What to do if you get into a car crash while driving abroad
The last thing anyone expects is to get into a car crash while they’re on a trip abroad, but due to a variety of factors including unfamiliarity with road rules, fatigue, and poor road conditions, crashes are not uncommon. This article was written to help explain what you should do if you find yourself in a car crash far away from home.
Quick answer:
If you’re in a car crash, you should first get yourself and other occupants to safety, and get medical help if necessary. After that, call local police, obtain exchange contact information with anyone else involved in the crash, take photos and videos, and contact your rental car company’s emergency number. Make sure to keep all receipts and documents including a police report if possible. Do not admit fault or sign any documents without understanding them.
Common causes of car crashes for travelers driving abroad
Alcohol or drug impairment
Speeding
Distractions including cell phone usage
Unfamiliarity with local traffic laws
Unsafe road conditions
Fatigue
Risky transport choices such as motorcycles or scooters
Proper planning can prevent many crashes
The best way to avoid a trip-ruining car crash is to mitigate risks before beginning your journey.
Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs if you plan on driving a vehicle. Impairment is a leading cause of fatal car crashes world-wide. Many countries have a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) far below that of the United States.
Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws. The rules of the road can be very different in new countries: drivers may drive on the other side of the road, yielding rules may be different, speed limits could be much lower, etc. Most countries have an explainer on their government tourism websites meant to quickly get foreigners acclimated to the local driving rules.
Reserve a familiar rental car. Many countries still favor manual transmissions over automatic transmissions. Don’t expect to be able to safely drive a manual transmission vehicle just because you drove one once 10 years ago. Rent a vehicle that you’re already comfortable driving or you could easily face cognitive overload while trying to focus on too many new things at once.
Inspect your rental vehicle for damage before driving off the lot. Standards for road-worthiness may be lower than what you’re used to with rental car companies in the United States. Take photos of any damage you see on the vehicle and don’t be afraid to ask to switch your vehicle for something else if something is off about the one you reserved. Bonus: having photos of the car before you left the lot could protect you from blame from the rental car company for pre-existing damage when you return the car.
Make adjustments to the car before you leave the parking lot. Connect your phone to the car’s bluetooth, adjust your mirrors, and ensure you know how to use the car’s turn signals, headlights, windshield wipers, cruise control, and emergency lights before setting off.
Check local weather conditions. Be extremely cautious if weather conditions are poor. Heavy snow, ice, thunderstorms, and other weather events can create very dangerous driving conditions, and the country you’re visiting may not be as efficient at managing road conditions than what you’re used to at home.
Check your driving route for road closures or car crashes. Avoid long traffic lines and precarious driving conditions by taking a safe route, even if the travel time might be longer.
Make sure you have enough fuel for your journey. Running out of fuel (or battery) on the side of the road can be very dangerous. Some roads are very narrow or have blind curves, and passing drivers could hit your vehicle.
Check your car for required safety equipment. Many countries require all vehicles to carry some kind of emergency road marker, such as a reflective triangle or road flare, as well as high visibility vests or flashlights.
Be properly insured and licensed. Ensure that you have car insurance (your home auto insurance policy may not cover you while abroad), health insurance (e.g., traveler’s insurance), and proper licensing including a valid driver’s license, International Driving Permit, and passport. If something bad happens on your journey, you want to make sure you have your documents ready and accessible.
Have emergency contact information readily available. Save contact information for the local police and emergency services, your rental car company, insurance companies, and the nearest U.S. Embassy.
What to do immediately after a crash
Even if you’re impeccably prepared and you drive cautiously, crashes are still very possible. Here’s what to do immediately after a crash:
Get everyone to safety and call the local emergency number if anyone is injured.
Call the police, because many rental companies require a police report for accidents or damage claims, and local law may require reporting even for minor collisions.
Exchange basic information with anyone else involved in the crash: driver names, contact details, insurance information, and witness information.
Take photos and videos of your vehicle and any other vehicles involved in the crash (including license plates), the road and any signage, skid marks, and any documents or receipts that you receive during the incident.
Call the rental company’s accident hotline using the number on the rental agreement or company website, and follow their instructions about what to do with the car.
Do not admit fault or sign any documents you don’t clearly understand. If you feel like you’re being pressured to do something, consider contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy to ask for help.
Final checklist for if you’re in a car accident while abroad
Secure the scene and get medical help.
Call local police.
Call the rental company’s emergency number.
Take photos/video and gather witness details.
Get the police report number.
Keep every receipt and document.
Notify your insurer and credit-card benefits administrator promptly.
Do not sign anything you cannot read or that admits fault without understanding it.
Obtain a legitimate International Driving Permit
Holders of U.S. driver’s licenses must obtain an IDP from an authorized issuer. PriorityIDP obtains legitimate IDPs on behalf of its customers from AAA and express ships them internationally. This is the fastest, most reliable way to receive an IDP if you are unable to visit a AAA branch yourself.