What to Do When a Rental Car Breaks Down

Whether it's a mechanical breakdown or an accident you caused, breaking down in a rental car is anxiety-inducing. Understanding the proper procedures to follow can save you money, time, and needless effort. Your full instruction to managing rental car failures is here.

Mechanical failure occurs when the car stops by itself.

1. First guarantee your own safety.

Stop near traffic in a safe spot. Switch on your hazard lights right away and, if feasible, position caution triangles behind your car. First and foremost comes your safety.

2. Evaluate the circumstances.

Search for the root of the issue:

• Smoke from the engine or strange noises?
• Dashboard indicator lights?
• Flat tyre or overheating?

Avoid doing serious repairs on your own; you are not liable for mechanical issues in a rented vehicle.

3. Call the renting company.

Call the emergency roadside number of the rental company—normally printed on your rental agreement or key tag—and provide them:

• Your position
• Number of vehicle registrations
• Definition of the issue
• Your contact information

4. Pay attention to their directions.

The rental business will either:

• Send roadway aid.
• Organise a tow toward the closest service facility.
• Offer a new car.

5. Record Everything

Pictures of:

• The location of the breakdown
• Dashboard alert lights
• Damage or problems plainly apparent
• The odometer reading and rental agreement

This paper shields you from incorrect levies.

6. Acquire a substitute car.

If the breakdown resulted from mechanical failure, most rental firms will offer a replacement at no additional expense. Get documented evidence of the vehicle trade.

When the breakdown is your responsibility (user-caused)

1. Stop cautiously and evaluate any damage.

Should you have sustained damage or been in an accident:

• Should the vehicle be drivable, migrate to a secure location.
• Activate hazard lights.
• Look for wounds; call emergency services (ambulance/police) if necessary.

2. If required, contact the police.

For collisions including:

• Other automobiles or goods
• Injuries
• Major damage

Insurance claims require a police report. Note the officer's information as well as the report number.

3. Alert the rental company straight away.

Do not postpone this phone call. Tell them about:

• What transpired
• Whether police involvement existed
• Damage range
• Where your home is located

Not immediately notifying damage may disqualify your insurance.

4. Information Exchange (For Accidents)

Collect if other parties are engaged:

• Names, contact information
• Facts on insurance
• Numbers for vehicle registration
• View contact information.

At the scene, never acknowledge guilt; let insurance firms decide culpability.

5. Complete Documentation of the Incident

Photographs and movies should be taken of:

• Damage to every vehicle—rental car and other vehicles
• The scene of the accident from many viewpoints
• Traffic signals and road conditions
• License plates involved in vehicles

6. Submit an accident report.

Fill the accident report form provided by the rental agency. Tell the truth and be thorough; incorrect data could result in rejected claims.

7. Go over your insurance policies.

Examine what is included:

• Credit card insurance should you pay with one
• Individual auto insurance sometimes covers rentals.
• Rental company insurance (CDW/LDW if you bought it)

You could be responsible for:

• Deductibles
• Loss of use fees, income the business loses while the car is fixed
• Fees administrative

General Advice for Every Breakdown Scenario

• Keep your rental agreement easily available and have emergency contacts ready.
• Stay with the car except if it is hazardous to do so.
• Stay for official help; reject aid from strangers.
• Keep receipts for any expenditures connected to the breakdown (towing, replacement transportation).
• Know your rights—you're not accountable for mechanical failures or regular wear and tear.
• Read the fine print; before driving off, know your rental agreement.

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Tyre puncture: fixed.

flat tyre assistance everywhere

Running short on fuel? We provide distribution.

To get you started, emergency fuel delivery is provided.

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Professional towing to the nearest service centre

Locked Out? Fast unlock

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Rapid battery jumpstarting assistance

Minute problems; rapid fixes.

To save your time, on-site small repairs.

Drive boldly. Travel without stress.

Rentrip's VIP Membership ensures you are never travelling alone. Whether it's a mechanical failure or an unexpected accident, our professional team is just a phone call away, prepared to save you from any breakdown scenario.

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Safe journeys!