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Navigating Car Accidents Abroad: Your Holiday Survival Guide

A car accident abroad can be a major bummer, but preparing ahead of time can help you avoid unnecessary stress and potential financial woes when filing claims. Here's your ultimate guide:

Real-life Scenario

Remember Basil M. from Schleswig-Holstein? He was vacationing in Belgium with his family when a Dutch driver dented his vehicle in a parking lot. The police recorded the incident, and Basil M. contacted the other party's insurance in the Netherlands. However, the insurer refused to cover the costs due to a liability dispute.

Lucky for Basil M., the European Vehicle Zone (EVZ) came to the rescue and clarified the liability issue, ensuring the damages were paid in full. 🤝

What to Stash in Your Glove Box

Your glove compartment should house essential documents like:

European Accident Report: This handy form simplifies claims settlement. You can grab one from automobile clubs or insurers.
International Insurance Card (formerly "Green Card"): It includes all your crucial insurance details.
Necessary Contact Information: Have your insurance company's central hotline and claims service plus your automobile club's breakdown service numbers at the ready.

What to Do When the Unthinkable Happens

Pop on a reflective vest and secure the accident area using warning triangles and hazard lights.
If anyone is injured, dial 112 (the European emergency number).
Report the accident to the police (some countries, like France, may not dispatch a patrol car for minor damage).
Swap contact details with the other party and jot down any potential witnesses.
Snap pics and vids of the accident scene.
Complete the European Accident Report together with the other party, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.

Tips for Smooth Claims Settlement

If the accident is your fault, your own motor vehicle liability insurance covers the other party's damages. Comprehensive insurance is needed for your own damages.
If the other party is at fault, report the damage to their insurance company right away, preferably through a claims settlement commissioner. Every European insurance company must appoint such a commissioner in Germany.
For the claims report, provide the European Accident Report, an expert's report or a cost estimate, plus any additional evidence, like a rental car invoice.
Some countries impose strict time limits, so don't delay submitting your claim.
Keep costs low before getting written approval from the insurance company to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

Insider Info for France

In France, you must complete a "constat amiable" (joint accident report) and always inform the car rental company after an accident, even for minor damages. Failure to do so might void your insurance coverage. 🚗🇫🇷

Need Assistance?

If the claims process gets too challenging, the European Consumer Centre (EVZ) Germany offers free help for cross-border cases. Online Form. Alternatively, consumers can contact a dispute resolution body for insurers in the insurer's country.

For More Details

Curious about car accidents in an EU country or seeking specific info on accidents in France? Head on over to their respective resources.

📧 [email protected] | www.evz.de

Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and may not reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible.

Enrichment Data:

** прежде всего, убедитесь в безопасности и здоровье:** Проверьте наличие травм и немедленно обратитесь в Медицинскую помощь, даже если травмы кажутся лёгкими, так как нелеченные травмы могут ухудшиться и осложнить позже заявки на компенсацию.
Обеспечьте детальное описание передвижной площадки:
Сделайте чистые снимки всей поврежденной частью автомобиля, номера пластинок, знаков на дороге, следов колес, светофоров, локации ДТП.
Сделайте или заполните доклад об аварии или схему, которую должны подписать обе стороны до ухода от места аварии.
Сбор имеющая значение информации об всех вовлеченных лиц и свидетелях, их контактной информации, потому что свидетельские показания могут быть решающим фактором позже.
Обменяйте информацией:
Поделитесь своим именем, местом проживания, числом лиц исто滑, типа аварии, сведениями о страховой ответственности и удостоверением личности с другой стороной.
Избегайте подписи документов, которые вы не понимаете, особенно если есть языковой барьер. Если необходимо, даньте себе заметки на своем языке в комментариях документа формы ДТП в случае необходимости.
Сообщите о ДТП работникам милиции, если необходимо.
Зависит от страны, необходимо или нет сообщать работникам милиции о ДТП, особенно если есть травмы, или если другая сторона отказывается взаимодействовать.
**Учтите расходи yourself in medical treatment and related costs to support your claim.
When on a Package Holiday: If the accident occurs during a package holiday, the tour operator might help to obtain medical care and facilitate claims.
When Injured Abroad: Early medical treatment and documentation are critical for any potential compensation claims. You may be able to claim compensation for injuries caused by another party’s negligence, supported by your medical documentation and receipts.
Summary Dealing with a car accident abroad requires immediate attention to health and safety, careful documentation of the accident scene and damages, thorough record-keeping of all related medical and expense documents, and timely communication with insurance providers. In countries like France, specific procedures like completing and signing a joint accident report are mandatory, and managing communication when there's a language barrier is crucial to avoid misunderstandings. Whether dealing with your own insurance or pursuing claims against another party, following these tips ensures a smoother claims settlement process and protects your rights during your travels.
In the event of a car accident abroad causing injuries, prompt medical attention and related expenses can support your claim for potential compensation.
If you're on a package holiday and an accident occurs, your tour operator may help to obtain medical care and facilitate claims.
When injured abroad, being aware of local procedures, such as completing a "constat amiable" in France, and dealing with potential language barriers is essential to avoid misunderstandings during the claims process.