### **What to Do in Case of an Accident with a Rental Car**
If you have an accident with a rental car, it is crucial to stay calm and follow the steps below in order. These steps will help protect your legal rights and ensure the insurance processes run smoothly.
### 1. Ensure Safety and Stay Calm
* **Move the Vehicle to a Safe Spot:** If possible, move the car to the side of the road or onto the hard shoulder to avoid endangering traffic.
* **Turn on Your Hazard Warning Lights.**
* **Provide First Aid if Necessary:** If there are any injuries, call 112 Emergency Services (Ambulance, Police, Fire Department) immediately. Health comes first.
### 2. Call the Police (155/156) - IMPORTANT!
* **No matter how minor the accident, always call the police.** This is the most critical step for the rental company and insurance.
* **Accident Report:** When the police arrive, they will prepare a "Traffic Accident Report." This report is the official document of the accident. Read the report's contents carefully and do not sign it until you are sure it accurately reflects the facts. Be sure to get your own copy.
* **If the Police Don't Come:** In the case of a very minor collision, the police might not come. In this situation, you and the other driver must fill out a joint "Accident Report Form" (the Red-Red form). The rental company usually keeps this form in the vehicle. Both parties must sign the form.
### 3. Gather Evidence
While waiting for the police or afterwards, collect as much evidence as possible:
* **Take Photos/Videos:** Take photos of the damaged vehicles (your rental car and the other car) from different angles, showing the license plates, wide shots, and close-ups of the damage. Also take pictures of the accident location, traffic signs, skid marks, etc.
* **Get the Other Driver's Information:**
* Full name, phone number
* Vehicle license plate, model, make
* **Photocopy/photo of their vehicle registration and driver's license**
* **Insurance company and policy number**
* **Get Witness Information if Available:** Get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the incident.
### 4. Call the Rental Company IMMEDIATELY
* Call the rental company as soon as possible after the accident to report the situation. The company's emergency/24/7 contact number is usually found on the rental agreement and inside the vehicle.
* The company will tell you what to do next (where to bring the vehicle, if a replacement car is available, etc.). Follow their instructions.
* You will likely be asked to provide a copy of the accident report and all the evidence you collected (photos, information) to the rental company.
### 5. Check Your Rental Agreement and Insurance Coverage
* Review the insurance package you purchased during the rental (CDW/LDW, Theft Protection, third-party liability, etc.).
* **Pay Attention to the "Franchise / Deductible / Excess" Amount:** This is the amount you will have to pay out of pocket in the event of an accident. Even if the accident is covered by insurance, you may still be responsible for this amount. However, this amount is paid to the rental company after the accident; do not make direct payments to the other driver.
* If you purchased an extra package like "Excess Reduction" or "Zero Liability," you will not have to pay this deductible amount.
### Summary of Actions:
1. **Stay calm, ensure safety.**
2. **Call the police (155/156) and have an accident report prepared.**
3. **Take photos, videos, and collect the other driver's information.**
4. **Call the rental company immediately and inform them.**
5. **Review your contract and insurance details.**
* **Never "Admit Fault":** Even if you think it was not your fault, do not use expressions like "sorry" or "it was my mistake" to the other party or the police. Just describe the situation as it happened.
* **Do not attempt to repair the vehicle without approval from the rental company.**
* If the accident happens abroad, the processes are similar, but be sure to carefully follow local police and rental company procedures.
Following these steps will minimize potential financial and legal problems. We wish you a speedy recovery.