What Should a Person Renting a Car Do in Case of an Accident?
Although car rental provides flexibility and comfort in travel, unexpected accidents can happen to anyone. If you have an accident with the car you rented, it is very important to manage the process without panicking and taking the right steps. Here's what you need to do in case of an accident with a rental car:
1. Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
The first thing you should do after the accident is to stay as calm as possible. First, ensure your own safety and the safety of others in your vehicle. Turn off your vehicle's engine and, if possible, pull over to a location that will not obstruct traffic. Warn other drivers by turning on your flashing lights and, if necessary, move to the side of the road and wait at a safe distance.
2. Call for Emergency Assistance in Case of Injury
If any injury occurs as a result of the accident, immediately call 112 Emergency Service and seek help. Do not try to intervene with injured people at the scene of the accident, wait for professional help to arrive. If you think you or others have suffered a serious injury, try to provide information about the situation while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
3. Take Photos and Videos of the Win
Following an accident, taking photos and videos of the scene is an important step. Save detailed images of your vehicle, other vehicles and the location where the accident occurred. This will help you in your negotiations with the insurance company and rental company. Also, be sure to document the license plates and damage conditions of other vehicles involved in the accident.
4. Contact the Police
No matter how minor the accident, it is important to notify the police. The police will keep records of the accident and make the necessary investigations at the scene. The police report is critical in insurance transactions and processes with the rental company. Try not to move the location of the accident until the police arrive, so an objective investigation can be made at the scene.
5. Contact the Rental Company
Immediately after the accident, call the car rental company and report the situation. The rental company will inform you about the procedures to be followed. You can also check your rental agreement and insurance policy to see if the accident is covered. The rental company can also assist you with vehicle replacement, towing service or other needs.
6. Notify the Insurance Company
If you have an accident with the vehicle you rented, you must notify the insurance company as soon as possible. Depending on the scope of your insurance policy, it becomes clear at this stage whether the damages will be covered or not. The insurance company will request details of the incident and the police report. Prepare the necessary documents in order for the insurance transactions to proceed correctly and quickly.
7. Sign Incident Reports and Keep Documents
Carefully read and sign all documents presented to you as a result of your transactions with the police and insurance company. Keep all documents together, such as the crime scene report, police report, correspondence with the rental company and insurance documents. These documents are required for legal or financial liabilities that may arise after the accident.
8. Track Vehicle Delivery and Damage Report
Evaluate the condition of the vehicle with the rental company after the accident and create a damage report. The rental company will guide you in repairing or replacing the vehicle. Get information about the damage status and transactions carried out within the scope of insurance and follow the processes. When returning the vehicle, make sure that any damages and transactions are fully recorded.
Conclusion
Having an accident with a rental car can be a stressful situation, but you can manage this process smoothly by taking the right steps. Staying calm, contacting the necessary authorities, and collecting documents at the scene are critical for both your own safety and the proper progress of legal processes. Knowing your insurance coverage in advance during the car rental process will also provide you great convenience in such situations.
