Accident or Breakdown During the Rental: What to Do?

What to do immediately after an accident?
After a road or traffic accident, it is essential to react quickly to secure the area while starting the mandatory initial steps.

Start by securing the area
First, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the accident nearby. This helps prevent secondary accidents, which can quickly occur on highways. Then, if possible, park the vehicle on the roadside to avoid blocking traffic.
Before exiting the car, put on your reflective vest and place the warning triangle at a sufficient distance to indicate your position. In the case of a serious accident, move as far away from the vehicle as possible and find a safe place while waiting for emergency services.

Assess the situation and fill out the accident report
For an accident involving a rental car, first evaluate the situation. Check if anyone is injured and don’t hesitate to call emergency services if necessary. In France, you can contact 15, 18, or 112 (or emergency 114).
Once the area is secured, note the circumstances of the accident and take photos. You should photograph the damaged vehicles to show their positioning and damage. Also take pictures of the accident scene and relevant details to help with the file preparation.
If there are witnesses, collect their names and phone numbers. Finally, complete a joint accident report with the other involved drivers. If they refuse, you can contact the police.

What to do immediately in case of a breakdown?
Renting a vehicle doesn’t prevent breakdowns, which can happen anytime—in the city, on highways, or in the mountains. In such cases, there are some immediate steps to take to reduce stress and accident risk. First, turn on the hazard lights and try to park the vehicle on the roadside or in a safe place. Then place the warning triangle at a proper distance and stay away from the road to ensure your safety.
Once the area is secured, you can perform some checks. This mainly involves checking obvious signs of failure, such as fuel level, battery status for electric vehicles, a flat tire, or engine overheating. In any case, never try to repair the vehicle yourself, especially if you lack the required skills.

How to quickly contact the rental agency?
Whether it’s a breakdown or an accident involving a rental car, it is essential to quickly contact a nearby agency. CarGo! has a wide network of over 450 agencies in mainland France and overseas to respond efficiently to such emergencies.
When you reach the rental agency by phone, provide your identity with your name and rental reference. Explain the nature of the problem and send photos if possible. Also, give your exact location to facilitate a quick response.
Most rental companies offer 24/7 roadside assistance in case of breakdowns, which reduces stress and ensures fast help. Depending on your contract, the vehicle may be repaired on site or replaced immediately. In case of an accident, the rental agency will guide you on the steps to take regarding repairs and insurance.

What are the best practices to know before and during the rental?
Since you should always prepare for the worst, here are some good practices to know when renting a car. Before renting, carefully read the contract to understand the included guarantees and procedures in case of an incident. Also, perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle and report any visible damage before driving off. Finally, check emergency assistance contact details to save time in case of accident or breakdown.
During the rental, respect speed limits and drive cautiously. This helps you anticipate reckless behavior on the road and avoid danger. Also monitor oil, fuel levels, and tire pressure. Finally, if any problem occurs, contact the rental agency immediately.
A breakdown or accident during a car rental is inevitably stressful. But by adopting the right reflexes, you can handle the situation effectively. Moreover, with CarGo!, you benefit from reliable support and assistance to travel with peace of mind.