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AIC RENT A CAR · AUTO GUIDE
The priority is people's safety. If there are injured people or suspected injuries, call 112!
The important steps to protect the people involved, document the event, and inform the authorities, the insurer, and the rental company.
In the event of an accident, whether it seems minor or serious, it is important to remain calm and act with caution. First of all, check whether there are any injured people and call for emergency help if necessary.
The procedure depends on the circumstances of the accident, whether there are any victims, and whether an amicable report can be completed. If the car is rented, you must also inform the company you rented it from and follow their instructions.
The priority is people's safety. If there are injured people or suspected injuries, call 112 and follow the operator's instructions. Do not assume the accident is minor just because the damage appears limited.
01 · SAFETY
Check whether there are any victims
Check whether you, the passengers, or other people involved need medical help. If there are injured people or someone feels unwell, call immediately 112.
Provide the operator with the requested information and follow the instructions received. Do not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger and do not leave the scene of the accident.
2. Secure the scene of the accident
Be careful not to expose yourself to another danger and not to put other road users at risk.
- Stop safely and turn on your hazard lights.
- Use the reflective vest and reflective triangles, in accordance with the applicable rules.
- If there are injuries, do not change the position of the vehicles and do not alter the state of the accident scene except in situations permitted by law or at the instruction of the authorities.
- If there is only material damage, document the situation and clear the roadway when necessary and safe, following the legal procedure.
Do not expose yourself to traffic to take photos. If the accident scene is dangerous, move to a safe area and call for help.
03 · DOCUMENTS
Complete the friendly accident report
The friendly accident report can simplify the settlement of an accident with material damage when the legal conditions are met. Before filling it in, check the drivers', vehicles', and insurers' details.
Carefully describe the circumstances of the accident, mark the visible damage, and check the diagram of the event. Read the form before signing and do not confirm information you do not consider correct.
If there is no agreement or the situation does not fall under the conditions of the friendly accident report, ask the Police for guidance.
3. When should you contact the Police?
If the accident caused injuries, call 112 and follow the authorities' instructions.
In the case of accidents involving only material damage, the friendly accident report may be used if the legal conditions are met and the parties agree. If the friendly accident report cannot be completed, you must contact the competent Traffic Police, respecting the legal reporting deadline, usually no more than 24 hours.
If multiple vehicles are involved, other property is damaged, or there are disagreements, do not assume that the friendly accident report form is sufficient. Ask the Police for guidance.
5. Prepare the necessary documents
Depending on the situation, the following documents and information may be required:
- Identity document and driving license.
- The vehicle registration certificate.
- The details of the RCA policy and, if applicable, of the CASCO insurance.
- The friendly accident report form or the documents issued by the Police.
- The rental agreement and the vehicle documents, if applicable.
Follow the instructions of the authorities and the insurer regarding the additional documents required for the damage claim file.
07 · DAMAGE DOCUMENTATION
Photograph the damage and note the details
If you can do this safely, photograph the damage to each vehicle and the context of the accident. The images can help document the event and resolve the damage claim file.
Note the date, time, and location of the accident. Exchange contact details and insurance information with the other drivers involved and keep the documents you receive.
Do not put yourself in danger to take photos and do not publish the personal data of other participants online.
6. Notify the insurer
Contact the insurer according to the applicable procedure to report the accident and find out how the claim file must be opened.
Depending on the circumstances and the existing policies, the process may involve the liable person's mandatory third-party liability insurance (RCA) or a comprehensive (CASCO) policy. Keep copies of the documents and the claim file number.
Do not start repairs before the assessment is carried out and the necessary approvals are obtained, when these are required by the insurer.
08 · RENTAL CAR
Notify the rental company
If the accident involves a rental car, contact the company from which you picked up the vehicle as soon as possible and inform it about the incident.
Report the location and circumstances of the accident, any damage, and whether other vehicles or people were involved. Send the available documents and relevant photos through the channel indicated by the company.
Request instructions on the next steps, the required documents, and how the car should be handled. Do not authorize repairs on your own and check the procedure before taking the vehicle to a service center.
Important for rental cars: comply with the rental agreement and the company's instructions. The obligations regarding notification and damage management may depend on the contract and the insurance conditions.
9. Car repair
After reporting the accident, follow the insurer's instructions and, if applicable, those of the rental company regarding the assessment and repair of the vehicle.
Before the repair, check whether an inspection, additional documents, or an approval are required. If the car is not safe to drive, do not continue the journey; request roadside assistance.
10. Additional recommendations
Stay calm. An accident can be stressful. Focus on safety, communicate respectfully, and follow the necessary steps without making hasty decisions. The priority is people's safety. Call 112 for help if there are injuries, secure the accident scene, follow the legal reporting procedure, and keep the relevant documents. Keep all documents, photos, and communications with the insurer or the rental company. If you have questions about the procedure, seek guidance from the authorities or a specialist in auto damage.
Do not leave the scene of the accident without fulfilling your legal obligations. In the case of accidents with injuries, follow the authorities' instructions. In other situations, follow the applicable legal procedure before leaving.