expect if someone else crashes your car, including how to recover costs if they’re not covered.

How do I know if it’s worth making a claim?

It comes down to the numbers. If repair costs are lower than your excess, you might be better off paying out of pocket to avoid premium increases. But if damage to another vehicle or property, even minor, it’s usually safer to involve your insurer and protect yourself from potential liability.