Taking or renting a car on holiday is a great way to explore and enjoy a little more freedom. But if something goes wrong, it’s always good to be prepared.
Our guide walks you through the steps to take if you have a car accident abroad.
What if you have an accident in a hire car abroad?
If you’re driving a hire car on holiday, here’s what to think about before you set off and what to do if you have an accident:
Prepare before you set off
Before you drive away, make sure you’ve got the all the contact details and information you need in case of an emergency. For example:
- the rental company’s emergency roadside assistance number
- local emergency numbers, including police and ambulance services
- what the rental car’s insurance policy covers, including your excess amount
Save these contact numbers in your phone so you’ve got them to hand.
Let your rental company know about the car accident
After an accident, let your rental company know as soon as it’s safe. Give them as much detail as possible and ask what you should do next.
Follow the steps your rental company gives you
Make sure you follow any advice they give. This could help you avoid extra charges down the line. They might ask you to do things like:
- take photos, fill in forms, or provide a police report
- arrange certain repairs yourself
- use an approved garage
It’s a good idea to note who you speak to and what they say. You should also keep copies of any paperwork or receipts you’re given.
What if you have an accident in your own car abroad?
Taking your own car on holiday? Here’s what to prepare before you leave the UK, and what to do after an accident:
Check if your insurance covers you overseas
If you’re driving your own car, double-check that your car insurance covers driving abroad. Some of our policies include driving in Europe cover – you can check what you're covered for, and any exclusions, in your policy book.
If you’re driving a hire car, the rental agreement should include insurance for that vehicle. You won’t be covered by your UK insurer.
Note down important phone numbers
Save important contact numbers in your phone before you set off, including:
- your UK insurer’s emergency helpline
- local police and ambulance services
- emergency roadside assistance in the area you’re travelling to
Contact your insurer as soon as you can
After an accident, let your insurer know as soon as possible. They should have a special contact number for emergencies.
If it’s not an emergency, you can go through their normal contact or claims process.
Follow the steps provided by your insurance company
Your insurance company will be able to talk you through what you should do next.
If you’re driving in Europe, some insurers might also ask you to fill out a European Accident Statement (EAS) form. This is an accident report used across Europe that makes sure anyone involved accurately documents the accident for their insurers.
If you want to make a claim, it’s important to submit any evidence as quickly as possible.
Insured with us? Check out our guide on how to make a car insurance claim for more information.
How to secure your vehicle after an accident abroad
As you would at home, it’s important to make sure you and anyone else stay as safe as possible. To avoid more damage or harm, you should:
Check whether the car is safe to drive before moving it
Look for any damage, leaks or warning lights and only move the car if it’s safe. If you’re not sure, leave the car where it is and ask for help, as you could cause more issues if you drive it.
If you’re in a hire car, your rental company should give you an emergency roadside assistance number to call.
Turn on hazard lights and take steps to prevent further damage
Switch on your hazard lights straight away to warn other drivers. If you’ve got one and it’s safe to, you can also use a warning triangle.
Make sure you and any passengers are safe by standing away from busy roads and traffic.
What to do at the scene of a car accident abroad
Being in a car accident is always scary, and being abroad can add an extra layer of worry. The important thing is to stay calm and follow the same steps you would if you were at home:
Always stop
Always stop at the scene of an accident, no matter how small it seems. Leaving the scene is illegal in some countries, even if no one else is involved.
Call the police
Depending on the country you’re in and what’s happened, you might need to call the police. For example, if:
- someone's injured
- the vehicles are causing danger or can’t be driven
- there’s serious damage to vehicles or buildings
- the other driver won’t share their details or there’s a disagreement
- it’s the law in the local area
Remember to ask for a copy of the police report or a reference number.
Exchange insurance details
As you would at home, make sure you exchange details with anyone else involved:
- Share your name and contact details
- Exchange insurance information with any other drivers
- Take their vehicle registration numbers
And remember, don’t admit fault or apologise at the scene. This could affect your claim or any investigations.
Document and take pictures of everything
If it’s safe, take clear photos of the accident. Focus on damage to the car, road conditions and road signs.
If in doubt – take as many pictures as possible from different angles so you’ve got everything covered.
You should also take a note of the date, time, and location of the accident.
Let your UK insurance company know
If you’re driving your own car, you’ll then need to let your insurer back home know about the accident. If that’s us, you can get in touch here.
If you’re driving a rental car, you’ll just need to declare the accident to your UK insurer when you next renew your car insurance.
Want to know more? Read our full guide on what to do after a car accident.
