When the other driver refuses to give details after a car accident, stay calm, avoid confrontation and record what you safely can. A registration number, vehicle description, photos, witness contacts and the time and location may help police, an insurer or an adviser identify the vehicle and understand what happened.
Drivers have legal responsibilities after a crash, but the exact reporting process differs between states. This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, anyone is seriously injured, or the other driver leaves while you are still at the scene, contact emergency services.
What Details Should Drivers Exchange?
In NSW, Legal Aid NSW says drivers involved in an accident must exchange their name and address, the vehicle registration and the vehicle owner’s name and address if the driver is not the owner. In Victoria, Transport Victoria says drivers must provide their name, address, registration number and vehicle owner’s name.
It is also useful to ask for a phone number, driver’s licence details, the insurer’s name and any claim number. Acorn’s guide to information to exchange after a car accident provides a concise scene checklist.
Do not argue about who is responsible or admit fault at the scene. The collision may later be assessed using road rules, evidence and both drivers’ accounts.
Do Not Escalate the Situation
A refusal can be frustrating, particularly when your car is damaged and you need to make a claim. Your safety matters more than obtaining a photograph of a licence or forcing an immediate discussion.
- Do not block the person or vehicle from leaving.
- Do not threaten, touch or follow the driver.
- Move away if the person is aggressive or you feel unsafe.
- Call 000 if there is an immediate threat, serious injury or danger.
- Give police a factual description rather than confronting the driver yourself.
If the person is cooperative enough to talk but will not provide insurance information, record the legally required identifying details first. Insurance details may sometimes be obtained later through the claim or police-reporting process.
Record What You Can Before the Other Vehicle Leaves
Only collect evidence when it is safe. Useful information can include:
- the registration number, state and vehicle make, model and colour;
- the driver’s appearance and a description of any passengers;
- the time, date, street, suburb and direction each vehicle travelled;
- wide and close photos of the vehicles, damage, road markings and signs;
- dashcam footage and the location of nearby CCTV cameras;
- names and contact details for independent witnesses; and
- the exact words used when details were requested and refused.
Write a short account while the sequence is still fresh. Keep original photo files and dashcam footage, which may contain useful timestamps. Acorn’s post-accident steps can help you organise the next actions.
When and How to Report the Accident
NSW and Victoria have different reporting routes, so use the official guidance for where the collision occurred.
Legal Aid NSW states that if another driver will not exchange details, you should note the registration and report the accident to police within 24 hours. Service NSW’s traffic-crash reporting guidance explains when to call 000 and when an eligible minor crash can be reported online.
Victoria Legal Aid says an accident must be reported to police if the other person does not stop or refuses to provide details. Transport Victoria’s crash responsibilities page lists the identifying details drivers should provide.
When making a report, give police the registration, vehicle description, direction of travel, witness information and any images or footage. Keep the report or event number for your records.
What If You Only Have the Registration Number?
A clear registration number can be valuable. In NSW, Legal Aid NSW notes that people may be able to obtain information from a police report or make an access application to Transport for NSW for registered-operator details. In Victoria, a person who suffered property damage may be eligible to apply for a traffic accident report after the collision has been reported.
The registered operator is not necessarily the person who was driving, and a number plate alone does not prove fault. Combine it with scene evidence, witness accounts and vehicle descriptions. Give the information to your insurer, police or adviser rather than attempting to locate or confront the person yourself.
Can You Still Apply for an Accident Replacement Vehicle?
You may still be able to start an application, but Acorn will need enough information to assess the accident and identify the other party. The registration, police event details, photographs, witnesses and any insurer correspondence can help.
Acorn does not determine legal liability, and approval is not guaranteed. The team considers the available evidence, your circumstances and the applicable terms. Review Acorn’s not-at-fault driver guide and broader fault evidence guide before applying. Drivers in Melbourne can also read about Acorn’s accident replacement vehicle support in Melbourne while their car is being repaired.
Refused Driver Details FAQs
Should I follow a driver who leaves?
No. Do not create another road-safety risk. Record the registration, vehicle description and direction of travel if you can do so safely, then contact police using the appropriate emergency or non-emergency route.
What if the driver gives a name but no insurance details?
Record the legally required identifiers, registration and contact information that are provided. Tell your insurer or adviser what is missing. The absence of insurer details at the scene does not necessarily prevent later identification of a policy.
Can witnesses help if details were refused?
Yes. Independent witnesses may confirm the registration, driver, vehicle movements and refusal. Ask for their name and contact details, but do not pressure anyone to provide a statement at the roadside.
What should I send Acorn?
Provide the information you have, including registration, photographs, police event details, witnesses and repair information. You can then check whether you may be eligible for an accident replacement vehicle, subject to assessment and terms.