European accident report:
how to fill it in correctly
The accident report is the most important piece of evidence after a collision – and the most common source of mistakes. Field-by-field guidance from independent vehicle experts.
What is the European accident report?
The European accident report is a standardised form used across Europe: both parties document the course of events together on the same self-copying sheet. It is structured identically in all languages and is available free of charge from your motor insurance. Important: it is not an admission of fault – it records the facts, the insurers assess liability.
When is the form sufficient, and when are police needed?
For minor material damage where all parties agree on the facts, the form is usually sufficient. Call the police for injuries, damage to public or third-party property, disputed facts, refusal to provide details or a hit-and-run. If an involved vehicle is foreign, a police record can materially strengthen the evidence.
Where can I obtain the form?
Your motor insurer supplies it free of charge. Keep two copies and a working pen in the glove compartment. A digital template may help with preparation, but at the scene each party should retain a signed copy that cannot later be altered.
Filling it in correctly – the essentials
Date, time, location, injuries, damage to third parties, witnesses – fill these in together.
Vehicle A (blue) and vehicle B (yellow): policyholder, vehicle, insurance, driver, point of impact, visible damage.
Field 12: tick only what applies – and write the number of ticked boxes at the bottom to prevent later additions.
Draw a clear sketch of the situation. Sign only if you agree – then separate the copies; nothing may be changed afterwards.
The most common mistakes
- Wording in the remarks field that looks like an admission of fault
- Number of ticked boxes in field 12 not noted
- Missing or unclear sketch
- No photos of the vehicles and the scene
- Signing despite disagreement – you have the right to refuse
- Repairing the vehicle before the damage has been documented
Field 14: remarks
Use short factual statements only, for example “Vehicle B changed lanes” or “I do not agree with the sketch”. Do not speculate, apologise in a way that sounds like an admission, or sign wording you do not understand.
Disagreement at the scene
You do not have to sign. Record your own account in the remarks field, photograph both forms and the scene, note witnesses and call the police where the facts cannot be agreed. Never let another person pressure you into confirming an inaccurate sketch or list of circumstances.
After completing the report
- Photograph both sides and keep your signed copy.
- Notify the relevant insurer promptly and submit the report, photographs and witness details.
- Do not change the signed document; provide later information separately.
- Have the damage documented and quantified before repair.
Glove-compartment checklist
Two accident-report forms · pen · insurer and policy details · emergency numbers · safety vest · warning triangle · phone or camera with sufficient charge.
After the report: quantify the damage
The accident report documents the course of events – not the amount of the damage. With ClaimTec you receive a professional SilverDAT repair cost calculation based on your photos; for disputes, our experts prepare independent damage reports.
Accident report – FAQ
Have the damage quantified professionally
Independent damage reports by VFFS-trained experts – or a digital repair cost calculation with ClaimTec.