Accident or damage in a rental car: what to do
Make the scene safe, check for injuries and call the police where needed. Document everything with photos and the other driver’s details, complete the accident statement without admitting liability, and notify the rental company’s emergency line as soon as possible. On a standard rental you would owe the excess; with an all-inclusive zero-excess booking your liability is reduced to €0.
Step by step at the scene
| 1. Make the scene safe | Switch on hazard lights, put on a reflective vest and place the warning triangle. Move out of danger if you safely can. |
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| 2. Call help if needed | For injuries, or where local law requires it, call the emergency services and the police. A police report is often essential for theft or vandalism claims. |
| 3. Document everything | Photograph all vehicles, damage, number plates, the road and signs. Note the other driver’s name, address, insurer and plate, plus any witnesses. |
| 4. Complete the accident statement | Fill in the European Accident Statement (Unfallbericht) with the other party. State the facts; do not admit liability or sign anything you do not understand. |
| 5. Notify the rental company | Call the supplier’s 24/7 emergency number on your rental papers as soon as possible and follow their instructions. Keep every document and receipt. |
Theft and vandalism
For theft or a break-in, report it to the police straight away and get a written report - insurers almost always require it. You will usually need to hand over the car keys and documents too. Then call the rental supplier’s emergency number and follow their process.
How zero excess changes the bill
The reporting steps are the same whatever your rate - but the financial outcome is not. On a basic rental you are liable for the excess, often €800–2,000, even for damage that was not your fault until liability is settled. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking, handled by Sunny Cars, includes comprehensive cover with zero excess, plus tyres, glass and undercarriage, so a kerbed wheel or a car-park scrape does not turn into a large bill. That is exactly where the cover proves its worth.
Rental car accident or damage - FAQ
What should I do first after a rental-car accident?
Make the scene safe (hazard lights, vest, triangle), check for injuries and call the emergency services if needed. Then document everything with photos and the other driver’s details before you move on.
Do I need a police report?
For injuries, disputed fault, theft or vandalism - usually yes, and many insurers require it to process a claim. Even for minor damage it is wise where the local rules allow it.
Will I have to pay the excess after damage?
On a standard rental, yes - up to the excess, often €800–2,000. With an all-inclusive, zero-excess Cardamar booking your liability for damage and theft is reduced to €0, so you follow the same reporting process but you are not charged the excess.
What if the rental car is stolen?
Report it to the police immediately and get a written report, then notify the rental company. You will usually need the police report and the car keys; without zero-excess cover the theft excess applies.
Should I admit fault at the scene?
No. Record the facts on the accident statement, exchange details, and let the insurers determine liability. Admitting fault can complicate the claim.