An image of a car accident scene involving a rental car

Rental car emergencies are the last thing you want to deal with while on the road. Whether it’s a rental car accident, a breakdown, or any other unexpected issue, knowing how to handle these situations, especially the insurance and liability concerns related to car rentals, will save you from a lot of stress and financial pain.

This guide will walk you through the steps to take in a rental car emergency from immediate actions to understanding your rental car insurance. With these tips you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way.

Immediate Actions in a Rental Car Emergency

Let’s dive into immediate actions you need to do in an emergency situation with a rented car. We have collected the most important points for you. Knowing what to do and how to manage claims is crucial if you are involved in an incident with a hire car.

Safety First

In any rental car emergency, your and your passengers’ safety is number one. If you’re in a rental car accident do the next:

  • Turn on your hazard lights
  • Move the vehicle to the side of the road
  • If possible, try to avoid another accident
  • Check for injuries, and if someone is hurt, call emergency services
  • If it’s a breakdown, try to get to a safe location away from traffic.

Call Emergency Services

If you’re in a severe rental car accident call emergency services. In most countries dialing the emergency number:

  • The US: 911
  • The EU: 112

These numbers will get you the police and medical services. Give them the details they need, such as:

  • Place of the accident
  • Possible injuries
  • The number of vehicles involved
  • Get a police report as it will be required when dealing with the car rental company and insurance claims.

Take Notes

After safety and emergency services, document the scene of the accident or breakdown.

  • Take photos and videos of the vehicle damage, the area, and other vehicles involved.
  • Note down street names, the position of the vehicles, and any relevant road conditions.

This will be helpful when filing an accident report with the car rental company and your insurance.

Rental Car Company

Now, when you’ve done with policy and ambulance call, time to do the next step – get in touch with car rental company.

Call Them Now

Most car rental companies have an emergency number which is usually in the glove box or on your rental agreement.

Tell them what happened, whether it’s a rental car accident or a breakdown. They will guide you on what to do next, including:

  • Roadside assistance
  • Towing off the rental car
  • Replacement of rental vehicle.

Your Car Rental Insurance

When you rent a car, it’s important to understand how insurance can cover rental cars. The rental agreement usually includes some form of car rental insurance. This might be:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental car but may not include other parts like tires or windshields.
  • If you purchased additional insurance coverage like Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), make sure to ask the car hire company what’s covered under your policy.

Insurance Company

The image of a rental car agreement with the insurance section highlighted

In addition to calling the car hire company, you should also notify your insurance company. Depending on your coverage, your own insurance may cover the damage, or it may be secondary to the rental company’s coverage.

This is particularly important for rental cars, as understanding the insurance implications and liabilities can save you from unexpected costs.

Make sure you know:

  • Your coverage limits
  • Any excess you may have to pay
  • The process for making an insurance claim.

Some credit cards also offer rental car insurance as part of their benefits, so check with your card issuer if it is applicable.

What to Do After a Rental Car Accident

Let’s take a closer look at the situation and your steps about this pitty situation.

Accident Report

If you were in a rental auto accident the car hire company will probably ask you to fill out an incident report.

This report will include all the details of the accident, including:

  • Other drivers involved,
  • Possible witnesses information,
  • The police’s report number.

Be honest and thorough in your report as any discrepancies will cause problems with your insurance claim.

Repairs and Replacement Vehicles

Depending on the extent of the accident or breakdown, the rental car company may provide a replacement vehicle or have the vehicle repaired.

If the damage is minor you may be able to continue using the car after a quick inspection. But for more serious issues the rental company may tow the vehicle and give you a new one.

Make sure you know who is responsible for paying for repairs and any additional costs like towing or roadside service.

Financial and Insurance Information

Your financial responsibility in a car hire emergency is determined by your insurance type.

If you purchased additional insurance from the rental company like a Collision Damage Waiver you may only be responsible for an excess fee.

But if you declined extra coverage you may be liable for the full cost of repairs or replacement depending on your rental agreement.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is another important aspect of a hire car accident. This covers you against claims from other drivers if you’re found to be at fault in the accident.

Make sure you know if your rental car insurance includes liability coverage or if you need to rely on your own car insurance.

If you’re renting a luxury car consider purchasing additional liability insurance to cover the higher cost of an accident.

What to Do Before a Rental Car Emergency

The image of a driver inspecting a rental car before driving

Now when you have some vision of your steps during emergency situation let’s discuss what to know and do before a rental car drive.

Read Your Car Rental Agreement

Before you drive off the lot, make sure you read your car rental agreement thoroughly.

  • Pay attention to the details of the insurance, including what’s covered and what’s not,
  • Read about your financial responsibility in the event of an accident or breakdown.

Knowing these terms will help you make informed and calm decisions and avoid surprises.

Inspect the Vehicle

Always inspect the rental car before you leave the rental agency. Take photos of any pre-existing damage and report it to the rental company immediately.

This way, you won’t be held responsible for damage that was already there when you rented the car. Also, check the tires, lights, and fluids.

Extra Insurance Options

If you’re worried about the cost of a rental car emergency, consider purchasing additional insurance.

This could be:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
  • Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)

While these will add to the overall cost of your rental, they will also give you peace of mind and financial protection.

Know the Emergency Numbers

Make sure you know the emergency numbers in the country or region you’re renting in. You need to know or have in the car with you the next emergency numbers:

  • The standard emergency numbers: authority, ambulance, firefighter
  • The number for the rental company’s roadside breakdown assistance
  • The number of your insurance provider

Having these numbers handy will save you time in an emergency.

Breakdown Assistance

Even if your hire car doesn’t have a major accident, breakdowns can still happen. Make sure your rental agreement includes breakdown assistance and that you know how to call for help.

Whether it’s a flat tire, battery failure, or another issue, know how to get help quickly so a minor issue doesn’t become a big problem.

Stay Prepared and Confident in Any Hire Car Situation

Hire car emergencies can be scary, but being prepared and knowing what to do can make all the difference. From safety and emergency assistance to your car rental insurance and aftermath, this guide has given you the knowledge to handle any situation.

Whether you’re renting a luxury car for a special occasion or just need a car for a business trip, knowing your rental agreement, insurance, and emergency procedures will give you the confidence to tackle anything

Some Statistics for You to Know

At the nd of our article, we want to share with you some interesting statistics provided by Statista (Europe):

  • Total Accidents in Europe:
    • In 2023, Europe had over 1 million road accidents, with around 19,800 fatalities. So, when hiring a car, make sure you understand the local driving conditions and rules.
  • Hire Car Usage and Accidents:
    • The European car rental market is huge, with millions of cars rented every year. However, hiring cars is involved in a lot of accidents due to unfamiliarity with local roads and laws.
    • For example, in touristy countries like Spain and Italy, a significant percentage of traffic incidents involve rental cars​.
  • Driver Behaviour on European Roads:
    • Like the US, driver behavior is a major factor in road accidents in Europe.
    • Speeding, especially on the Autobahns in Germany or rural roads in France, accounts for a high percentage of fatal crashes.
    • This is even more so for hire car users who may not be familiar with local speed limits and driving habits​.
  • Weather-Related Accidents in Europe:
    • In Europe, 25% of all road accidents are weather-related, mostly during winter months.
    • Countries in Northern and Eastern Europe, like Sweden and Poland, see more accidents due to snow and ice, which can be particularly challenging for drivers not used to such conditions​.
  • Tourist Involvement in Accidents:
    • In popular tourist destinations like Greece and Portugal, foreign drivers (many of whom are in rental cars) are involved in a disproportionate number of traffic accidents.
    • For example, in these countries, nearly 20% of road accidents involve tourists, so make sure you exercise caution when hiring a car.

Stay Safe! Be Knowledgeable! Explore the World! Bon Voyage!

By admin