After a collision, it is crucial to fill in the accident report form (also known as the damage report form or SAF) as quickly and accurately as possible. This is the first step towards compensation. Without a fully and correctly completed accident report form, you risk not receiving any compensation. Our personal injury lawyers have prepared this step-by-step guide to help you.

Need Immediate Help?

Do you need help filling in the accident report form? Contact us! Our experienced personal injury lawyers offer free legal support and can, if desired, handle the entire claims process on your behalf.

Accident Report Form Completed Step by Step

Step 1: Get the Accident Report Form

Make sure that you and the other party fully complete the front of the form. The form has carbon copy sheets, so both parties can take a copy home. Fill in the back at home in your own time.

No accident report form to hand? No worries!

If you unexpectedly do not have a paper accident report form with you at the time of the collision, there are convenient digital alternatives. For example, you can fill in the European Accident Report Form online via your smartphone or use the 'Mobielschademelden' app. With this app you can immediately add photos of the accident and record all required data digitally. Make sure you save the digital confirmation as proof for your insurer. This way you prevent delays in the claims process, even if the paper form is missing.

Step 2: Complete the Front of the Accident Report Form in Full

The form contains 15 important sections that you must fill in:

Date and Time of the Collision

Record the exact date and time of the collision. Weather conditions can influence the accident and the claims process. Also pay attention to details such as bright sunlight, rain, fog or hail around the time of the accident—such circumstances may later be relevant in assessing liability.

Location of the Collision

Fill in the street name and town where the collision took place. For motorways, state the number and hectometre value. Did the accident happen at a junction? Then note both street names. For a motorway accident, it is important to state not only the motorway name (for example A7) but also the exact hectometre marker and indicate near which city or village the incident occurred. This helps in reconstructing the situation and increases the chance of a correct claims settlement.

Injuries Sustained

Tick yes if injuries were sustained. Victims are entitled to free legal help for physical and psychological complaints. Clearly indicate whether you have injuries, even if the symptoms seem mild at that moment. Both physical and psychological injuries are covered, such as whiplash, abrasions, bruises, or even emotional distress after the collision. If you have injuries, it is advisable to note all complaints immediately and seek medical help if necessary. This helps with a potential claim and ensures you can make use of the free legal support you are entitled to.

Material Damage

Tick yes or no. If yes, state the details of other damaged vehicles or objects. Please note: this refers to whether, in addition to your own vehicle and that of the other party, other vehicles or objects were involved in the collision. Think of a parked car, a hectometre marker, a traffic sign, a tree or another roadside object. If so, record the name and address details of the involved third party/parties or a clear description of the damaged object at point 14 of the accident report form. This keeps it clear who or what else was involved in the incident.

Witness Details

Record the names, addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses. Always do this when possible. Witnesses can later play a decisive role in the claims settlement. Recording this information can only work in your favour, especially if a dispute arises about how the accident happened.

Policyholder Details

Fill in the details of the person who took out the insurance, for example the owner of the vehicle.

Vehicle Details

Fill in the make, type, registration plate and country of registration. For a trailer, also state its details.

Insurance Company Details

Fill in the name, policy number, green card number and validity period of the insurance.

Your Own Details

Fill in your own details as the driver. Cyclists do not need to fill in driving licence details.

First Point of Contact

Indicate with an arrow where the vehicle was first hit.

Visible Damage to Your Vehicle

Describe all visible damage, such as dents, broken parts or scratches.

Circumstances

Tick the relevant situations and state the number of boxes ticked.

Situation Sketch

Together with the other party, make a situation sketch of the accident. Draw the roads, vehicles and indicate the direction and point of contact.

Personal Commentary on the Situation Sketch

Briefly describe how you believe the collision occurred. Use this field to explain in your own words what you believe exactly happened. This is intended as a supplement to the situation sketch you made together with the other party. For example, indicate what circumstances you believe played a role, what you saw happening, or what your assessment is of the course of the accident. Keep it concise, but make sure your view of the incident comes across clearly.

Signing

Read the form carefully and only sign if you agree with the content. Do not let yourself be pressured into signing if you disagree. Take your time to check whether the other party has filled in all required details. Do you disagree with certain points? Then do not sign. You are never obliged to sign if you have doubts or disagree with the report.

Cannot reach an agreement, for example if you and the other party have differing views? Then consider calling the police so that an official report of the situation can be drawn up. This official report may come in useful later in the claims settlement.

Step 3: Split the Form After Signing

Split the accident report form in two so that both parties take a copy home, even if you have not signed the form.

Step 4: Complete the Back of the Form in Full

Fill in the back of the accident report form at home as soon as possible and include your IBAN number and details of injuries.

Step 5: Send a Copy to Your Insurance Company

Make copies of both the front and back of the form and send them to your insurance company. Keep the originals.

It is advisable to always keep a copy for yourself. Make sure both the front and back are clearly legible. By sending a copy to your insurer, you prevent misunderstandings about the content of the form and always have proof of what was recorded. Keep the original forms carefully in your own records in case you need them later.

Filling in the Accident Report Form Without the Other Party

Has the other party driven off? Then still fill in the accident report form immediately and file a police report the same day. This is necessary to claim your compensation from the Motor Insurers' Guarantee Fund.

Even if you are in shock after the collision and the other party has not stayed, it is of great importance to fill in the accident report form as soon as possible. This prevents you from forgetting important details. The accident report form is necessary when:

• You wish to recover damages through the Motor Insurers' Guarantee Fund;
• Your insurance company must be informed of the damage;
• You wish to file a police report.

Please note: If you do not file a police report the same day, the Motor Insurers' Guarantee Fund may refuse your claim. Therefore, make sure you go to the police station immediately after filling in the form to file a report.

How Can You Calculate Whether You Are Entitled to Compensation?

Whether you are actually entitled to compensation after a collision—and how much it may amount to—depends on various factors. Fortunately, you can check this fairly easily yourself, without endlessly complicated calculations.

• Start by gathering all relevant information: think of photos of the damage, medical reports and witness statements.
• Compare the situation with the compensation amounts mentioned online by, for example, the ANWB or Letselschade.nl in their personal injury guidelines. Here you will find indications of pain and suffering compensation and damages for comparable injuries.
• Determine who is liable: when liability clearly lies with the other party, your chances of compensation are high. Are you unsure? You can always seek advice from a personal injury expert.
• Take into account all your damage items. These include medical costs, loss of income, property damage, and additional costs such as domestic help.

Want a quick indication? Various tools and calculation modules are available online, such as those from Victim Support Netherlands or the ANWB, with which you can estimate your potential compensation in a few minutes.

This way you avoid surprises and quickly know what you are entitled to.

Claim Your Compensation Now

Seek help as soon as possible to claim your compensation. Our personal injury lawyers work free of charge for traffic accident victims with personal injury. Fill in the contact form with your name, telephone number and accident details, and we will call you back the same working day.

Important Tips for an Error-Free Completion

Take photos of everything as evidence. Make sure you photograph the situation, the damage to all vehicles involved, any skid marks, registration plates and the surroundings of the accident. These images are of great importance later when you need to substantiate the accident report form or when a dispute arises about the question of fault.

Have you sustained injuries in the collision? Be aware that legal support for victims is often free. Do not hesitate to contact us immediately after filling in the accident report form via the contact form for free advice and support with the further process.

Note all important details immediately after the collision.

Only sign the form if you agree with the content.

For more information and help, contact us directly.