{"id":27804,"date":"2023-09-21T10:00:26","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T09:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/?p=27804"},"modified":"2026-01-22T09:58:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T09:58:26","slug":"accident-in-a-rental-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/accident-in-a-rental-car\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do if you get into an accident in a rental car?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting into an accident can be terrible, let alone getting into an accident in a rental car abroad in an area you don\u2019t know! But don\u2019t panic! Get into a safe position, call the emergency services, and contact the car rental provider when things calm down… Here are the steps you\u2019ll need to follow:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Car<\/a><\/p>\n

Get into a safe position!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

After getting into an accident, whether with another vehicle or alone, make sure that everyone involved is safe and uninjured. If possible, move the car\/s onto the side of the road to ensure its safe and clear for other drivers. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If the accident caused injuries or a dangerous obstruction in the road, immediately contact the local <\/span>emergency services<\/span><\/a> and follow their advice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Contact your car rental provider<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you get into an accident in a rental car, you will need to contact your car rental provider or the breakdown assistance number. Contact details can be found on your car rental quote. Your provider\/breakdown assistance number will then talk you through the next procedures you\u2019ll need to follow.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a booking with Zest and you can\u2019t get a hold of your rental provider, <\/span>contact us<\/span><\/a> instead on our 24\/7 emergency phoneline and we\u2019ll be able to guide you through the next steps.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Obtain a police report<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is a crucial step in the process that will be needed to process your car rental insurance claim! Contact the relevant police department to obtain a police report that will officially document the incident.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Document the damage<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t forget to document the incident and gather the contact\/insurance details of anyone involved in the accident to ensure the insurance claim is processed correctly. Take as many photos as you can of the damage.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Car<\/a><\/p>\n

Insurance follow ups<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

In the event of an accident, you will need go through an insurance claim process with your car rental provider\/broker. Depending on how the accident occurred, for example due to negligence, you may be liable for the costs involved. However, this is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the car rental provider. As aforementioned, providing as much evidence as possible including a police report is the best way to ensure your claim is processed effectively.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With Zest, all <\/span>bookings include <\/span>a <\/span><\/span>Collision Damage Waiver<\/strong> (CDW)<\/span><\/span> with either <\/span><\/span>No Excess<\/span><\/span> or <\/span><\/span>Excess <\/span>Reimbursement<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/span> A CDW reduces your liability <\/span>in the event of<\/span> an accident. Without this, you could be liable for the full cost of the rental vehicle if it were to be damaged or written off. CDW means you <\/span>won\u2019t<\/span> have to pay the full cost of any repairs <\/span>as long as<\/span> you\u2019ve<\/span> followed the T&C\u2019s. <\/span>However, the CDW <\/span>won\u2019t<\/span> cover all parts of your rental car (such as tyres, wheels, glass, etc), you’ll need <\/span>additional<\/span> insurance for this.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zest\u2019s Top-up insurance<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

When taking out our additional industry-leading <\/span>Top-up insurance<\/span><\/a> you can stay protected with damages that aren\u2019t covered under our standard CDW. For a small price, you can rent a car without the worry of spending a fortune if an accident occurs!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
What's covered?<\/th>\n Without Top-up insurance<\/th>\n With Top-up insurance<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n
Excess Protection Included<\/td>\n \n
\n \"tick\"\n <\/div>\n <\/td>\n
\n
\n \"tick\"\n <\/div>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Loss or damage to the wheels (tyres and rims), and windows (including the windscreen).<\/td>\n
\"cross\"<\/div><\/td>\n
\"tick\"<\/div><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Loss or damage to mirrors, roof, and underside.<\/td>\n
\"cross\"<\/div><\/td>\n
\n
\n \"tick\"\n <\/div>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
\n Loss or damage to keys and locks.\n <\/td>\n \n
\n \"cross\"\n <\/div>\n <\/td>\n
\n
\n \"tick\"\n <\/div>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Additional charges incurred due to lock-outs, misfuelling, and flat battery.<\/td>\n \n
\n \"cross\"\n <\/div>\n <\/td>\n
\n
\n \"tick\"\n <\/div>\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n

I\u2019ve got into an accident in a rental car and it’s my fault?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Fear not, all Zest bookings include <\/span>Third party liability<\/span><\/b> and public liability. This covers you if a member of the public makes a compensation claim against you because they believe that you are responsible for their injury, or for their property being damaged. This is essentially the same as with standard car insurance!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay protected with Zest<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

For stress-free car rental that won\u2019t cost you a fortune if things go wrong, choose Zest! As the Which? Recommended Car Hire Broker, we\u2019re dedicated to providing a hassle-free service with no caveats. Furthermore, we have a 24\/7 UK-based customer support team as well as all our bookings include excess protection as standard! Book with Zest today.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zest Car Rental has you covered if you get into an emergency! Read our blogs on <\/span>contacting emergency services abroad<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>what to do if your rental car breaks down<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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