What to do immediately after a motor accident in Bermuda

Whether you’re on your motorcycle or in your car when it happens, getting into a collision can be scary, stressful, and overwhelming — and knowing what to do immediately afterwards can make all the difference.

If you’re involved in a motor accident while you’re driving on the island, here are the key steps you’ll need to take, from prioritizing everyone’s safety to making a motor insurance claim.

What to do when you’ve been involved in a collision

1. Stop right away and move your vehicle to a safe place. If your vehicle is still driveable and it’s safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road or out of the path of traffic, and turn on your hazard lights or reflective signals. If you can’t move your vehicle because of damage or injuries that took place in the collision, turn your hazard lights on and leave your vehicle where it is. Remember, it’s illegal to leave the scene of a collision.
2. Check for injuries. If you, your passengers, or anyone else involved in the collision is injured, don’t move them — contact emergency services right away and wait for help to arrive. (Even if you feel fine, you may want to consider getting checked by a healthcare professional to be sure.)
3. If there are any injuries or significant property damage, call 911 or 295-0011 to report the collision to the Bermuda Police Service and request an ambulance, if needed. If the collision has resulted in significant property damage or injuries, you’re required to notify the police.
4. Try to stay calm and stick to the facts when talking with emergency services, police, or others involved in the collision. It might be tough to keep your cool, but try your best to remain calm and stick to the facts rather than speculating or deciding who is to blame.
5. Exchange information with others involved in the accident. Be sure to collect the following details for each party:
   • Full name
   • Address
   • Phone number
   • Driver’s licence number
   • Vehicle registration number (on the licence plate)
   • Insurance company and policy details
6. Take photos of the scene and any damage. Photos can be helpful if you need to make an insurance claim, or for legal purposes. Take pictures of the other vehicle’s licence plate, damage to all vehicles or property involved, and any nearby road signs or other markers that may help provide context when you make your insurance claim. If the accident occurred while you were on your motorcycle, be sure to include photos of damage to your gear.
7. File a police report and keep a copy of it. When the police arrive, answer all of their questions and provide a clear, honest description of what happened. If possible, ask to keep a copy of the police report, or at least take note of the reference number.
8. Arrange for towing if needed. If your vehicle has significant damage and is unsafe to drive, contact roadside assistance or a reputable towing company. If you’re a BF&M customer and have roadside assistance on your policy, you can call +1 441 298 0247 for towing assistance.
9. Contact your motor insurance company. Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible and provide them with the details, including the police report number and photos. If there’s damage to your vehicle, your insurance company can help you arrange for repairs and walk you through the next steps. Even if you don’t need to make a claim, it’s important to notify your insurer about the accident. If you’re a BF&M customer, you can reach our claims team at +1 441 295 5566 or access our motor claim form online.

What if it’s just a minor fender bender?

If you're involved in a minor collision with minimal damage, no injuries, and your vehicle is safe to drive home, you don't need to call the police or emergency services. You should still exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the scene and any damage (even if it’s minimal), and contact your insurance company to let them know about the collision.

Protect yourself with motor insurance from BF&M

No matter how careful you are on the road, accidents can still happen — that’s why it’s important to make sure you have a good motor insurance policy. Motor insurance can cover repairs to your vehicle or to any property that was damaged in a collision, and it can also protect you in the event that you’re held responsible for an accident. Every motor insurance policy from BF&M includes access to 24/7 roadside assistance, including towing service, battery jumps, flat tire assistance, fuel top-ups, and lock-out assistance. Get a quote for motor insurance from BF&M today.

Add roadside assistance to your BF&M motor insurance policy

If you have motor insurance with BF&M, did you know you can add 24/7 roadside assistance to your policy? Our roadside assistance program includes towing, battery jumps, fuel top-ups, flat tire assistance, and lock-out assistance. If you’d like to sign up for roadside assistance, call us today at +1 441 295 5566, option 4.