Hiring a car abroad gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. But if you’re involved in an accident while driving a rental vehicle in another country, the situation can quickly become stressful and confusing.
Different countries have different road rules, insurance requirements, and emergency procedures. Knowing what steps to take can help you stay safe, protect yourself legally, and avoid unnecessary costs.
This guide explains exactly what to do if you’re in an accident in a hire car abroad, including the key steps to take at the scene, how to deal with the car hire company, and what documentation you should keep a hold of.
1. Prioritise safety first
Immediately after an accident, your first priority should always be safety.
If the vehicle is still drivable, carefully move it to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other road users. Even in a minor collision you should avoid standing in the road or near moving traffic.
Then you should:
If anyone is injured or there is a serious hazard, contact local emergency services immediately using the country’s emergency number. In Europe this tends to be 112; in the US and Canada it’s 911.
2. Contact the local authorities (if required)
There may be instances where you need to report the accident to the police. If any of the following statements are true, then you should inform the police.
Police may attend the scene and create an official accident report. This report can be important for excess insurance claims later so make sure you get the relevant information off them. This include the report reference number, the officer’s name or badge number, and instructions on how to obtain the full report later.
3. Inform the car hire company
Once everyone is safe, contact the hire company using the emergency number provided in your rental agreement. Rental providers typically have dedicated accident or roadside assistance lines available 24 hours a day.
They’ll probably guide you through the next steps, arrange roadside assistance or towing, organise a replacement vehicle if necessary, and will advise you on reporting procedures.
4. Exchange details with other drivers
If another vehicle is involved, exchange the necessary information with the other driver. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details as well. You need the following information:
5. Document the scene
Clear documentation is extremely helpful when dealing with insurance claims or disputes. If safe to do so, take photos or videos of the following:
It’s important to note down the date and time of the accident as well as the exact location and the weather and road conditions. Having a detailed record of events will help protect you if questions arise later.
How does car hire excess insurance help in the instance of being involved in an accident abroad?
When you hire a car, the insurance included in the rental price usually leaves you responsible for a high excess which is the amount you may be charged if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. A standalone car hire excess insurance policy, such as those offered by us at ReduceMyExcess, is designed to reimburse eligible costs so you’re not left out of pocket following an accident in a hire car abroad.
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