Among the other seven in 10, confidence was incomplete or respondents thought stress might get in the way of recording or sharing accurate information. The youngest group, aged 18 to 24, reported the lowest confidence. Drivers aged 65 and over were the most confident. This was a survey of confidence, not a test of knowledge.
In its methodology note, LexisNexis Risk Solutions says TLF Research surveyed 2,741 UK consumers between 10 and 29 June 2026; 2,348 were drivers. [2]
Why missing details can hold up a claim
A registration number recorded incorrectly or an incomplete address can leave a claims handler chasing basic information. They need to identify the other driver and insurer before contacting them about the collision.
Carla McDonald, director of product management at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, said: “Our survey shows why third-party contact and insurance details can be missing or incorrect at FNOL, which can slow the insurance claim and add costs.” [1] FNOL means first notification of loss, the initial report of a claim.
Our explanation of how car insurance claims work covers what happens after that first report, including on a non-fault accident claim.
Repair delays meet little patience
Only 13% said they were completely comfortable accepting extra repair time where vehicle technology caused the delay. More than half, 53%, rejected the idea that longer waits were an inevitable result of cars becoming more complex. The 25 to 44 age group was least accepting. [1]
These figures describe expectations. They do not tell us how long repairs took. Missing information can add to the wait, although accurate details will not resolve every workshop delay. Read about why some car insurance claims take longer and what to expect from vehicle repairs after an accident.
What details must drivers exchange?
Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 sets out drivers’ duties to stop, give details and report certain collisions in Great Britain. [3] It applies on roads and other public places, covering injury to someone other than the driver or damage to another vehicle, specified animals or property attached to or forming part of the road or adjoining land. Northern Ireland has separate legislation.
For collisions covered by section 170:
- Stop. When asked by someone with reasonable grounds, give your name and address, the vehicle owner’s name and address, and the vehicle registration number.
- If you do not give your name and address at the scene, report the collision at a police station or to a police officer as soon as reasonably practicable, and within 24 hours of the collision.
- If someone else is injured, show your insurance certificate or permitted evidence to a police officer or someone with reasonable grounds to request it. If you do not, report the collision and produce the evidence to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and within 24 hours. You will not be convicted solely for failing to produce it if you supply it within seven days of the collision at the station named when reporting. [3]
Also worth noting: as good practice, ask for the other driver’s insurer and policy number, if available, and witnesses’ contact details. Record the time and exact location. Take photos of damage, registrations and the scene only where safe. These are useful records, separate from the section 170 duties above.
For wider car accident advice and the reporting steps, see Julie Lockwood’s guide to what to do after a car accident.
How Claimsline can help
For eligible non-fault accidents, Claimsline’s accident management services can arrange recovery, repairs and a like-for-like replacement vehicle, dealing with the at-fault party’s insurer. Services may be provided on credit terms, with costs recovered from the at-fault party’s insurer. Recovery of costs is not guaranteed; you may need to pay if costs cannot be recovered. Eligibility, availability and agreement terms apply.
Claimsline is independent of your insurer. You should still notify your insurer in line with your policy.
Claimsline is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of regulated claims management activities (FRN 831196).
To discuss the next steps after a non-fault accident, call 0333 006 8282.
Sources
1. Just 30% of UK drivers feel very confident that they know which contact and insurance details to swap after a crash, research released by LexisNexis Risk Solutions on 15 October 2026 suggests. - https://risk.lexisnexis.co.uk/about-us/press-room/press-release/20261015-claims-survey-collision-data-quality
2. In its methodology note, LexisNexis Risk Solutions says TLF Research surveyed 2,741 UK consumers between 10 and 29 June 2026; 2,348 were drivers. - https://risk.lexisnexis.co.uk/insights-resources/blog-post/connected-claims-intelligence-better-data-at-fnol
3. Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 sets out drivers’ duties to stop, give details and report certain collisions in Great Britain. - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/section/170
