First steps at the scene of an accident
- Stop the vehicle and make sure that it no longer poses a danger on the road.
- Check the condition of all those involved in the accident: passengers, other drivers, pedestrians. If there are any injuries, call an ambulance immediately.
- Turn on your hazard lights and place an emergency stop sign at the appropriate distance. This is critically important for highways where traffic speeds are high.
- Ensure the safety of passengers: if possible, move them away from the road, especially if it is nighttime or visibility is poor.
- Take photos and videos: damage to the car, general view of the accident site, road signs, traffic lights, skid marks, location of cars.
- Exchange contact details with witnesses, if any - their information may help in the investigation.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident and do not try to settle the matter “verbally.” In the case of a rental car, this almost always leads to bigger problems.
Notifying the rental company
- if the car is not running, they send a tow truck;
- sometimes they offer a replacement car so that the trip is not disrupted;
- they advise on what documents to request from the police;
- they explain how insurance works in a specific case.
Traffic accident paperwork and documents
- Call the police immediately after the accident. This is necessary even in the case of minor damage, as companies usually require an official report.
- Wait for the report to be drawn up: law enforcement officers will record the scene of the accident, write down all the participants in the traffic, draw up a diagram of the accident, and indicate the visible damage.
- Obtain copies of all documents related to the accident: the report, diagram, certificate with participant details, and official description of vehicle damage.
- Check the accuracy of the data: verify the VIN code, car number, make, model, and your personal data. Even a small mistake can lead to a denial of insurance payments.
- Do not sign documents if you are not sure that they are filled out correctly. It is better to spend time clarifying than to prove your case later.
- Take photos of the documents and save them on your phone or in your email so you don't lose important evidence.
Who pays for the damage
Scratches and minor damage
Deposit and deductible: what they are and how they work
- A deposit is money that the company blocks on the customer's bank card when issuing the car. It acts as a guarantee for the rental company: if, upon return, damage or unpaid fines for traffic violations are found, the company can withhold compensation from this amount. The amount of the deposit depends on the class of the car and the company's policy: for a compact car, €300-500 may be blocked, and for an SUV or business class car, €1,000 or more. If the rental goes smoothly, the money is unfrozen within a few days after the car is returned.
- A deductible is a completely different tool. It determines the maximum amount that the renter must pay in the event of an accident or serious damage. For example, if the deductible is set at €500, even if the car is involved in a major accident and the repairs cost several thousand, the customer is only liable for up to €500. Everything else is covered by the insurance company.
How to avoid problems with the rental company
- Read the contract carefully. Rental terms are often written in small print, but that's where the important details are hidden: the size of the deductible, car return rules, late fees, and what to do in case of an accident.
- Inspect the car before departure. Walk around the car, check the body, mirrors, windows, wheels, and interior. Take photos of all scratches, scuffs, and chips and request that they be included in the acceptance and transfer report.
- Follow the traffic rules. Violations often cause problems: fines are automatically issued to the company, which then debits the money from the renter's card.
- Keep all documents. Police reports, receipts for fines, copies of insurance policies, and even emails are your evidence in case of a dispute.
- Report all incidents. Even if there is a small scratch or chip, it is better to report it immediately. The company values honesty, and concealment almost always results in higher costs.
- Focus on the company's reputation. Before renting, read reviews from other customers. Reputable companies value their reputation and are less likely to create artificial problems.
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