It’s important to be prepared in case of an accident with your rental vehicle. You will want to make sure that everyone is safe, and to settle claims without any dispute.
Check everyone involved in the accident
Stop the car immediately in a safe area. Turn on your hazard lights and make sure you and all passengers are okay. Call the emergency services immediately if anyone is seriously injured. In the UK it is 999, and in Europe most often it is 112. Make sure to know the number before you go.
Check the condition of your vehicle. Check if you have to leave the area because of dangers such as fire, power lines that have fallen or traffic moving fast.
Share photos and contact information
Collect the contact information and insurance information for any other drivers involved. Gather the names of all passengers and witnesses. Note the make and model of the other vehicles as well as the registration plates. Get information on the location of the accident, such as the street names.
Expert Tip: If using an independent insurance, you will likely have to pay for repairs to the rental company first before claiming it from your insurer. Make sure you get a copy of the repair invoice.
Contact the car rental company. The phone number is usually on a sticker inside the glovebox or elsewhere in the interior of the car. You can also find the number on your rental documents, or even the website of the company. You’ll be told how to proceed, and questions about insurance will be answered. For Car Hire Excess Insurance, visit Money Maxim
Who pays for claims?
The amount you pay depends on the insurance that you have taken out. Most car rental companies include collision damage waiver for minor accidents. However, this does not cover parts such as wheels or windscreens. You’ll probably have to cover an excess for each claim. You will have to pay the excess if you don’t have a damage protection policy like Loss-Damage Waiver. You can also take out Excess Insurance.