Involved in an Accident in Auckland? Here Is Exactly What to Do Next

After an Accident in Auckland — Step by Step

Being involved in a road accident in Auckland is disorienting and stressful. Knowing exactly what to do in the minutes and hours after an accident protects you legally, ensures correct insurance documentation, and gets your vehicle recovered efficiently. This guide covers every step in the correct order.

Step 1: Check for Injuries

Before anything else — check yourself and all occupants for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 111 immediately. Do not move injured people unless there is immediate fire or collision risk.

Step 2: Make the Scene Safe

• Turn hazard lights on
• If safe to do so, move vehicles out of live traffic to the left shoulder or a side street
• Turn engine off if there is any smell of fuel or smoke
• Do not smoke near accident vehicles

Step 3: Call 111 (If Required)

In New Zealand, you must call the Police if the accident involves injury, or if a driver leaves the scene without providing details. Non-injury accidents between consenting drivers do not legally require police if details are exchanged. On motorways, always call 111 as NZTA needs to manage traffic.

Step 4: Exchange Details

With the other driver(s), exchange:

• Full name and contact details
• Driver licence number
• Vehicle registration number
• Insurance company and policy number

Step 5: Document the Scene

Take photos of: all vehicle damage, the road and surrounding area, the position of all vehicles before moving them, any relevant road markings or signs, and the other party's vehicle and licence plate.

Step 6: Arrange Vehicle Recovery

Call Towing Auckland on 0800 705 211. Tell us the location, the extent of damage, and whether the vehicle can be driven. We assess and dispatch the appropriate vehicle — flatbed for severe damage, standard tow for repairable accidents. We tow to your preferred panel beater, your insurance company's approved repairer, or anywhere else you need.

Step 7: Call Your Insurer

Notify your insurer as soon as practicable after the accident. Most New Zealand insurers have 24/7 claims lines. They will advise on approved repairers and the claims process.