Rental car breakdown or accident: what to do
The short answer
Get to a safe place first. After an accident, call the police and get a report, take photos and swap details, then tell the rental company as soon as you can. For a breakdown or flat tire, use the roadside line on your rental agreement or key tag, not a tow company you find yourself.
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What do I do if my rental car breaks down?
- Move somewhere safe and turn on your hazard lights.
- Call the roadside assistance line printed on your rental agreement or key tag.
- Don't arrange your own tow or repair: rental companies often won't reimburse it, and it can affect your cover.
- Ask whether a replacement car will be brought to you or where to collect one.
What do I do after an accident in a rental car?
- Check everyone is safe and call emergency services if anyone is hurt.
- Call the local police and get a police report. Enterprise lists this as a step, and many insurers need it.
- Take photos of both cars, the scene and the other driver's license, plate and insurance details.
- Report it to the rental company as soon as possible. Hertz says it needs a Vehicle Incident Report for each incident.
- Keep copies of everything, because a damage claim may follow weeks later.
Who pays for the damage?
It depends on what cover you have: the rental company's own waiver if you bought it, your own car insurance, a credit card's rental cover, or a travel policy. Each works differently, and some only pay you back afterwards.
Not sure which cover applies to you? Leave your number and we'll check it for your booking.
Questions people ask
What should I do if my rental car breaks down?
Get somewhere safe, then call the roadside line on your rental agreement or key tag. Don't arrange your own tow or repair, because it often isn't reimbursed.
Do I need a police report for a rental car accident?
It's strongly recommended, and many rental companies and insurers ask for one. Enterprise lists calling the police and filing a report as a step after an accident.
Who do I tell about an accident in a rental car?
The police, then the rental company as soon as possible. Hertz asks for a Vehicle Incident Report for each incident.
Related help
- Damage claim after you returned the car
- Changing your car during a rental
- Rental car cover for overseas visitors
- Charged after you returned the car
OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.
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