What should I do if my vehicle is damaged, breaks down or is involved in an accident?
In the event of a breakdown or an accident, it’s important to ensure everyone is safe. Where possible pull over, turn on your hazard lights and get everyone to safety. You can then:
1. If applicable, collect the other parties' details including their:
3. Contact the police to report the incident. Keep documentation of this process. During the claim submission process you will be asked to provide details and documents to support your claim, e.g. police reports or written statements. This may also be a requirement by the rental company. To check if it is required by your rental company, please contact them directly.
4. After following the rental company's instructions and when your rental period is over and the final charges have been settled by the rental company, submit a claim with RentalCover.
If you were involved in a multiple-vehicle accident, contact your rental company to see if they intend to refund those charges if you are found to be “not at fault”. Gather documentation explaining your rental company’s process and rules in this case, as you will need it during the claims process. Check your wording in your RentalCover Account for more information on how we handle "not at fault" accidents.
When you complete your rental
Typically if you are travelling outside of the US, you will be charged an excess/deductible for the damages. Sometimes rental companies will charge you the full excess/deductible upfront and partially refund you later if the repair costs end up less than the excess/deductible amount. This helpful article explains what you can do if you don’t receive your partial refund.
After we’ve received all required documents and information our Claims team can begin processing your claim. Please allow time for our Claims Team to assess all the circumstances and evidence related to your claim. Depending on the country and complexity of the claim, it can take several days. Any updates will communicated via email, so please keep an eye on your inbox.
1. If applicable, collect the other parties' details including their:
- Full name.
- Address.
- Licence number.
- Vehicle registration number.
- Phone number.
- Email address.
- Name of their insurance.
3. Contact the police to report the incident. Keep documentation of this process. During the claim submission process you will be asked to provide details and documents to support your claim, e.g. police reports or written statements. This may also be a requirement by the rental company. To check if it is required by your rental company, please contact them directly.
4. After following the rental company's instructions and when your rental period is over and the final charges have been settled by the rental company, submit a claim with RentalCover.
If you were involved in a multiple-vehicle accident, contact your rental company to see if they intend to refund those charges if you are found to be “not at fault”. Gather documentation explaining your rental company’s process and rules in this case, as you will need it during the claims process. Check your wording in your RentalCover Account for more information on how we handle "not at fault" accidents.
Do not arrange your own recovery or repair without the rental company’s knowledge as this may invalidate their rental terms and conditions. Charges for towing and vehicle relocation are covered by RentalCover. We do not cover "out-of-pocket" costs such as accommodation or phone calls.
When you complete your rental
Typically if you are travelling outside of the US, you will be charged an excess/deductible for the damages. Sometimes rental companies will charge you the full excess/deductible upfront and partially refund you later if the repair costs end up less than the excess/deductible amount. This helpful article explains what you can do if you don’t receive your partial refund.
After we’ve received all required documents and information our Claims team can begin processing your claim. Please allow time for our Claims Team to assess all the circumstances and evidence related to your claim. Depending on the country and complexity of the claim, it can take several days. Any updates will communicated via email, so please keep an eye on your inbox.