Only 1 in 4 Drivers Feel Fully Prepared After a Collision

Only 1 in 4 Drivers Are ‘Very Confident’ They Know What to Do After a Collision

New research from Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva) reveals a confidence gap following collisions — shaping how drivers respond, how they drive afterwards and whether they decide to make a claim

• Only 1 in 4 (25%) of drivers say they are ‘very confident’ they would know the correct steps to take if involved in a collision
• More than 4 in 10 (42%) say they have delayed or avoided making a claim for minor damage due to cost concerns
• Only 4% say a collision had no lasting impact on their driving, with 19% saying they now leave more space between vehicles
• Following a collision, 19% of drivers say they are more alert to potential hazards, while 15% check their mirrors more often and 14% drive more slowly

Just one in four drivers (25%) say they are very confident they would know what to do if they were involved in a collision, according to new research* from Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva).

The Aviva study, conducted among 1,000 drivers nationwide, highlights how confidence shapes what drivers do after an incident – from how they respond at the scene, to how they drive afterwards and whether they decide to make a claim.

Confidence gap following collisions

The Aviva study shows that while collisions are a common experience over time, many drivers are not fully confident about how to respond if one happens.

Just over half (54%) say they are somewhat confident, while more than one in five (21%) say they are not very confident or not confident at all. This suggests that many drivers may feel unsure in the moments after a collision.

This lack of confidence comes at an important time for road safety. With fatalities on Irish roads rising in recent years**, how drivers respond in the moments after a recent collision, and how they drive afterwards, can play a key role in keeping themselves and others safe.

Collisions can change how people drive

For many drivers, being involved in a collision appears to change how they drive afterwards.

Only 4% say a collision had no lasting impact on their driving. Many say they have become more cautious, with 19% saying they now leave more space between themselves and other vehicles.

Drivers also say they are more alert to potential hazards (19%), check their mirrors more often (15%) or drive more slowly (14%).

Uncertainty can carry through to claims decisions

For some drivers, this uncertainty can also affect what they do next.

More than four in ten (42%) say they have delayed or avoided making a claim for minor damage, such as scratches or small bumps, due to concerns about cost.

This suggests that some drivers may be unsure about how the claims process works or what impact a claim could have on their policy. Clear, trusted guidance from a broker can help drivers make more informed decisions - not only at the point of a claim, but by helping them understand the process in advance and what to expect.

Knowing what steps to take, and having the right support when making a claim, can make a difficult situation much easier to manage. While insurers typically provide guidance after an incident, understanding the steps in advance, and how insurers and brokers support customers, can help drivers feel more prepared and confident. 

What to do after a collision

Aviva advises several practical steps that can help drivers stay safe and feel confident about what to do next:

• Stop safely and make the scene safe, using hazard lights where needed
• Check for injuries and call emergency services if anyone needs help
• Exchange key details with other drivers, including contact and insurance information
• Note important details such as the time, location, road conditions and any damage
• Take photos of the scene and vehicles involved, which can support any follow-up or claims process
• Contact An Garda Síochána where needed, especially if there are injuries or details that cannot be exchanged
• Notify your insurer or financial broker as soon as possible – they can guide you on next steps, with brokers also able to help you understand the process and your options

ENDS

*according to research of 1,000 drivers in Ireland conducted by 3Gem Research & Insights on behalf of Aviva, 2026

**according to Road Safety Authority (RSA) 2025 data, as reported here.