The biggest mistakes people make after having a car accident
Jason Barker • May 31, 2024
Unfortunately, being involved in an accident is an unsettling and stress-provoking event. Whilst you can predict how you’ll react; you won’t really know for sure until it happens.
In this blog, we explain the most common mistakes people make after being involved in a collision. These include:
- Rushing to call your insurance company -
Whilst most insurance companies advise that they must be informed of any incidents immediately, we recommend that you call CARS before phoning your insurance company. Dealing with insurance claims and insurance companies can be extremely difficult, as there are many myths around your legal entitlement. One of the biggest myths around car insurance is that they are there to repair your car – they are actually there to reimburse you financially in the event of a claim.
Your insurance company may try to tell you that you have to use one of their preferred repairers. It’s actually your right to choose a repairer of your choice. We always recommend choosing a local repairer who uses new and genuine parts, manufacturer repair methods, alongside offering excellent customer service. For example, bringing your vehicle to CARS guarantees that it will be returned to a safe and road-worthy state, whilst your experience will be nothing less than excellent. Visit our blog ‘Do I have to take my vehicle to one of my insurer’s approved repairers?’ to find out more. - Admitting liability – You should remember that an accident is an extremely stressful and emotional event. Don’t apologise or admit responsibility for the accident until you’re completely aware of what has happened. Instead, obtain the details of the third-party(s), including name, address and insurance information, along with the date and time of the crash.
- Not gathering information from the scene –
Taking photographic evidence and obtaining witness statements will also be of significant help should you need to make an insurance claim, or you’re having difficulty determining liability. Further useful information includes the driving conditions at the point of accident, the road quality and what type of damage was caused.
- Not calling CARS of Grimsby! – Our number one piece of advice is that you should always call CARS before your insurer! We will be there to help you avoid the common pitfalls and guide you through the claims process. Check out our Google Reviews to hear what our customers say!
Does Buying a Used Car from a Business That Also Carries Out Accident Repairs Mean It Has Been Accident Damaged?
We’re incredibly proud to announce that CARS of Grimsby has been shortlisted in three categories at the Greener Bodyshop Awards 2026
CARS of Grimsby now offers quality used cars and vans for sale, backed by years of trusted vehicle repair experience and customer care.
Here at Select Vehicle Sales by CARS of Grimsby, we pride ourselves on the service received by our customers. Each vehicle we sell meets our quality standards; each customer journey is seamless and stress-free.
Most people buying a used car look at the mileage, service history and overall condition. We look much deeper. Years of repairing accident damaged vehicles has trained our eyes to spot things that many people would never notice. Subtle differences in paint finish, panel gaps, replacement panels, poor welding or signs of previous structural repairs can all reveal a vehicle's past, even when that damage has never appeared on an insurance database or history check.
When you work with vehicles every day, you quickly learn what separates a great used car from a poor one.
For many years, CARS of Grimsby has supported motorists with trusted accident repair and vehicle care services. As a family owned and run business, we have always believed that great service comes down to doing the job to the best of our ability, communicating honestly and treating every customer as an individual. Those values have helped us build strong relationships with motorists, insurers and businesses, and they remain just as important to us today. Now, we are preparing to begin an exciting new chapter. Decades of Accident Repair Experience in Grimsby CARS of Grimsby is best known as an established and multi-award-winning accident repair centre, helping customers get back on the road following everything from minor bumps to more significant damage. That work has given our team a detailed and thorough understanding of vehicles and their condition. When you spend years repairing bodywork, checking panel alignment and assessing previous damage, you learn to notice the details that may not always be obvious at first glance. You also learn how important quality, safety and honesty are to motorists. Our team has developed this knowledge through experience, ongoing training and working with a wide range of vehicles over many years. It is experience we are proud of, and it will remain at the heart of the next chapter of CARS of Grimsby.
Had an accident and not sure what happens next? You’re not alone.
At CARS of Grimsby, our friendly team are on hand to offer honest advice and guidance throughout the insurance claims process. We’ll help you understand your options, and explain what you do (and don’t) have to do after an accident.
In May, the team attended the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards, organised by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce. The CARS team was awarded the Forrester Boyd Business Excellence Award.
CARS of Grimsby celebrates three Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards nominations, recognising leadership, business growth and employee success in 2025.
