How to exchange details after a crash
You need the other driver's details and are not sure what to actually ask for.
Ask for the other driver’s full name, identity card number, phone number, driving licence number and vehicle registration, and offer the same in return. Do it calmly, once everyone is safe.
The details worth collecting
- Full name and identity card number.
- Phone number that is actually reachable, ideally called or messaged once to confirm it works.
- Driving licence number.
- Vehicle registration number, matched against the vehicle in front of you.
- Insurance company name, if they have it to hand.
Making the exchange easier
Treat it as routine, something both drivers are expected to do. A line such as “let’s swap details so we can both sort this out” works better than demanding information.
Photograph their identity card, licence and vehicle registration, with their knowledge. This is more reliable than copying numbers by hand while shaken.
If the other driver is reluctant
Some drivers hesitate, especially if they think they were at fault. Ask once more. If they still refuse, capture what you can: the vehicle registration, a photo of the vehicle and driver, and the time and place.
What you cannot get from them can often be traced later through the police report and the registration number.
After the exchange
What to do after a road accident sets out the rest of the day. Lodging a police report explains how to record the accident, including what you gathered here.
If they refuse to give anything
A driver who leaves without giving any details is closer to a hit-and-run. Making a road accident claim covers which evidence still helps without their cooperation.
If you were hurt and only have a plate number, an independent lawyer can trace the insurer and take on your claim. Send the accident date, the place, whether anyone was injured (yes/no) and the police report status.
Need a lawyer to handle your injury claim?
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
Common questions
Is a phone number enough, or do I need more?
A phone number alone is not enough, since numbers change and people can be hard to reach later. Aim for identity card number, licence number and vehicle registration as well, ideally confirmed with a photo of each document.
What if the other driver refuses to show their identity card?
Ask politely once more, and if they still refuse, note down whatever you do have, such as the vehicle registration and a description of the driver, then let the police report capture the rest.
Should I photograph their documents or write the numbers down?
A clear photo, taken with their knowledge, is more reliable than copying numbers by hand under pressure, since it is easy to misread a digit while shaken. Use both if you can manage it.
Do I need to exchange details even if the damage looks very minor?
Yes. A dent that looks small now can turn out to involve hidden mechanical damage or an injury that surfaces later, and having proper details avoids a difficult search for a stranger afterward.
Need a lawyer to handle your injury claim?
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.