It's stressful when there are troubles with your car while traveling. In fact, the order of your response can affect the handling of compensation. Reporting to the police, obtaining an accident certificate, contacting the company. We will organize the flow unique to rental cars by situation. First,
Have you ever experienced a scary moment while driving a rental car?
When an accident or breakdown occurs, it's easy to panic.
In unfamiliar territory,
especially in a car that isn't yours.
It's only natural to feel anxious and think,
"Who should I contact first?"
To outline the process briefly,
In the case of an accident:
Ensure safety → Contact the police → Contact the rental car company
In the case of a breakdown:
Pull over → Follow instructions from the rental car company
This is the basic format.
What to do first in the event of an accident
1. Ensure safety and assist the injured
If there are injured people, assist them, and
if necessary, contact 119.
Move the car to a location that does not obstruct other vehicles.
If you cannot move it, turn on the hazard lights and
wait in a safe area outside the vehicle.
2. Call 110 for even minor accidents
Even if you think it’s just a slight scrape,
contacting the police is necessary.
Both the offender and the victim have a duty to report the accident.
3. Contact the rental car company
Keep the rental agreement (rental certificate) at hand
to call the accident contact number for the company you rented from.
You can confirm the contact information in the documents you received at the time of departure.
4. Record the situation
Note down the name and contact information of the other party,
and the car's license plate number.
Take photos with your smartphone of the scene and the car’s damage.
These will serve as clues when you need to explain the situation later.
5. Do not negotiate or repair on-site
If the other party suggests, "Let’s settle this here with money,"
you should avoid making any decisions on your own.
The rental company’s terms may require
you to seek their approval before negotiating,
or may stipulate that repairs must be conducted at their designated shop.
In case of a breakdown
If warning lights come on, there are strange noises, a tire goes flat,
or the engine won’t start,
do not continue driving and pull over to a safe location.
Once stopped, contact the company and follow their instructions.
Repairs should be conducted only after getting the company’s consent.
If you attempt to fix things by yourself,
it may lead to complications later.
It is dangerous to remain inside a stopped vehicle on a highway.
There is a risk of being rear-ended, so escape to a safe area, such as outside the guardrails.
Important points for receiving compensation
Accidents involving rental cars are basically covered by the insurance or compensation provided by the rental car company.
However, if you do not report to the police and obtain an accident certificate,
you may not receive compensation.
Some companies may inform you that if there is no contact with the police or the company,
you may not be covered even if you have liability waivers.
The scope of compensation and the deductible amount vary
depending on the company and plan.
It's reassuring to check these details before renting.
Preparations you can make before departure
- Take a photo of the contact details for accidents with your smartphone
- Keep the rental certificate in an easily accessible place
- Verify the contents of the insurance and the deductible amount
In conclusion
When an accident or breakdown occurs,
it's inevitable to panic.
Even so, remember the flow of ensuring safety, contacting the police, and notifying the company.
Keeping these three steps in mind will make it easier when the time comes.
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