What To Do When Your Electric Car Is In An Accident: Complete Guide

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Key Insights

• Electric cars are statistically no more likely to be involved in accidents than conventional vehicles, with human error remaining the primary cause of most UK road incidents regardless of vehicle type.
• EV batteries are designed with robust safety systems and are generally less combustible than petrol or diesel fuel, making fire risks significantly lower than commonly perceived.
• Standard accident procedures apply to electric vehicles, but additional considerations include high-voltage system safety and specialised recovery requirements for damaged EVs.
• Gap insurance is particularly important for electric car salary sacrifice schemes, as EVs can depreciate rapidly and standard insurance may not cover the full outstanding lease amount.

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on UK roads, with many drivers making the switch through electric car salary sacrifice schemes. While EVs are statistically as safe as conventional vehicles, knowing what to do if you're involved in an accident is essential for any electric car driver.

Electric Vehicle Accident Facts

Contrary to popular belief, electric cars are no more likely to be involved in accidents than petrol or diesel vehicles. Research consistently shows that human error, not vehicle type, remains the primary cause of road accidents across the UK.

EV Safety Considerations

Battery Safety: Modern EV batteries are engineered with multiple safety systems and are typically less combustible than conventional fuel. The high-voltage battery packs are heavily insulated and designed to withstand significant impact while protecting occupants.

Vehicle Weight: While electric cars are generally heavier due to battery packs, manufacturers have developed advanced braking systems and safety features to compensate for this additional weight, ensuring stopping distances remain comparable to conventional vehicles.

Emergency Response: First responders are increasingly trained to handle EV accidents safely, with specific protocols for dealing with high-voltage systems and potential battery damage.

What To Do Immediately After An Electric Car Accident

1. Ensure Safety First

Switch on hazard lights immediately to make your vehicle visible to other road users. Check that all passengers are safe and move to a secure location if possible.

For electric vehicles, turn off the ignition completely to deactivate the high-voltage system. Most modern EVs will automatically shut down the high-voltage system in the event of a collision.

2. Check for Damage

Examine your electric car thoroughly for any visible damage, no matter how minor it appears. Pay particular attention to:

• Body panels and lights

• Charging port area

• Undercarriage (where the battery pack is located)

• Any fluid leaks (though EVs have fewer fluids than conventional cars)

Never admit liability at the scene, even in casual conversation. Exchange insurance details with all parties involved.

3. Document Everything

Take comprehensive photographs of:

• All vehicle damage from multiple angles

• The accident scene and road conditions

• Number plates of all vehicles involved

• Any relevant road signs or traffic lights

• Damage to property or street furniture

This photographic evidence will be crucial for insurance claims and can significantly impact the success of your claim.

4. Contact Emergency Services

Call 999 if:

• Anyone is injured

• The accident involves significant damage

• The road is blocked

• You suspect the EV's battery pack has been damaged

• There are any signs of electrical damage or unusual smells

Important for EVs: If you suspect battery damage, inform emergency services that an electric vehicle is involved so they can send appropriately trained personnel.

5. Use Warning Triangles Safely

If safe to do so, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle on the same side of the road.

On motorways: The Highway Code advises against using warning triangles on motorways due to the danger of walking in live traffic lanes. However, if you're on the hard shoulder and it's safe to do so, you may place a triangle behind your vehicle – but only if you can do so without crossing live lanes. In most cases, it's safer to simply use hazard lights and move to a safe location behind the safety barrier.

6. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even for minor incidents. If you have your electric car through a salary sacrifice scheme, contact your scheme provider to inform them of the accident - The Electric Car Scheme will be able to guide you through the process. 

Special Considerations for Electric Vehicles

High-Voltage System Safety

If your EV has been significantly damaged, avoid touching any exposed wiring or damaged battery areas. High-voltage systems in electric cars can remain energised even after the vehicle is switched off.

Recovery and Repairs

Electric vehicles often require specialised recovery and repair services. Many conventional garages are not equipped to handle EV repairs, particularly those involving the high-voltage system or battery pack.

If your electric car needs recovery:

• Inform the recovery service that it's an electric vehicle

• Specify the make and model

• Mention any visible damage to the charging port or undercarriage

Insurance Considerations for Salary Sacrifice EVs

If you have your electric car through The Electric Car Scheme or another salary sacrifice provider, there are additional insurance considerations:

Gap Insurance Coverage: This is particularly important for salary sacrifice electric cars. Standard motor insurance typically only covers the market value of your vehicle at the time of the accident, which may be significantly less than the outstanding lease amount, especially given the rapid depreciation of some electric vehicles.

Why The Electric Car Scheme's Insurance is Superior: Unlike many providers, The Electric Car Scheme's insurance partner provides comprehensive gap insurance coverage as standard. This means if your electric car is written off, you won't be left with a substantial bill for the difference between the insurance payout and the remaining lease obligations.

After the Accident: Next Steps

Working with Your Salary Sacrifice Provider

If your electric car is obtained through a salary sacrifice scheme, contact your provider immediately. They will typically:

• Coordinate with their insurance partners

• Arrange appropriate EV-specialist repairs

• Provide a suitable replacement vehicle if needed

• Handle communications with the leasing company

Repair Considerations

Electric car repairs can take longer than conventional vehicles due to:

• Specialist parts availability

• Need for EV-qualified technicians

• Additional safety checks on high-voltage systems

• Potential battery pack assessment or replacement

Replacement Vehicles

If your electric car is off the road for an extended period, your salary sacrifice provider should arrange a replacement vehicle. With The Electric Car Scheme, replacement vehicles are typically other electric models to maintain your low-emission driving experience.

Prevention and Preparation

Regular Maintenance

Keeping your electric car well-maintained can prevent some accidents:

• Ensure tyres are properly inflated and have adequate tread

• Keep windscreens and lights clean

• Check that all safety systems are functioning properly

• Maintain awareness of your vehicle's range and charging needs

Emergency Kit for Electric Cars

Consider keeping these items in your EV:

• Warning triangle and high-visibility vest

• First aid kit

• Emergency contact numbers (including your scheme provider)

• Portable phone charger

• Insulated gloves (in case of electrical emergency)

Conclusion

While accidents involving electric cars follow similar procedures to conventional vehicles, the specialised nature of EV technology requires additional considerations. The key is remaining calm, prioritising safety, and working with knowledgeable insurance and repair providers.

For drivers considering the switch to electric through a company electric car scheme, comprehensive insurance coverage including gap insurance provides essential protection. With proper preparation and understanding of EV-specific safety considerations, electric car drivers can confidently handle any accident situation while enjoying the many benefits of electric vehicle ownership.

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Last updated: 18/08/2025

Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.

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