Accident with a rental car: how it works, who pays
What happens if you have an accident with a rental car? If you’re about to head out with your rented vehicle and feeling a bit anxious, this article is for you. Read it to find out how to avoid the most common accidents with rental cars and what to do in case of a collision.
Most common accidents with rental cars and how to avoid them
The majority of accidents involving rental cars are caused by a lack of familiarity with the type of car rented: different sizes from your usual car, significant discrepancies in engine responsiveness (either too powerful or, conversely, much “slower”), and unfamiliarity with the vehicle’s controls are often the cause of accidents, especially in low-visibility situations. Before setting off with your vehicle, make sure to locate all the important controls and drive at a low speed until you’re comfortable with the rental car.
To avoid dangerous detours or sudden U-turns, plan your route in advance using an updated and reliable navigation system. Set the route before starting: using GPS or your phone while driving is one of the main causes of accidents.
Adjust your speed and following distance in case of rain, snow, or fog. Don’t overestimate your abilities: it’s better not to risk your safety and that of the vehicle. If driving conditions become particularly adverse, stop at a rest area or gas station.
This also applies to your own condition: long trips, as often happens when renting a car, along with the stress they bring, can reduce concentration and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents. If you’re traveling with someone, you can include an additional driver in your rental contract to share the driving stress more evenly.
What to do if you have an accident during the rental
Even if you follow all precautions, it’s still possible to have an accident while driving a rental car. In the unfortunate event this happens, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Immediately contact the police by calling 112 so they can come and carry out the necessary checks; if this isn’t possible, you can fill out the CAI form (the friendly accident report) with the other party, which you’ll find in your rental car.
- Email the CAI form to the rental agency as soon as possible: be careful not to lose the original paper form and hand it in to the office where you picked up the vehicle when returning it.
- If the car is no longer drivable, call our roadside assistance service, the details of which you can find in our rental FAQs. Do not drive the car if the body, tires, or windows are visibly damaged—not only for your own safety but to avoid causing further damage to the vehicle, which would be your responsibility at this point.
In the case of accidents without another party involved (for example, if you find that the car’s body was damaged while parked or if the person who caused the accident didn’t stop for a report), inform the rental office staff when returning the vehicle. This is very important because failing to report it would place full responsibility for the accident on you.
Lastly, or rather first, when booking your vehicle, always remember to check the insurance coverage deductible and choose an extension from those offered by the rental company to travel with more peace of mind, especially if you’ll be driving a car that’s very different from the one you usually use.
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