このガイドは現在英語版です。 日本語版は準備中です。
Stay Calm — It Happens to Everyone
Breaking down or having an accident in a foreign country is stressful but manageable. The key is knowing what to do before it happens. Bookmark this guide before your trip.
Immediate Safety Steps After an Accident
- Turn off the engine — Reduce fire risk
- Switch on hazard lights — Make yourself visible immediately
- Exit the vehicle safely — If it’s safe to do so; stay inside if you’re on a busy motorway
- Put on your reflective vest — Before exiting; required by law in most of Europe
- Place warning triangles — 50–100m behind the vehicle on ordinary roads; further on motorways
- Call emergency services — 112 across the EU, or the local emergency number
Never leave the scene of an accident before police arrive — in most countries, this is a criminal offence.
The Universal Emergency Number
112 works throughout the European Union and many other countries worldwide. Operators speak multiple languages. In the US and Canada, dial 911. In Australia, 000. Save the local emergency number in your phone before every trip.
What to Do in a Breakdown
On a Motorway
- Pull onto the hard shoulder (emergency lane) as far right as possible
- Turn on hazard lights
- Exit from the passenger side (away from traffic)
- Stand behind the crash barrier, not near the car
- Call the rental company’s breakdown number (in your rental agreement) or the national breakdown service
- Do not attempt repairs on the hard shoulder
On Ordinary Roads
- Pull as far off the road as possible
- Hazard lights on, warning triangles out
- Call for assistance
Rental Cars
Rental agreements include a 24/7 breakdown number — locate it before you drive. Many companies use pan-European services (e.g., ARC Europe, Mondial). Keep the agreement accessible at all times.
Documenting an Accident — The PACER Method
If another vehicle is involved, gather this information immediately:
- Photos — Every angle of damage, both vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, weather
- Automobile registration — License plates (photograph both)
- Contact details — Name, address, phone of all drivers
- Evidence — Witnesses’ contact details, CCTV cameras nearby
- Report — Police report number (mandatory to call police in most European countries)
Calling the Police
When police attendance is mandatory:
- Any injury (even minor) — always
- Significant vehicle damage
- The other driver is uncooperative
- You suspect the other driver is under the influence
- Disputed fault
When a report may suffice: Minor bumps with cooperative parties. Many countries allow a European Accident Statement (EAS) — a bilingual form both drivers complete and sign. Available from rental companies and insurance providers. Take photos of the completed form.
Do not admit fault — even by apologising — until liability is formally assessed. In some countries, apologising is admissible as an admission of guilt.
Insurance Claims Process
Rental Cars
- Call the rental company immediately — they have a claims process
- Do not move the car before it’s documented if police haven’t cleared the scene
- Your CDW (if purchased) covers most damage; excess applies
- If you have credit card CDW, notify the card issuer within 24 hours
- Keep all receipts, police report numbers, and photos
Your Own Vehicle
- Call your insurer — their emergency line handles cross-border claims
- Your Green Card proves minimum third-party coverage across Europe
- Comprehensive policies may not extend to all countries; verify before departure
Language Barriers at the Scene
If you don’t speak the local language:
- Use a translation app (Google Translate works offline with downloaded languages)
- Call your rental company — they often provide translation assistance
- The European Accident Statement form exists in multiple languages — both parties fill their own side
- Emergency services (112) typically have multilingual support
Being Towed
Where your car goes:
- Rental car — rental company directs the tow, usually to an approved garage
- Own car — you may choose the garage or accept the tow truck driver’s suggestion (verify it’s a legitimate service)
Storage fees accumulate quickly at impound lots. Arrange collection promptly. Ask for a written estimate before authorising repairs.
Getting home if the car is out of action:
- Rental companies may offer a replacement vehicle or taxi vouchers, depending on your CDW level
- Travel insurance often covers alternative transport for accidents/breakdowns
- EU Regulation 261/2004 doesn’t apply to road travel; check your specific travel insurance policy
Country-Specific Notes
| Country | Key Rules |
|---|---|
| France | European Accident Statement widely used; call gendarmes (17) or police (17) |
| Germany | Police must be called if injuries or significant damage; fines for leaving scene |
| Italy | Police (carabinieri) for injuries; Accident Statement for minor bumps |
| Spain | Civil Guard (062) for road incidents; European Accident Statement common |
| Japan | Police (110) must be called for any accident, even minor; no self-reporting system |
| USA | Varies by state; exchange insurance, call police for injuries or >$1,000 damage |
| Australia | Exchange details; report to police within 24h if injury or unable to exchange |
Pre-Trip Checklist — Be Prepared
Before any international drive:
- Save rental company breakdown number in your phone
- Save local emergency number (112 or country-specific)
- Download offline translation for local language
- Check your rental/travel insurance covers breakdown assistance
- Confirm you have warning triangles and reflective vest in the car
- Know how to access the spare tyre (or run-flat/repair kit)
- Take photos of the car at rental pickup before driving off