Almost half of British motorists would hit another car and not tell the owner of the incident

Automotive experts at Hippo Leasing have surveyed 1,000 Brits to find out how honest they are when hitting another driver’s car. Of those who can drive, they have found almost half (46%) of motorists would hit another car and not tell the owner of the incident.

Other key findings include:
● Nearly a third (28%) of men would scratch another car and leave the scene without telling another driver
● Boomers (55+) are the most honest generation and would tell another driver if they have hit their car
● Drivers in London are most likely to experience a “hit and run”
● Toyota drivers are most likely to hit another car and not tell the owner of the incident

Almost half (46%) of Brits would hit another car and not tell the owner

Despite 46% of Brits admitting to Hippo Leasing that they would scratch another car and not tell the owner.

Out of those Brits who said they would “hit and run”, over one in ten (13%) admitted they have scratched a car and left without making the driver aware. The same amount of drivers also declared through the survey that they would scratch a car without making the driver aware, with only 20% of respondents saying they would tell the owner, but it would depend on the size of the scratch.

Nearly a third of men wouldn’t tell another driver if they hit their car

Hippo Leasing has found that close to a third (28%) of men are more likely to scratch another driver’s car and not tell them, whereas only 18% of women say the same.

However, among those who said they would tell another driver that they scratched their car, women proved to be more honest than men, with nearly a third (29%) of women saying they would admit to scratching a car compared to only a quarter (25%) of men willing to own up.

Millennials are the ones to watch when it comes to “hit and run” incidents

Boomers are the most honest generation with more than a quarter (27%) of them saying they would admit to scratching another car, followed by Gen X with one in ten (10%).

However, millennials are found to be the most likely to “hit and run”, specifically those aged 25 – 34, as over one in ten admit (12%) of them admit they would scratch a car and leave the scene without telling the other driver.

Drivers in Belfast are most likely to experience a “hit and run”

Hippo Leasings survey can reveal that drivers in Belfast are most likely to experience a “hit and run” as around two-thirds (58%) of those who live in Belfast said they would scratch another car and not tell the other driver.

Both Birmingham and London are the second most likely to experience a “hit and run” as more than half (52%) of Londoners and Brummies said they wouldn’t tell another driver if they scratched their car.

However, those in Cardiff are least likely to experience a “hit and run” as over two-thirds (69%) of those living in Cardiff said they would admit to hitting another driver’s car. This is then followed by Glaswegians as 17 in 25 (68%) of them also agreed.

Brits should avoid parking near Toyota drivers as they are most likely to “hit and run”

Almost one in 10 (9%) of Toyota drivers admit they would “hit and run”.

Hippo Leasing has also found that one in 12 (8%) BMW drivers admit they would scratch another car and not tell the owner of the incident and drive off.

However, Ford owners are the most honest drivers, as one in ten (10%) said they would admit to scratching another car. The second most honest are Volkswagen owners with one in 20 (5%) saying they’d agree.

Six steps to follow if you’re involved in a car accident

If you’re unlucky enough to be involved in a car accident, Tom Preston at Hippo Leasing has 6 steps you should follow to handle it quickly and smoothly.

1. Stop, switch off your engine and turn on the hazard lights
   Remember failing to stop at the scene of an accident is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, even if it is a minor accident.
   
   Switch off your car’s engine and turn on the hazard lights to alert other road users to your presence.
   

2. Check for any injuries, call emergency services on 999 or 101
   Take a moment to look around, after evaluating the severity of the accident.
   
   If anyone has been injured you should call the police or ambulance service on 999 as soon as possible. If there are no injuries and you need an emergency response team, then call the police on 101 instead.
   
   The police should be called if the accident is blocking the road or if you feel there was foul play involved, for example, you suspect the victim of a “crash for cash” scam.
   
   If you and your passengers can leave the vehicle, you should never sit inside whilst waiting for the police. Your vehicle could still be at risk of further collisions as it is now a road collision hazard. Instead, find a safe location away from the road to wait for the police.
   

3. Give your details after an accident
   When you are involved in an accident you must give your details to those involved, these include your name, address and contact details.
   
   When exchanging details with another person, avoid apologising or accepting blame for the accident until you know precisely what happened as it could count against you later on.
   
   Even if there aren’t any other people involved in the accident and you crash into something on or near the road such as a parked car, you should leave your details on the windscreen.
   
   You should report car accidents to the police within 24 hours, failure to do so could result in a fine, penalty points or even disqualification.
   

4. Collect details after an accident
   If you are giving your details to another driver, remember to take their details too. Where possible, if there are eyewitnesses, you should take their names, addresses and contact details too.
   
   The drivers who are involved in the car accident should provide you with their insurance details, and establish whether they are the registered keeper of the vehicle. If they aren’t, try to find out who is and get the details of the owners.
   
   If someone has left the scene of the car accident without giving their details call 999 straightaway.
   

5. Collect other information
   You should try to collect as much information as possible from the accident as it could be used as evidence later down the line. Important information can include;
   a. Time, date and place of the accident, including weather conditions, road conditions and lighting
   b. Registration numbers of all vehicles involved including colour, make and model
   c. Photos of the scene should include damages on your vehicle, those involved in the accident and the positioning of vehicles
   d. A sketch showing the positions of the vehicles involved
   e. Make note of any CCTV cameras you spot around the accident
   f. List of damages to vehicles and any injuries sustained by drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
   
   
6. Contact your insurer
   Following the incident, you should contact your insurer and inform them, if your car is sufficiently damaged to begin the process of making a claim.
   
   You should supply them with all the details you have gathered such as other drivers, witnesses and the information you have collected. Following this your insurer will let you know the next steps.

Tom Preston, Managing Director at Hippo Leasing said “If you are the culprit of a hit and run you could be charged with a serious offence if caught. You could be punished with an unlimited fine, up to 10 penalty points on your license, disqualification from driving and even imprisonment.

“If you have been involved in an accident and the other driver leaves the scene without giving you their details, you may be able to claim through the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB)

“However, if you are involved in an accident in your lease vehicle, you must notify your finance provider and insurance company immediately, even if there is minimal damage.”

Methodology: Hippo Leasing conducted a survey of 1,000 general consumers with a national representation of the UK, all aged 17+ between 04/04/23 – 06/04/23.

Leasing with Hippo Leasing

Hippo Leasing has a huge range of cars available to lease today. Whether you’re looking for your first car, something perfect for the commute or one you can trust to make regular long journeys, Hippo Leasing has you covered.

If you are new to car leasing or require any help or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us and one of our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you with whatever you need.