Renting a car is one of the most practical ways to travel freely. However, experiencing an accident or damage with a rental vehicle can be a stressful process for drivers. Knowing what to do in such a situation is crucial both financially and legally. Taking the right steps after an accident, understanding who is responsible, and learning the scope of insurance coverage make the process smoother for both the renter and the rental company.
Accidents involving a rental car create different responsibilities compared to private car ownership. Because the vehicle is temporarily allocated to the renter under a rental agreement, both the renter and the rental company bear certain obligations.
At this point, the car rental agreement is the fundamental basis. The agreement details the insurance coverage, liability for damages, deductibles, and additional coverages. In general, the driver is obliged to comply with traffic rules and return the vehicle in the condition in which it was received. However, when an accident or damage occurs, responsibility may be shared among the insurer, the renter, and the rental company depending on the circumstances.
The most important issue at the time of an accident is the safety of passengers and other drivers. First, do not panic, move the vehicle to a safe spot, and turn on the hazard lights. If traffic flow is at risk, place a warning triangle to provide additional safety.
If there are injuries, call 112 immediately and have medical teams dispatched to the scene. Even in minor property-damage accidents, it is recommended to call the police or gendarmerie, as an official report can prevent potential disputes later on.
Also check the safety of the passengers inside the vehicle and move them to a safe area if necessary. After taking these steps, the incident can be officially reported.
The second step after an accident is to inform the authorities and the rental company. Even in accidents with only property damage, the traffic police should be called to issue an accident report. Without this report, the insurance company may not cover the damage.
Next, the car rental company must be notified. Most companies provide support via a 24/7 emergency hotline. Inform the company about the accident location, the extent of the damage, and the police report. The faster this communication takes place, the more smoothly the insurance and vehicle replacement procedures will proceed.
The rental company will guide the driver as needed and, if necessary, provide a replacement vehicle. This way, a holiday or business trip can continue with minimal interruption.
One of the most important documents after an accident is the accident report. Issued by the traffic police, this report explains how the incident occurred and outlines the responsibilities of the parties involved. However, the report alone may not be sufficient. Therefore, the driver is strongly advised to take photos of the scene and the vehicle.
The photos should include:
The overall condition of the vehicle and the points of damage
Shots where the license plates are clearly visible
Traffic signs, road conditions, and evidence related to how the accident occurred
These visuals help speed up the process for both the insurance company and the rental firm. They also prevent potential disputes between the parties.
Car rental companies generally offer different insurance packages. These packages reduce the driver’s share of responsibility in an accident.
Compulsory Third-Party Liability Insurance: Legally required for every vehicle, but it only covers the other party’s losses.
Comprehensive Insurance (Kasko): Covers damage to the rented vehicle itself. Most companies offer comprehensive coverage with certain deductibles.
Minor Damage Insurance: Prevents small scratches, dents, or bumper damage from being charged to the driver.
TGH (Tires, Glass, Headlights) Protection: Protects the driver if these parts are damaged.
Carefully reviewing the insurance policy clarifies who will bear which costs in the event of an accident. Additional packages may be slightly more expensive, but they protect the driver from high repair costs in the long run.
Anyone driving a rental car is obliged to comply with traffic rules. Violations such as speeding, driving under the influence, or reckless driving may result in the driver bearing full responsibility for an accident.
Traffic fines are also charged directly to the driver. Speed camera, parking, or red-light violations are identified by the rental company based on the license plate and charged to the renter’s credit card.
Drivers who test positive for alcohol after an accident cannot benefit from insurance coverage and must cover all damages. Therefore, careful and responsible driving in compliance with the rules is critical for both safety and financial reasons.
In the car rental process, the rental company has important responsibilities just like the renter. In the event of an accident or damage, the company’s support determines how quickly and smoothly the process will proceed. Professional companies provide 24/7 roadside assistance and do not leave their customers stranded.
The company’s responsibilities also include ensuring that the vehicles’ insurance coverage is complete and that maintenance and inspections are performed regularly. In addition, after an accident, it is the rental company’s duty to guide the driver correctly, assist with the necessary paperwork, and provide a replacement vehicle if needed.
A reliable rental company prioritizes customer satisfaction and offers quick solutions at the time of an accident. This increases both customer trust and the company’s brand value.
One of the most common questions after an accident is who will cover the costs. The general rule is that the driver is responsible for traffic fines and damages resulting from their own fault. For example, fines for speeding, running a red light, or illegal parking are charged directly to the renter.
For property damage, responsibility is determined by the insurance coverage. If the driver has purchased additional insurance packages, a significant portion of major damages is covered by insurance. However, in cases such as driving under the influence or violating the contract (for example, allowing an unlicensed person to drive), all costs are borne by the driver.
In cost allocation, it is important to review the deductibles specified in the contract. In some cases, a small amount is charged to the driver, while the remaining cost is covered by the insurance and the company.
In addition to basic insurance, optional packages offered when renting a car minimize the risks of possible accidents and damage. These packages can be purchased for a small additional fee to save the driver from large financial burdens.
Full Coverage (Comprehensive Insurance): Provides extensive protection and covers most major damages.
Minor Repair Package: Transfers small costs such as body scratches or bumper damage to the insurer.
TGH Package: Covers sensitive parts such as tires, glass, and headlights.
Zero Deductible Package: The full cost of damage is covered by the insurer, with no additional expense to the driver.
Additional insurance packages offer strong assurance, especially for drivers renting cars for long trips or in unfamiliar cities. Protecting yourself from major risks for a small cost is always more advantageous.
One of the most common issues in car rentals is minor scratches and parking damage. Although such damage may go unnoticed, it can cause problems upon return of the vehicle. Therefore, the driver should take detailed photos when receiving the vehicle and have any existing damage noted in the contract.
If minor damage occurs, the driver should immediately inform the rental company and not attempt to conceal it. If there is minor damage coverage, such expenses are not charged to the driver. If it is not covered by insurance, the repair cost is collected in accordance with the contract terms.
Transparent communication and proper documentation prevent the driver from paying unfair costs in such minor incidents.
For foreign tourists renting a car in Turkey, the process in the event of an accident or damage has some differences. First, an internationally valid driver’s license must be presented. In the event of an accident, foreign tourists are also required to call the police and have a report issued.
Rental companies generally provide support to foreign customers in English or German. Large companies also prepare insurance documents in foreign languages to make the process easier for tourists to understand.
An important point for tourists is the pre-authorization process. The amount blocked on the credit card is not released until the post-accident costs are clarified. If the issue is resolved within the scope of insurance, the block is lifted quickly. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that tourists choose additional insurance packages.
If the vehicle is not drivable after an accident or damage, a replacement vehicle can be provided to the driver. Professional rental companies quickly supply a substitute vehicle so that their customers are not inconvenienced.
During the vehicle return, the extent of the damage, the scope of the insurance, and the contract conditions are reviewed. If the damage is covered by insurance, no additional cost is charged to the driver. However, if there has been use contrary to the contract, the costs are charged to the renter.
When providing a replacement vehicle, the same segment or one higher is generally preferred. In this way, the driver’s travel plan is not disrupted. This support is one of the most important factors increasing customer satisfaction, especially during holidays or business trips.
