How to react in the event of an accident with a rental vehicle?
An accident with a rental vehicle, despite all the precautions taken behind the wheel, can happen. The road is made of unforeseen events. If this were to be the case, do not panic: here is how to react, who to notify and in what time frame, as well as the financial consequences of such an event.
As with any accident, secure the scene
Having an accident while driving a vehicle, whether rented or not, requires you to react quickly and well. Here is a (brief) reminder of the basic rules of conduct.
Make sure no one gets hurt
This is the first imperative, the first element to check, after an accident: are you injured? How are your potential passengers doing? And, if the accident involves another vehicle, how is the driver? Could a passerby have been hit?
If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact the emergency services. If you cannot access an emergency call station, you can dial 112. This number is valid throughout the European Union. Likewise, remember that you must notify the police if the accident is caused by a violation of the Highway Code.
Stay calm
An accident with a rental vehicle is a serious blow and, as we will see later in this article, it can have financial consequences. But, in order not to aggravate the situation, we will have to remain calm. Breathe in breathe out ; if the accident involves another driver, be as courteous as you want them to be!
Report the accident to other road users
Here is the procedure to follow to secure the scene in the event of a traffic accident:
- Turn on your hazard lights;
- Switch off your engine;
- Put on your safety vest;
- Install your warning triangle
Read also: Road accident: the right reflexes to adopt
Fill in the statement and notify the rental company
When you have an accident with a rental vehicle, it is advisable, as with a personal vehicle, to complete a report. Whether you are responsible or not, you will be asked by the rental company.
Properly complete a report with a rental vehicle
Most often, it is in the glove compartment of your rental car that you will find a copy of a European accident report. All you have to do is fill it out, with particular attention to the following elements:
Your identity and information on the vehicle driven (registration, brand, model, insurance, etc.);
The place, date and time of the accident;
The circumstances of the accident, accompanied by a sketch;
The names and contact details of any witnesses;
If another driver is involved, he must also complete the report. In case of disagreement, complete the area reserved for this purpose.
Read also: How to complete an amicable report of an automobile accident?
Report the accident to the rental company
Any rental company provides its customers with an emergency telephone number. This is done so that their customers can call them as soon as possible in the event of an accident. Agency officials will help you determine whether or not you can get back on the road (if it's just crumpled sheet metal, for example) or if you need to be towed away. In the second case, do not abandon the vehicle on the spot.
Accident with a rental car: who pays what?
Having an accident with a rental car means wondering, very quickly, how much it will cost us. The answer to this question depends on his responsibility in the accident and on the contract taken out.
If you are not responsible
If you are not responsible for the accident, it is simple. You have nothing to pay: it is the responsible driver's insurance that will cover the cost of repairs and any compensation.
If you are responsible
If you are responsible for the accident, the costs payable by you will depend on the contract signed with the rental company:
With a basic contract, you will only be covered for damage caused to others. Yours and those of the rented vehicle will be your responsibility.
With a contract with additional insurance, all damage, bodily or related to the vehicles involved, will be covered (within the limits set by the contract). You will only have to pay the amount of the deductible, which varies depending on the offer chosen (the lower the deductible, the more expensive the rental).
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