Car accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how careful of a driver you are. Melbourne’s busy roads, unpredictable weather and heavy peak-hour traffic mean that even a small lapse in concentration could lead to a crash. “Just to highlight how important it is to know exactly what to do after a car accident in Melbourne, not only for your safety but also for a smooth insurance and repair process,” said the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). 296 people lost their lives on Victorian roads in the 12 months to June 2025.
Melbourne drivers will be guided through every step of the process in this car accident checklist, from the moment of impact to getting their car back on the road, ensuring their safety, protecting their rights and avoiding common mistakes along the way.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety First
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries first. If it is safe to do so, check on the occupants of the other vehicle(s) involved too.
If possible, move your car out of the flow of traffic to prevent a secondary collision. “Immediately turn on your hazard lights so other drivers know there is an incident in front of them. If you cannot get out of your car, stay inside with your seat belt on and your hazard lights on until help arrives.
Safety is Always the Priority. Worry About Vehicle Accident Repair or Paperwork Later When Everyone Is Safe.
Step 2: Call Emergency Services (Triple Zero – 000)
“If anyone is injured please call 000 for ambulance. In Victoria you are also required by law to call the police if:
- Someone gets hurt or killed
- Driver suspected of being under influence of alcohol or drugs
- A vehicle needs to be towed.
- Any party leaves the scene or fails to stop
- There is a lot of damage to property or vehicles
Even in minor accidents, having police attend or lodging a report can make your car accident insurance claim in Victoria much smoother down the track.
Step 3: Exchange Details With the Other Driver
Once all parties are safe, exchange details with the other driver(s). Make sure you collect:
- Full name and telephone number
- Location
- Vehicle registration plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
If you feel comfortable doing so, you may also want to take a picture of the other driver’s license and registration papers. This prevents confusion or mistakes later when details are being written down under stress.
Step 4: Document the Accident Scene
Proper documentation can be a huge difference in your insurance claim for car repairs. Take clear photos and videos with your phone of:
All the vehicles involved were damaged
The whole scene of the accident with the road conditions and traffic signs
Scuff marks, debris, or anything that relates to how the accident took place
Write down the exact time, date and place of the accident. Get names and contact details of any witnesses nearby an independent account can be useful if there’s a dispute later about who was at fault.
Once you have taken your photos, that’s it, no more toing and froing with South East Collision Centre. Simply upload your damage photos and receive a fast smash repairs Melbourne quote sent straight back to you no need to bring the car in first.
Step 5: Report the Accident (VicRoads and TAC Requirements)
As noted above, some accidents must be reported to Victoria Police. This is especially important in the case of injuries, because Victoria’s no-fault injury insurance scheme, run by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), covers medical costs and support for anyone injured in a transport accident, regardless of who was to blame.
If you or any other person has been injured it is worth looking into a TAC claim as soon as possible as there are time limits on making a claim. Even in accidents where no one is injured and only the vehicles are damaged, a police report may be helpful, especially if the other driver denies liability.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company in a timely manner after the accident Most insurance policies have a time limit within which accidents must be reported. When you call, please have the following ready:
- IMAGES FROM THE CRASH SITE AND DAMAGE
- Details of the other driver
- Police report number (if applicable)
- A valid, truthful version of events
Your insurer will then guide you through the process of a car accident insurance claim Victoria. This usually involves an assessment of the damage and the approval of repairs. Make sure you ask if you can pick your own repairer, instead of being stuck with your insurer’s preferred network.
South East Collision Centre can help if you are feeling overwhelmed about starting the claim with your direct insurance claim. Their team can help you lodge your claim and walk you through every step so you are not left to figure it out alone. They can even give you an accident replacement vehicle so you’re never left without a car.
Step 7: Choose the Right Repairer for Your Car
This is one of the most crucial and often overlooked steps in any accident repair Melbourne process. Many drivers think they have to go to the garage their insurer recommends. In Victoria, however, you generally have the right to choose your own repairer, even if your insurer recommends one of their partners.
Why is this important? Not all repairers offer the same quality of workmanship, use genuine parts or give the same warranty on repairs. To get your car restored safely and correctly, not just patched up quickly to close the claim, choose a panel beater Melbourne drivers trust to have a strong reputation, proper equipment and manufacturer-approved repair techniques.
And this is where South East Collision Centre located in Clyde North and serving Cranbourne, Berwick, Narre Warren, Hallam, Dandenong, Carrum Downs and Lynbrook, really makes a difference. Their collision repair Melbourne team is experts at:
- Panel beating
- Spray painting
- Bumper repairs
- Towing
- Paintless dent removal
- Truck repairs
- Taxi repairs
All backed by a reputation for honesty, craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, whether you are paying privately or through insurance. They also work on many car brands such as Toyota, Ford, Dodge, Jaguar and Honda, so whatever you drive, their team knows how to fix it.
Quick Reference: What to Do After a Car Accident
|
Situation |
What You Should Do |
|
Someone injured |
Call 000 immediately |
|
Car blocking traffic |
Move it if safe to do so |
|
Minor accident, no injuries |
Exchange details with the other driver |
|
Major accident or hit-and-run |
Call Victoria Police |
|
Vehicle damaged |
Photograph damage, then contact your insurer |
|
Need repairs |
Contact a trusted smash repair centre |
|
Need a car while yours is repaired |
Ask about an accident replacement vehicle |
Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
Even sensible drivers can do stupid things after a crash. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
- Not taking proper photos of the scene and relying on memory can hurt your claim later down the road.
- Accept responsibility at the scene. Stick to facts when talking to other driver or police, let the investigation determine fault.
- Waiting too long to notify your insurance can complicate your claim, or even put it in jeopardy.
- Skipping a proper repair inspection — A quick, surface-level repair can cover up deeper structural or mechanical problems that may appear later.
- In Victoria generally you are entitled to choose your own panel beater if you have no choice of repairer.
By taking the time to do things properly at each stage of your car accident repair, you will save yourself stress, time and money later on.
How South East Collision Centre Can Help
The stress of a car accident is bad enough without worrying about where to get your car repaired. South East Collision Centre removes that pressure with:
- Fast turnaround and clear quotes – so you know exactly what’s needed and when your car will be ready
- Insurance claim assistance helps you file and manage your claim from start to finish
- Complete smash repair services including automotive roof repair, front and rear bumper repair, side impact repair, dent removal and paintless dent repair (PDR) and storm and hail damage repair
- Accident replacement vehicles so you don’t get stuck without a car while yours is being repaired
- Genuine parts and skilled workmanship backed by a warranty on all repairs
- Clyde North – a modern, clean facility with the latest tools and highly qualified technicians servicing Cranbourne, Berwick, Narre Warren, Hallam, Dandenong, Carrum Downs and Lynbrook.
Be it a minor hail damage or a major collision repair Melbourne job, their workshop is designed to bring your car back to pre-accident condition with precision and care.
Conclusion
Being involved in a car accident in Melbourne can be overwhelming, but knowing the right steps to take checking for injuries, contacting emergency services, documenting the scene, notifying your insurer, and choosing the right repairer puts you back in control of the situation.
If you’ve recently been in an accident, don’t leave your car’s repair to chance. Contact South East Collision Centre in Clyde North on 03 8738 0090, or upload photos of your damage online for a fast, no-obligation smash repair quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to report every accident to the police in Victoria?
Not always. Police attendance and a report is required in case of injury, suspicion of drug or alcohol use, a driver leaving the scene or serious vehicle damage requiring towing.
Do you get to pick your own repairer or does the insurance company?
In Victoria, you have the right to choose your own repairer in most cases even if your insurer recommends one of their network repairers.
When do I need to make an insurance claim?
This will vary depending on the insurer but you should ideally inform them as soon as possible, within a few days of the accident.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
If you have comprehensive cover you can still make a claim through your own insurer. TAC cover applies to injury costs, regardless of fault or insurance status.
After a car accident, who pays for the repairs?
If you are not at fault, the other driver’s insurer (or your own, depending on your policy) will usually cover it. If you are at fault your own comprehensive policy would pay . Less any excess .
Do I need to move my car after an accident?
Only if it is safe to do so, and it is creating a traffic hazard. If injuries are involved or the scene is unsafe, do not move the vehicle; wait for emergency services to arrive.
But what if the two drivers don’t agree about who’s to blame?
And this is why documentation is important. Photos, witness information and a police report (if applicable) help insurers make fair determinations of fault.
Can you drive a damaged car?
It depends on the level of damage. If lights, mirrors, tyres or any structural parts are affected it is safer to have the vehicle towed and checked before driving it again.
How long does a smash repair take?
It depends upon the extent of damage and availability of parts however a reputable repairer like South East Collision Centre will give you a clear time frame upfront.
Do I need more than one repair estimate?
Not necessarily. If you’re going through insurance, your insurer might only ask for one quote from a repairer that’s approved or chosen by you. If you are going private for repairs, a second opinion is your responsibility.
What papers should I keep?
Keep copies of your police report (if any), photos of the damage, correspondence with your insurer and all repair quotes and invoices for your records.
About the Author
This article was written by the team at South East Collision Centre, experienced panel beaters based in Clyde North with over 20 years combined experience repairing vehicles across Melbourne’s south-east including Cranbourne, Berwick, Narre Warren, Hallam, Dandenong, Carrum Downs and Lynbrook.