Accident or theft with a rental car: what to do step by step

An accident or a theft is always a stressful moment, but with a rental car long-term rental handling it is simpler than it seems: assistance, repairs and insurance paperwork are dealt with by the rental company. Just a few steps done well, at the right time, are enough to avoid unexpected costs.

In the event of an accident

1. Make people and vehicles safe: high-visibility vest, warning triangle, and call the emergency services if there are injuries.
2. Complete the accident report form (CAI form) with the other driver. The registered owner of the vehicle is the rental company: their details and those of the policy are in the documents on board.
3. Photograph everything: damage to the vehicles, number plates, positions of the cars, road signs, any witnesses.
4. Call the assistance number of the rental company: they will arrange roadside assistance and tell you which approved garage to use.
5. Send the report to the rental company within the deadline set out in the contract, which is often very short. Keep the receipt.
6. Do not have the car repaired at any garage: repairs must be carried out within the network indicated by the rental company, otherwise the costs may be charged to you.

In the event of theft

1. File a report immediately with the police.
2. Notify the rental company and send a copy of the report within the timescales set out in the contract.
3. Hand over all the keys and the requested documents: missing a key can trigger penalties or higher excess.
4. Ask for the replacement car, if provided for in the contract, so work and family life don't grind to a halt.

Excess: what you're left to pay

Even with damage or theft cover included, there is almost always an excess payable by the customer for every at-fault accident or every theft. The amount is stated in the contract and can vary a great deal from one offer to another. Many operators let you reduce or eliminate it with a small increase in the monthly fee: for those who drive a lot, or often park on the street, it's a choice that usually pays off.

What happens to the contract

• After a repairable accident, the contract continues as normal and you get your own car back once the repairs are complete.
• After a theft or total loss, the contract is closed or replaced according to the conditions set out: this is the moment to check any penalty and the options for a new vehicle.

RentalZone's advice

Before signing a rental agreement, always compare excess, deadlines for reporting and availability of a replacement car: these are the items that make the difference when you need them. With RentalZone you can see these conditions side by side for every offer, request changes from your consultant and follow everything in your reserved area.

Rental, without the runaround. Compare offers on www.rentalzone.it.